How to use Synthesia: make your first AI video
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We may earn a commission from some links. It never changes our picks. How we make money
Start from a prompt or your own script, preview a scene, then generate the video.
Start a video
On the Home screen select Create video and describe the video you want; you can attach supporting files such as a PDF or PowerPoint. If you already have a finished script, choose More → Import script instead, so Synthesia uses your words exactly rather than writing a new script.
Choose a style and review
Pick a video duration, delivery style and template (or leave the template on Auto), review the outline, then select Continue to editor to refine it before generating.
Edit scripts and preview
In the editor, select a scene and type or paste what the avatar should say in the script box. Use Preview → Audio only to hear it instantly, or Generate avatar to render that scene’s performance, which takes a couple of minutes.
Generate the video
Select Generate at the top right, add a title, optionally switch on burned-in captions, then select Generate. The video passes through stages including moderation before it’s ready.
Tips for a better first video
- Keep it short: about 150 words is roughly a minute.
- Check pronunciation: listen to names, acronyms and numbers in the audio preview.
- Captions: turn on captions for accessibility.
- Consent: only create personal avatars or voice clones of yourself or people who’ve given clear permission.
Free plan limits
Synthesia’s free plan includes 10 minutes of video a month, and free videos carry a watermark. See is Synthesia free?, Synthesia price in Australia and Synthesia vs HeyGen.
Official help docs we used
- How do I create a video using Assistant? (opens in new tab)
- How do I create a script in Synthesia? (opens in new tab)
- Using the Script Box in Synthesia (opens in new tab)
- How do I generate my video in Synthesia? (opens in new tab)
This tutorial summarises the official documentation as it read on 14 October 2026. We haven’t independently tested every step, and interfaces change, so follow the current docs if anything looks different.
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