AI video tools have transformed content creation, eliminating the need for expensive equipment or studio setups. As companies rapidly shift to video-first strategies, the hunt for powerful HeyGen alternatives has intensified—and for good reason.
The global AI video generator market was valued at over $550 million in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly $2 billion by 2030, with creators and businesses fueling this 19.9% annual growth as they discover what's possible when AI meets video production.
HeyGen has established itself as a popular AI video platform, thanks to its user-friendly interface and customizable avatars. However, the AI video landscape now offers diverse alternatives with unique strengths.
Whether you need more realistic avatars, better collaboration tools, or budget-friendly pricing, 2025's AI video market delivers powerful options for every creator. This guide explores the top HeyGen alternatives, covering their key features, pricing, and ideal use cases for marketing videos, training content, and social media.
Let’s help you find the right tool for the job.
What is HeyGen, and why are people looking for alternatives?
HeyGen is one of the biggest names in AI video generation. It allows you to create videos by typing a script, selecting an AI avatar, and letting the software handle the rest. The avatars are customizable, the interface is clean, and it’s quick to get started - no editing experience is needed.
A lot of creators and teams use HeyGen for content like:
- Explainer videos
- Product demos
- Training content
- Social media posts
- Internal communications
It’s especially popular with small businesses, marketers, and online educators who need videos fast and at scale.
HeyGen sits at the higher end of the market. It offers polished results, but its pricing can be challenging to manage, especially if you require longer videos, frequent exports, or team access. There’s a free plan, but the best features are locked behind paid tiers.
As AI video tools continue to evolve, many HeyGen users are starting to encounter roadblocks.
1. Pricing concerns
Not every creator or team can justify HeyGen’s subscription costs. Currently, the paid plans start at around $29 per month. And if you’re creating high volumes of content, these costs can add up quickly, especially with premium avatars or voice options.
2. Limited flexibility for some use cases
HeyGen works well for simple, talking-head style videos. However, if you want more creative control, advanced editing tools, or niche features (such as e-learning integrations), it can feel limiting.
3. Avatar variety and realism
HeyGen’s avatars are solid, but for many users, they fall short in expression and variety. One G2 reviewer noted, “It will be much better when there is greater mobility and improvement in the facial expressions of avatars.”
Others mention that gestures feel stiff and customization is limited. “More natural facial expressions and less rigid avatar movements would help,” said one user. Another added, “It’s mostly the same avatars in different outfits or postures.”
If you need lifelike characters or want to use multiple avatars per video, HeyGen might feel restrictive, especially compared to platforms that offer more expressive and diverse options.
4. Collaboration tools
If you’re working with a team, you might need better ways to manage projects, share drafts, or track feedback. HeyGen offers basic collaboration, but more advanced workflows often require switching platforms.
The good news? There are plenty of alternatives out there that fill in these gaps, and we’ll explore the best ones next.
Best HeyGen alternatives: Top AI video generators compared
If HeyGen isn’t meeting your needs, whether it's pricing, features, or avatar quality, there are plenty of other platforms worth exploring. The tools below are some of the best HeyGen alternatives in 2025. Each one offers something a little different, from advanced AI avatars to built-in editing tools and team-friendly workflows.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes each platform stand out, so you can find the one that fits your content goals.
VEED: All-in-one video creation powerhouse
VEED is a powerful choice for anyone who wants more than just AI avatars. It’s a complete video creation platform that helps you write scripts, generate avatars, edit your video, and share it all in one place. You can create realistic talking avatars, add subtitles in over 120 languages, translate content for global audiences, and even use voice cloning to make it sound more like you or your brand.
What stands out is how smooth VEED is to use, especially when working with a team. You can edit videos together in real time, leave comments, and keep everything organized in one space—no need to bounce between different apps to get things done.
It also gives you control over how your videos look and feel, making it easy to maintain a consistent brand. You can add your custom logo, pick subtitle fonts and colors, and reuse templates so you’re not starting from scratch every time.
VEED works well for marketing teams, creators, and educators who need to move fast without sacrificing quality. It’s invaluable for teams managing social content, training materials, or video campaigns across different platforms.
You can try VEED for free, and paid plans typically start around $10 per month for individuals. More advanced plans for teams or pro-level features usually range from $20 to $25 per month, with custom pricing available for large organizations.
Synthesia: Enterprise-grade AI video platform
If you’re creating a lot of videos and want them to feel personal and polished, Synthesia is a strong choice. It lets you turn a script into a full video using over 230 AI avatars, with voiceovers available in more than 140 languages. It’s built to help you reach global audiences without needing to be on camera or record a thing.
Synthesia stands out for the level of control you have over how your video looks and sounds. You can create your own custom avatar (basically a digital version of yourself) and even clone your voice. That’s a big win if you want your videos to feel more like you, or if you’re working on content across different languages and markets.
Some clever tools save you time. The AI Video Assistant can convert a slide deck, a PDF, or a webpage into a video. You also get a screen recorder that transcribes your voice as you go, which is super handy for tutorials and walkthroughs.
With over 300 templates, it’s easy to get started. Synthesia is a solid choice for creating training videos, product explainers, internal communications, or any other content that needs to be frequently updated.
Plans typically start at around $30 per month, with additional features available for about $90, and custom pricing is also offered for larger teams.
D-ID: Creative flexibility with photo avatars
D-ID takes a different path from most AI video tools. Instead of starting with pre-made avatars, it lets you bring your photos or even short videos to life. You can create custom talking avatars that feel natural, expressive, and aligned with your brand’s voice, style, and tone.
What sets D-ID apart is its ability to go beyond basic animation. You can build interactive AI Agents that understand your products and services. These avatars can be used in real-time streaming, personalized video campaigns, or even integrated into your customer support or onboarding flows.
It’s also designed to scale. D-ID makes it easy to translate videos into multiple languages simultaneously, update content without reshooting, and integrate with tools like PowerPoint, Canva, or Google Slides. That makes it especially handy for turning existing decks or documents into fast, personalized videos for training, marketing, or internal communications.
Use it to humanize your content, whether that’s an explainer video in an email campaign, a digital guide for new customers, or localized training material.
You can try D-ID with a 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at around $ 5 per month for the basics, $16 per month for more features, and advanced options increase from there. There’s also custom pricing for enterprise teams.
Colossyan: Learning and development-focused
Colossyan is designed with training in mind. It helps you turn written content, such as scripts, slides, or PDFs, into studio-quality videos using AI-generated avatars and voiceovers. If you plan to use it for education, onboarding, or internal training, this platform can help you create effective, clear videos that stick.
What makes Colossyan stand out is its ability to support learning and development (L&D) teams effectively. You can choose from over 150 avatars and voices, including diverse accents and attire to better match your audience. There’s also support for auto-translation in over 70 languages, making it easier to localize content across global teams.
You can even create your own avatar and clone your voice for a more personalized touch. And if your training materials change often, Colossyan makes it simple to update videos without redoing the whole production, saving you both time and budget.
It also supports team collaboration and comes with branding tools, so your training videos can reflect your company’s style from start to finish.
Colossyan is an excellent pick for HR, L&D, or operations teams who need to create consistent, clear training videos that scale.
There’s a free plan available for testing purposes. Paid plans start at around $20 per month, with more advanced features available at around $70 per month. Enterprise pricing is available if you’re rolling out content across a large organization.
Hour One: Photorealistic avatar specialists
If your priority is creating videos with the most lifelike, human-looking avatars out there, Hour One is built for that. Its photorealistic AI avatars are designed to make your videos feel more personal and engaging, making them perfect for customer-facing content, product demos, or brand storytelling.
You can choose from an extensive library of avatars or create your own using your webcam or mobile device. It also supports voice cloning, text-to-speech in over 100 languages, and automatic dubbing, allowing your content to connect with diverse audiences without requiring re-recording for each version.
Hour One stands out for its polished appearance. The avatars are hyper-realistic, the voiceovers sound natural, and the platform comes equipped with features such as immersive 3D templates, brand customization tools, and even AI assistants that help generate content or summarize meetings. You can also plug it into your LMS or CRM system in minutes.
Hour One is a strong fit for teams that want to create on-brand, professional videos that feel personal without the cost or time of a full video shoot.
You can get started with a free trial, with paid plans starting around $30 per month. The business tier costs approximately $110 per month, and custom enterprise pricing is available for companies that require advanced support or a large-scale rollout.
Choosing the right HeyGen alternative for your needs
Not every AI video tool is built for the same purpose. Some are perfect for short, eye-catching content on social media. Others are designed for team-wide collaboration or building out entire training libraries. The best fit ultimately depends on how you plan to use it.
Below, we’ve broken down the top recommendations based on different types of users, from solo creators to large teams, so you can find the platform that works best for your content goals, budget, and workflow.
For content creators and influencers
If you’re creating content regularly for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, you need tools that keep up with your pace. The best AI video generators for creators allow you to produce high-quality videos quickly, eliminating the need for manual shooting, editing, or subtitling.
VEED is a great fit here. It’s beginner-friendly yet powerful, offering a range of features from AI-powered avatars to one-click subtitles, translations, and branded templates. It’s handy if you're repurposing content across different formats or platforms. You can resize videos for various social media platforms, add your brand fonts and colors, and export in vertical, square, or landscape formats without starting over.
If you're focused on creating polished, branded content, especially for sponsorships or product features, Hour One is worth considering. Its photorealistic avatars give your videos a premium feel, and you can even create your own avatar from a webcam or mobile app. It’s a nice way to stay present on camera, even when you’re off it.
For creators working on a tighter budget, D-ID offers a more lightweight option. You can animate a photo into a talking head video and bulk-translate your content without extra filming or editing. It's fast, cost-effective, and great for turning static assets into dynamic video posts.
At the end of the day, the best tool is the one that helps you consistently, creatively, and in your own style, show up for your audience.
For businesses and marketing teams
For marketing teams and growing businesses, video needs often go beyond quick content. You’re building product explainers, sales enablement assets, customer support videos, and social campaigns that all need to stay on-brand and up-to-date. The right AI video tool should make that process faster, not harder, and help you scale without hiring a full production crew.
Synthesia is a strong option if you’re creating a high volume of professional videos across multiple markets. With support for over 140 languages and the ability to create custom avatars and clone voices, it’s designed for brands that want to maintain a consistent message and appearance, regardless of the audience. It’s especially useful for marketing teams running global campaigns or working with internal and external stakeholders.
VEED is another standout here, especially for teams that want a flexible, all-in-one tool. You can collaborate in real time, leave comments, manage brand assets, and publish videos directly to different platforms. It’s ideal for cross-functional teams managing lots of moving parts, whether you're launching a new product or creating tutorials for customer onboarding.
Hour One also brings value to businesses that require hyper-realistic avatars to deliver a more personal and human touch. It’s a good fit for customer-facing content or personalized outreach that feels more direct and high-end, like landing page videos or sales follow-ups.
All three tools support brand kits, templates, and easy exporting across formats. And as your video needs grow, they can scale with you, offering enterprise plans, integrations with CRMs and LMSs, and the ability to update or localize content without having to start from scratch.
If you're looking for speed, consistency, and quality across all your video marketing, these platforms are built to support your workflow without slowing you down.
For training and education professionals
Suppose you're in learning and development, internal training, or educational video content creation. In that case, AI video tools can save a massive amount of time, especially when you’re constantly updating materials or scaling content across teams and regions.
Colossyan is a clear standout for L&D teams. It’s built around education-focused workflows, allowing you to turn text, PDFs, or PowerPoint slides into full training videos featuring realistic AI avatars. You can translate content into 70+ languages, select presenters who match your audience in tone and appearance, and update videos easily without restarting a full production cycle. It’s especially helpful for HR, onboarding, compliance training, and product education, where clarity, speed, and localization matter.
Another solid option is Synthesia, especially if your content needs to span multiple regions or departments. With support for custom avatars, cloned voices, and SCORM compatibility, it integrates seamlessly with learning management systems, helping you maintain a consistent learning experience at scale.
VEED also works well in this space, particularly for teams that want to create explainer videos, tutorials, or onboarding content quickly and collaboratively. You can add subtitles in over 120 languages, record your screen, or use AI avatars for voiceover, all from the same platform.
Whether you’re teaching internally or building content for customers or students, these tools help you deliver training that’s more engaging, up-to-date, and accessible. And since many of them support LMS integrations, localization, and easy editing, you’ll spend less time rebuilding courses and more time helping people learn.
Getting started with your new AI video generator
Once you’ve found the right HeyGen alternative for your needs, switching platforms might feel like a big step. But it doesn’t have to be. Most AI video tools make it easy to migrate your content, adapt your workflow, and get your team up to speed without losing momentum. Here’s how to make the switch smooth and simple:
1. Export your existing assets from HeyGen
Download any videos, subtitles, scripts, and branding elements you’ve already created. If you’ve built a content library, organize what you want to keep, reuse, or update.
2. Rebuild templates and brand styles
In your new platform, set up your brand kit, including your logos, fonts, colors, intros, and outros. Most tools, such as VEED, Synthesia, and Colossyan, support custom templates, allowing you to maintain consistency in your content across videos.
3. Map out your workflow
Decide how you’ll create, review, and publish videos on the new platform. Will your team collaborate in real time? Will feedback happen inside the tool? Establish a workflow that saves time and aligns with your team’s style.
4. Migrate your first few videos
Start small. Pick a few existing videos to remake in the new platform. This helps you test features, adjust styles, and identify any changes that need to be made before you go live.
5. Train your team
Book a short onboarding session or walkthrough using the platform’s tutorials. A quick guide or template doc can help everyone hit the ground running.
6. Review and optimize
After creating your first batch of videos, gather feedback and make necessary adjustments. Test things like avatar tone, subtitle pacing, or transitions to see what works best for your audience.
Once you're up and running, a few best practices can help you get the most out of your new AI video setup:
- Start with strong scripts. Write for the ear, not the eye. Keep sentences short and conversational. Speak like a real person, especially when using avatars.
- Use visuals intentionally. Pair important messages with relevant visuals or overlays to enhance their impact. AI videos still need context to be effective.
- Add subtitles and translations. More than just accessibility, subtitles also enhance engagement and help you reach international audiences.
- Batch your content. If you’re creating training series, social content, or product walkthroughs, it’s faster to script and produce in batches rather than one-off.
What’s next for AI video?
AI video is evolving fast, and the next few years are set to bring even more powerful tools and creative possibilities. Here are the key trends to keep an eye on in the rest of 2025 and beyond:
1. Real-time avatar generation
We’re moving toward avatars that can respond in real-time. Think digital assistants, live customer support reps, or presenters who can deliver updates instantly without needing pre-recorded scripts.
2. More lifelike emotional expression
Avatars are becoming more adept at displaying natural facial expressions, gestures, and even body language. This means AI videos will feel less robotic and more human, helping viewers connect emotionally with the content.
3. AI meets VR and AR
Expect deeper integration between AI video tools and virtual and augmented reality platforms. This could open up new formats for immersive training, virtual events, or interactive product demos.
4. Better pricing and accessibility
As technology matures, we can expect to see more affordable pricing models, particularly for smaller teams and creators. Free tiers will expand, and features once limited to enterprise users will become more widely available.
5. Quality without complexity
Video generators will continue to become smarter, allowing users to create high-quality content without requiring technical skills. Expect drag-and-drop interfaces, AI-driven storyboards, and voice-enhanced scripting tools.
6. Industry-specific tools
We’ll see more platforms explicitly designed for fields like healthcare, education, finance, or retail, offering pre-built templates, compliance features, or integrations that cater to the unique needs of those industries.
7. Video becomes the default
From onboarding to marketing to internal updates, video will continue replacing long emails, PDFs, and slide decks. AI tools will allow for faster production, allowing teams to communicate clearly and visually, regardless of the message.
Final word
Choosing the right HeyGen alternative comes down to knowing what you need and what you don’t. Whether it’s more realistic avatars, better collaboration, stronger localization, or simply a better fit for your budget, there’s no shortage of innovative, scalable AI video tools out there.
Here are a few quick takeaways:
- VEED is excellent if you want an all-in-one tool with built-in editing, avatars, and team features.
- Synthesia works well for large-scale, multilingual video production with custom branding and voice control.
- D-ID offers flexibility with photo-based avatars and real-time AI agents, providing more personalized content.
- Colossyan is ideal for L&D teams creating consistent, localized training content at speed.
- Hour One delivers photorealistic avatars for professional, human-like video presence, especially for external-facing content.
If you’re not sure which one is right for you, the best move is to test a few. Most platforms offer free trials or entry-level plans, allowing you to explore features, experience the workflow, and determine what works best for your team and audience.
AI video is only going to grow from here, and the right tool will help you create better, faster, and smarter content every step of the way.
