How to Use Synthesia Step by Step — 2026 Tutorial

Quick Start

This guide covers every Synthesia feature:

• Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
• How to Use AI Avatars — Create professional videos with 150+ diverse AI presenters
• How to Use Text-to-Speech — Turn your script into natural AI voiceovers in 120+ languages
• How to Use Customizable Templates — Launch polished videos fast with 250+ ready-made layouts
• How to Use the AI Video Editor — Edit scenes, add assets, and fine-tune your video output
• How to Use Collaboration and Sharing — Work with your team and gather feedback in one place
• How to Use the AI Video Assistant — Auto-generate a full video from a topic, prompt, or URL
• How to Use the AI Screen Recorder — Record walkthroughs and product demos without extra software
• How to Use 1-Click Translation — Translate your video into 30+ languages with lip-sync intact
• How to Use Interactive Videos — Add quizzes and branching paths to turn viewers into learners

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used Synthesia for months and tested every feature covered here.

This tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing copy or vendor screenshots.

Synthesia is one of the most powerful AI video generators available today.

But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.

This guide shows you how to use every major feature.

Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.

Synthesia Tutorial

This complete how to use synthesia tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.

Synthesia

Create studio-quality AI videos in minutes — no camera, crew, or editing skills needed. Synthesia gives you 150+ AI avatars and voices in 120+ languages. Start free with 3 minutes of video per month.

TRY SYNTHESIA NOW →

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Getting Started with Synthesia

Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.

It takes about 3 minutes.

Watch this quick overview first:

Now let’s walk through each step.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to Synthesia’s website at synthesia.io.

Click “Get Started for Free” on the homepage.

Sign up with your email address or Google account.

✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email and verify your address.

Step 2: Access the Platform

Synthesia is fully browser-based — no download needed.

Log in at app.synthesia.io to reach your dashboard.

Here’s what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main project dashboard with a “New Video” button.

Step 3: Complete Initial Setup

Synthesia walks you through a short onboarding flow on first login.

Select your role (e.g., training, marketing, HR) to get relevant template suggestions.

Explore the template library and pick a starting point that fits your use case.

How to Use Synthesia AI Avatars

AI Avatars lets you add a professional AI presenter to any video without filming a real person.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch AI Avatars in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open a New Video Project

From your dashboard, click “New Video.”

Choose “Start from scratch” or pick a template to begin.

Step 2: Select Your AI Avatar

Click the “Avatar” panel on the left side of the editor.

Browse 150+ diverse avatars by gender, age, style, and ethnicity.

Here’s what the avatar selection screen looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your chosen avatar appears in the scene preview on the right.

Step 3: Position and Customize the Avatar

Use the layout options to set the avatar as waist-up, chest-up, or full-screen.

Add gestures like head nods or raised eyebrows from the avatar settings panel.

How to Use Synthesia Text-to-Speech

Text-to-Speech lets you convert any written script into a natural AI voiceover in 120+ languages and accents.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Text-to-Speech in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Type or Paste Your Script

Click on the script panel inside the Synthesia editor.

Type or paste the text you want your avatar to speak.

Step 2: Choose a Voice and Language

Click the “Voice” dropdown to open the voice library.

Filter by language, accent, gender, or tone to find the best match.

Here’s what the voice selection panel looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Hit the play icon next to any voice to preview how it sounds with your script.

Step 3: Fine-Tune Pacing and Pauses

Add commas or punctuation in your script to create natural pauses.

Enable closed captions from the accessibility settings to improve clarity.

How to Use Synthesia Customizable Templates

Customizable Templates lets you launch polished, on-brand videos in minutes using 250+ pre-designed layouts.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Customizable Templates in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Template Library

Click “New Video” from your dashboard.

Select “Templates” to browse the full library of 250+ options.

Step 2: Filter and Select a Template

Use the filters to search by use case — training, onboarding, marketing, or sales.

Click any template to preview it, then hit “Use Template” to open it in the editor.

Here’s what the template library looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: The template loads in the editor with placeholder text and scenes ready to edit.

Step 3: Replace Content and Apply Your Brand

Swap out placeholder text with your own script in each scene.

Upload your logo, colors, and fonts using the Brand Kit feature on paid plans.

How to Use Synthesia AI Video Editor

AI Video Editor lets you edit scenes, add text and media, and control every element of your video layout.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch the AI Video Editor in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open Your Video in the Editor

From your dashboard, click on any existing video project to open it.

The editor loads with your slides, scenes, and timeline at the bottom.

Step 2: Add Scenes and Media Elements

Click “Add Scene” in the left panel to insert a new slide.

Use the toolbar to add text boxes, images, shapes, or background videos.

Here’s what the editing interface looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Each new element appears on the scene canvas and can be dragged into position.

Step 3: Preview and Generate

Click “Preview” to check animations and narration timing before final export.

When satisfied, click “Generate Video” — rendering takes 3–20 minutes based on length.

How to Use Synthesia Collaboration and Sharing

Collaboration and Sharing lets you invite teammates, leave timestamped comments, and manage feedback in one place.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Collaboration and Sharing in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open Synthesia Spaces

Navigate to “Spaces” from the left-side navigation menu.

Create a new space or open an existing one to organize your team’s projects.

Step 2: Invite Team Members

Click “Invite” inside your Space and enter your teammates’ email addresses.

Set permissions as editor or viewer depending on their role.

Here’s what the Spaces collaboration view looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Invited teammates receive an email and can access shared projects immediately.

Step 3: Leave and Resolve Comments

Open any shared video and click on a scene to leave a timestamped comment.

Mark comments as resolved once feedback has been applied.

How to Use Synthesia AI Video Assistant

AI Video Assistant lets you auto-generate a full video draft from just a topic, text prompt, or public URL.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch the AI Video Assistant in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Launch the AI Video Assistant

Click “New Video” from your dashboard.

Select “AI Video Assistant” from the creation options.

Step 2: Input Your Topic or Source

Type a topic, paste a text prompt, or enter a public URL as your source.

Choose your preferred video length, tone, and target audience.

Here’s what the AI Video Assistant input screen looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: The assistant generates a full multi-scene draft with script, avatar, and layout applied.

Step 3: Review and Edit the Draft

Review each generated scene and tweak the script or visuals as needed.

When happy with the result, click “Generate Video” to render the final output.

How to Use Synthesia AI Screen Recorder

AI Screen Recorder lets you record your screen to create product walkthroughs and how-to videos directly inside Synthesia.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Screen Recorder

Inside the Synthesia editor, click “Add Scene” and choose “Screen Recording.”

Grant the browser permission to access your screen when prompted.

Step 2: Record Your Walkthrough

Select whether to record your full screen, a specific window, or a browser tab.

Click “Start Recording” and walk through the steps you want to capture.

✓ Checkpoint: Click “Stop Recording” — your captured footage appears as a new scene in the editor.

Step 3: Add an Avatar and Voiceover

Place an AI avatar overlay on the screen recording scene to narrate the walkthrough.

Type a script for the avatar to read and choose a matching AI voice.

How to Use Synthesia 1-Click Translation

1-Click Translation lets you translate any finished Synthesia video into 30+ languages with frame-accurate lip-sync.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch 1-Click Translation in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open a Completed Video Project

From your dashboard, open the video you want to translate.

Click the “Translate” button in the top menu bar.

Step 2: Select Target Languages

Choose one or more of the 30+ supported languages from the translation panel.

Synthesia’s AI Dubbing system automatically matches lip movement to the new language.

✓ Checkpoint: Each selected language generates as a separate video version in your project.

Step 3: Review and Publish Translations

Preview each translated version to confirm the script and lip-sync look correct.

Make any manual script adjustments in the translated version before generating.

How to Use Synthesia Interactive Videos

Interactive Videos lets you embed quizzes, clickable hotspots, and branching paths to turn passive viewers into active learners.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Interactive Videos in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Enable Interactivity on a Scene

Open your video in the editor and select the scene where you want interaction.

Click “Add Interaction” from the right-side panel.

Step 2: Set Up Your Interaction Type

Choose from hotspots, multiple-choice quizzes, or branching path buttons.

For branching, link each answer option to a different scene in your video.

✓ Checkpoint: Each interaction element appears overlaid on the scene in the editor preview.

Step 3: Publish and Share

Generate the video and share it via Synthesia’s hosted link or embed it in your LMS.

Viewers can click, answer, and navigate — all without leaving the video player.

Synthesia Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing Synthesia for months, here are my best tips.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Hidden Features Most People Miss

• FOCA Framework Script Helper: Synthesia’s Academy teaches the Focus-Outcome-Content-Action method for scripting — access it free under Synthesia Academy inside your account.
• Custom Personal Avatar: You can create a digital version of yourself as a custom avatar — navigate to “My Avatars” and follow the recording instructions to build one.
• LMS Direct Integration: Synthesia connects directly to major Learning Management Systems — find the integration settings under Account → Integrations to push videos without manual exports.

Synthesia Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Jumping Into Video Without a Script

Mistake #2: Putting Too Much Content in One Scene

Mistake #3: Skipping the Preview Before Generating

Synthesia Troubleshooting

Problem: Video generation is taking too long

Cause: Long videos or high server demand can push render times to 20+ minutes.

Fix: Split long videos into shorter segments (under 5 minutes each) to speed up generation. You can also check Synthesia’s status page for any platform-wide slowdowns.

Problem: Avatar mouth movements look out of sync

Cause: Very long sentences or unusual punctuation can disrupt the lip-sync algorithm.

Fix: Break long sentences into shorter ones in your script. Add commas or periods where natural pauses should occur, then regenerate the affected scene.

Problem: Voice sounds unnatural or robotic

Cause: Some scripts use overly formal language or technical jargon that the AI voice engine struggles with.

Fix: Rewrite the script in plain, conversational language. Test multiple voices from the voice library using the preview button — some voices handle specific languages or accents better than others.

📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Synthesia support via the help icon inside your dashboard.

What is Synthesia?

Synthesia is an AI video generator that lets you create studio-quality videos with AI avatars and voiceovers — no camera, crew, or editing experience required.

Think of it like PowerPoint, but your slides come to life with a speaking AI presenter.

Watch this quick overview:

It includes these key features:

• AI Avatars: Choose from 150+ diverse AI presenters or create a custom avatar of yourself.
• Text-to-Speech: Convert any script into natural AI voiceovers in 120+ languages and accents.
• Customizable Templates: Start from 250+ pre-designed layouts for training, marketing, and onboarding.
• AI Video Editor: Edit scenes, add media, and control every layout element with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
• 1-Click Translation: Translate finished videos into 30+ languages with automatic lip-sync.
• Interactive Videos: Add quizzes, hotspots, and branching paths for active learning experiences.
• AI Screen Recorder: Capture product walkthroughs directly inside Synthesia without extra software.
• Collaboration (Spaces): Manage team projects with timestamped comments and role-based access.

For a full review, see our Synthesia review.

Synthesia Pricing

Here’s what Synthesia costs in 2026:

Free plan: Yes — create up to 3 minutes of video per month with 6 stock avatars and the full AI voice library.

Money-back guarantee: Not publicly listed — contact Synthesia support for refund inquiries.

💰 Best Value: Creator plan — gives you 30 minutes of video per month, custom brand kits, and priority support at a price that pays for itself after just one saved production day.

Synthesia vs Alternatives

How does Synthesia compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: Synthesia — most complete feature set for enterprise training and onboarding video creation.
• Best budget: Veed — starts at $9/month and handles social and marketing videos well.
• Best for beginners: HeyGen — clean interface, strong templates, and a generous free tier.
• Best for L&D teams: Colossyan — built specifically for workplace learning with SCORM export support.

🎯 Synthesia Alternatives

Looking for Synthesia alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🚀 HeyGen: The closest rival to Synthesia — strong avatar quality, fast rendering, and great for personalized video outreach at scale.
• 🏢 Colossyan: Built for L&D teams with SCORM export, branching scenarios, and a clean editor designed for workplace training content.
• 🎨 Veed: A versatile video editor with AI features at a lower price — great for social media, marketing clips, and quick content creation.
• ⚡ Elai: Affordable AI avatar video tool with a free trial — good for solo creators who need basic avatar videos without enterprise pricing.
• 💰 Vidnoz: One of the most budget-friendly options with a free plan — best for light use cases where video minutes are limited.
• 🧠 DeepBrain: Specializes in hyper-realistic AI presenters — a strong pick for news-style video content and professional broadcast formats.
• 🔧 Synthesys: A dual voice-and-video AI tool — useful for creators who need both text-to-speech and avatar video in one subscription.
• 🌟 Hour One: Focused on business video with a clean interface — solid for HR and internal comms teams that want a polished, simple tool.
• ⭐ D-ID: Known for photo-to-video animation — turn a single headshot into a speaking avatar quickly and cheaply.
• 🎯 Virbo: A Wondershare product with strong multilingual support — good for global teams that need fast avatar video localization.
• 📊 Vidyard: More focused on sales and customer-facing video — excellent for personalised outreach rather than training content.
• 🔥 Fliki: Fast text-to-video with AI voices — a lightweight option for bloggers and content creators turning articles into short videos.
• 🎤 Speechify: Primarily a text-to-speech tool with video capabilities — best if your primary need is voice generation rather than full video production.
• 💼 InVideo: Template-rich video maker with AI script assistance — a good all-rounder for social media managers and small business content.
• ⚡ Creatify: Specializes in short-form AI ad creation — ideal for performance marketers who need fast, high-converting video ads.
• 👶 Captions AI: Mobile-first AI video with auto-captions — great for solo creators and influencers making short-form content on the go.

For the full list, see our Synthesia alternatives guide.

⚔️ Synthesia Compared

Here’s how Synthesia stacks up against each competitor:

• Synthesia vs HeyGen: Synthesia wins for enterprise training and LMS integration; HeyGen is better for personalized sales video at scale.
• Synthesia vs Colossyan: Synthesia has a larger avatar library; Colossyan edges ahead for dedicated L&D teams needing SCORM exports.
• Synthesia vs Veed: Synthesia is built for AI avatar video; Veed is a broader video editor better suited for social and marketing clips.
• Synthesia vs Elai: Synthesia offers more avatars and enterprise features; Elai is cheaper for small teams with basic needs.
• Synthesia vs Vidnoz: Synthesia is the clear quality winner; Vidnoz is mainly for free-tier users with minimal video requirements.
• Synthesia vs DeepBrain: Both excel at realistic avatars; DeepBrain is stronger for broadcast-style content while Synthesia leads in corporate training.
• Synthesia vs Synthesys: Synthesia has far more avatars and a polished editor; Synthesys suits creators who primarily need voice output.
• Synthesia vs Hour One: Both target business video; Synthesia wins on feature depth while Hour One is simpler for non-technical users.
• Synthesia vs D-ID: Synthesia creates full multi-scene videos; D-ID is a quicker option if you just need a talking-head clip from a photo.
• Synthesia vs Virbo: Synthesia leads on avatar quality and enterprise tools; Virbo is a solid pick for fast multilingual video on a budget.
• Synthesia vs Vidyard: Different use cases — Synthesia for training content, Vidyard for sales outreach and customer-facing video.
• Synthesia vs Fliki: Synthesia is a full AI video studio; Fliki is lightweight and fast for simple article-to-video conversions.
• Synthesia vs Speechify: Synthesia is a video-first platform; Speechify is primarily a listening and TTS tool with limited video capabilities.
• Synthesia vs InVideo: Synthesia specializes in avatar video; InVideo is more template-driven and better for social media and ad content.
• Synthesia vs Creatify: Synthesia is for long-form training and internal video; Creatify is built for short AI-generated ad creatives.
• Synthesia vs Captions AI: Synthesia is desktop-first for professional video; Captions AI is a mobile tool for short-form social content.

Start Using Synthesia Now

You learned how to use every major Synthesia feature:

• ✅ AI Avatars
• ✅ Text-to-Speech
• ✅ Customizable Templates
• ✅ AI Video Editor
• ✅ Collaboration and Sharing
• ✅ AI Video Assistant
• ✅ AI Screen Recorder
• ✅ 1-Click Translation
• ✅ Interactive Videos

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with AI Avatars.

It takes less than 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use Synthesia?

Sign up for a free account at synthesia.io, then click “New Video” to start. Choose a template or start from scratch, pick an AI avatar, type your script, and click “Generate Video.” Your video renders in 3–20 minutes depending on length. No camera, microphone, or editing skills are needed.

How to use Synthesia AI for free?

Synthesia offers a free plan that includes up to 3 minutes of video per month, 6 stock AI avatars, and the full AI voice library. Go to synthesia.io and click “Get Started for Free” — no credit card is required to sign up. The free plan is a great way to test the platform before committing to a paid tier.

Is Synthesia AI safe?

Yes. Synthesia is SOC 2 and GDPR compliant, and maintains a dedicated Trust & Safety team. The platform prohibits the creation of non-consensual avatar clones, requires explicit consent to use any individual’s likeness, and uses both human and AI moderation to screen content. It is one of the more ethically structured AI video platforms available.

How much does Synthesia cost?

Synthesia offers three paid plans: Starter at $18/month, Creator at $64/month, and Enterprise at custom pricing. There is also a free plan with 3 minutes of video per month. The Starter plan suits individuals, while Creator works best for content teams needing more video output each month.

What is Synthesia AI used for?

Synthesia is most commonly used for employee onboarding, compliance training, product walkthroughs, and internal communications. Companies like Heineken have used it to train thousands of employees across multiple languages. It is also used for marketing content, customer service videos, and e-learning courses integrated with LMS platforms.

Is Synthesia AI free or paid?

Synthesia is both. The free plan allows 3 minutes of video per month with limited avatars. Paid plans start at $18/month for the Starter tier and go up to $64/month for Creator. Enterprise pricing is custom. The free plan is enough to evaluate the tool, but most professional users will need a paid plan for meaningful video output.

What is the best free AI video generator?

For avatar-based video, Synthesia’s free plan is one of the strongest starting points. HeyGen also offers a free tier with good avatar quality. If you need general video creation without avatars, Veed and InVideo both have capable free plans. The best choice depends on whether you need a speaking AI presenter or just automated video editing.

How do I add a video to Synthesia?

Inside the Synthesia editor, click “Upload Media” in the left panel and select a video file from your device. The uploaded video can be added as a background, a scene element, or a standalone scene. Supported formats include MP4 and MOV. You can then layer an AI avatar and voiceover on top of your uploaded footage.