How to create a training video for your AI Avatar
Making a quality training video is critical to ensuring your custom AI avatar is as realistic as possible. Your training video should mirror the kinds of videos you want to make, and what you want to see from your avatar.
Check out the tips and tricks included in this article to make sure your avatar is created successfully.
How to select the right space for recording
When creating your training video, you want to make sure that your space is suitable for recording. Make sure that you:
- choose a bright and quiet room
- have minimal to no background noise
- record during daylight if possible (making your video in front of a window helps ensure your face is uniformly lit)
- use an uncluttered, neutral background for the best result
How to select the best tools to record with
Use the best quality, highest resolution camera you have when recording your video, whether that's an external webcam or your phone–today's smartphones usually have cameras with great resolution. If you decide to use your phone, make sure you record in landscape mode.
You can also use other tools to improve the quality of your training video, such as ring lights for uniform brightness and clarity on your face. Remember, a higher quality training video means a higher quality avatar!
How to orient your face and body when recording
Getting properly positioned is one of the most important aspects of a successful training video, as a good example of your likeness is necessary for the AI Avatar to function properly.
- Set up 2-3 ft from the camera, keeping your body in the middle of the frame and face centred in the circle provided.
- Slight head and hand movements can add realism, but don't overdo it. Keep your hands away from your eyes and mouth, so that they're correctly tracked.
- Occasionally pause with your mouth closed and eyes directed at the camera - this helps the avatar mimic your movements and natural breaks in speech
- Consider recording while standing–it makes your delivery more energized!
What to wear in your training video
Your outfit and accessories affect how the AI reproduces your image for generated videos. It's always a good practice to keep things as clear and uncomplicated as possible; more details are harder for the AI to recreate, leading to inconsistencies in your avatar.
- Take off items that can block your face (eg. headphones)
- Wear solid colors. Patterns can sometimes look unrealistic in your AI generated videos (eg. if you're wearing a shirt with stripes, you may see the moiré effect.)
- Don't use filters or anything that alters your facial features.
- Make sure you don't wear clothes that blend in with your background.
How to make sure your voice sounds natural
When recording your training video, you should keep your tone as singularly you as possible. Follow a script, share anecdotes or things you enjoy; the avatar will pick up on your passion and enthusiasm.
- Speak in your normal, everyday cadence.
- Vary your words and points of discussion, a wider range improves your avatar's generated speech.
- You don't need to be perfect. If you make a mistake, just keep talking!
- You need to record your training video in English. You can use different languages later, when creating an AI video.
- Please note that filler words in your training video are replicated in your avatar. Filler words can make your avatar sound more realistic, but if you don't want them in your videos, avoid using them in your training video.