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Synthesia API Review & Alternatives for AI Video Generation [2024]

Julia Szatar
March 21, 2024
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In the rapidly growing world of APIs, video maker tools like the Synthesia API have changed the game of how we conceive and produce video content. These advancements allow for the transformation of simple scripts into captivating visuals, complete with human-like avatars, bridging the gap between imagination and reality.

However, with the amount of API video generation options, this raises a question for businesses and creators alike: "Is Synthesia the ideal tool for my video content creation needs?" 

Let’s take a close look at Synthesia API’s features, pros, and cons, to establish a clear understanding of its capabilities and how it compares within the wider spectrum of AI software tools that offer APIs. 

What is Synthesia?

Synthesia is an AI video generation platform that allows users to create videos using virtual avatars to narrate scripts. It aims to simplify the video production process by eliminating the need for live actors or complex filming setups. Users can choose from a variety of avatars and languages to produce content that ranges from educational materials to marketing videos

While Synthesia offers a solution for those looking to produce video content without traditional video production resources, potential users need to consider the specific needs of their projects and whether other AI tools might offer a more tailored solution.

What is the Synthesia API?

Synthesia’s API, Synthesia STUDIO, is an AI tool that lets users create videos by inputting text, which the platform then turns into a script for video generation. It supports customizing videos with various elements and enables saving projects for future edits or API calls.

For developers considering the Synthesia API for important applications, it's important to know that the API is in BETA, with no active improvements or support guaranteed. 

Synthesia API Review

Is Synthesia API right for you? Let’s take a look at how it works and if it suits your creative needs.

How does the Synthesia API work?

The Synthesia API works by allowing developers to programmatically create videos using Synthesia's technology. Here's a simplified process:

  1. Script Submission: Developers input a script that outlines the video content.
  2. Customization: They can customize the video with different avatars, languages, and voices.
  3. Video Generation: The API processes these inputs to generate a video.
  4. Retrieval: The generated video is then retrieved for use in applications or platforms.

Synthesia API Features

  • AI Avatars: Over 160 options for video presentations.
  • Custom Avatars: Personalize videos with various avatars.
  • Multi-Language Support: Voices available in over 120 languages.
  • Team Collaboration: Facilitates project collaboration.
  • Screen Recording: Adds flexibility to content creation.
  • Closed Captions: Improves accessibility for all viewers.

Synthesia API Use Cases

Synthesia's API can be used for a variety of purposes including automating the creation of training videos, personalizing marketing content, producing educational resources in multiple languages, and generating scalable video responses for customer service. 

Pros

  • Multiple Avatars: Offers a variety of characters, which might be enough for basic projects.
  • Language Options: Supports several languages, useful for non-English content.

Cons

  • Limited Customization: While there's avatar variety, the personalization depth for each might not meet all creative or branding needs.
  • Dependence on Templates: Heavy reliance on pre-set formats can restrict creative freedom, making it hard to stand out.
  • No Live Support: The absence of active development or support for the API might pose challenges for integration into complex systems.

Synthesia API Pricing

  • Starter: $22/mo
  • Creator: $67/mo
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing requires the user to reach out to Synthesia directly.

Synthesia API Alternatives

Due to the lack of API updates in Synthesia, it’s important to consider alternatives that can better provide up-to-date support for your business or personal needs.  Let’s take a look at the top Synthesia API alternatives.

1. Tavus API

Tavus is the top Synthesia API alternative, primarily because it offers unparalleled realism in avatar creation, closely mimicking human expressions and head movements. Its Phoenix model enables the production of personalized videos that accurately represent users' appearances and voices from a single recording, setting a new standard for digital communication. 

While Synthesia has realistic avatars, it falls short of the ability to create deeply personalized videos for audience engagement on the same level. 

Additionally, Tavus's flexibility allows developers to integrate this advanced video creation capability into various platforms to automate video production for diverse purposes such as:

This automation not only saves considerable time and resources but also ensures consistent, high-quality content delivery tailored to specific audience needs, making Tavus a versatile tool in digital strategy implementation.

tavus

Features: 

  • Phoenix Model: Crafts ultra-realistic talking head videos with accurate facial movements and expressions, ensuring a natural synchronization with audio input.
  • Hummingbird Model: Tavus’ lip syncing & dubbing API that enables precise editing and dubbing of scripts in multiple languages, ensuring perfect alignment of voice and lip movements.
  • API Flexibility: Offers robust integration options with applications, facilitating the effortless creation of customized video content. Compatibility with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zapier enhances workflow efficiency.
  • Automated Personalization: Allows for the modification of voice parameters to match customer preferences.
  • Voice Customization: Tailor voice variables to each customer, enhancing loyalty and conversions.
  • Advanced Cloning Technology: Employs user likeness in video creation to forge a deeper, more authentic connection with the audience, personalizing every interaction.

Explore the Tavus API today

2. HeyGen

HeyGen is an AI platform aimed at simplifying video production by converting scripts to videos. It provides a straightforward toolset, including several avatars and language options. Their API also includes the ability to integrate HeyGen's video generation capabilities into various applications and workflows.

Heygen platform

Features:

  • A selection of AI avatars for video narration.
  • Available in multiple languages.
  • Customizable video templates for different uses.

3. Rephrase

Rephrase.ai offers a tool for producing videos using digital avatars, with a process that includes selecting an avatar, inputting text, and generating the video. It's designed for straightforward video creation needs. 

rephrase ai

Features:

  • Customizable digital avatars.
  • Text-to-video conversion.
  • Personalization tools for specific messaging.

4. Deepbrain AI

DeepBrain AI focuses on the process of transforming text into video content. Utilizing AI avatars and text-to-speech technology, the platform enables the conversion of textual information into dynamic videos, all manageable within a web browser. It supports converting text-based content into videos and offers tools for editing and production within a browser. 

This system also extends its capabilities to support multiple languages in its text-to-speech functionality for a global audience. 

deepbrain ai

Features: 

  • Turn documents, including text files, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs, into videos.
  • Access to video editing tools directly in your web browser.
  • AI avatars capable of natural speech through text inputs.
  • Text-to-speech capabilities in over 80 languages.

5. Lumen5

Lumen5 is an online platform that facilitates video creation, designed to help users produce videos quickly. It provides tools and templates that streamline the process of turning written content into video material. 

Lumen5

Features:

  • Various video templates for quick video creation.
  • Access to media library with photos and video clips.
  • Converts written content into video format.
  • Personalize videos with your brand.

6. Speechify

Speechify is a text-to-speech platform that transforms written content into spoken word, enabling easier consumption of information. It's designed to support a wide range of users, including those looking for productivity tools, individuals with reading disabilities, and anyone who prefers listening to reading. 

speechify

Features:

  • Converts text into natural-sounding audio.
  • Offers a variety of voices in different languages.
  • Allows adjustment of reading speed and voice tone.
  • Works across various formats and platforms.

7. Elai.io

Elai.io is a platform that specializes in creating AI-powered videos from text, offering users the ability to generate content with digital avatars. It's designed to facilitate video production without the need for filming equipment or actors, aiming to streamline the creation process for various types of video content. 

elai page

Features:

  • Automates video creation from text.
  • Offers a selection of customizable avatars for personalized content.
  • Enables video production in various languages.
  • Provides templates for different content needs.

8. Colossyan

Colossyan is another platform designed to create AI-generated videos, utilizing text-to-video technology to transform scripts into visual content featuring AI avatars. The various features are designed to streamline video creation for a range of applications, from employee onboarding to customer education.

Colossyan platform

Features:

  • AI avatars or dynamic video presentations.
  • Customizable avatars to fit brand or message.
  • Text-to-speech in multiple languages for global reach.
  • Various video templates for content creation needs.
  • Screen Capture Tools to enhance videos with direct screen recordings.
  • Subtitles for accessibility and understanding.

More About Synthesia API

Here are a few more questions to consider when thinking about Synthesia API: 

Does Synthesia have an API?

Yes, Synthesia has an API called Synthesia. However, it's important to know that the API is in BETA, with no active improvements or support guaranteed. 

Is Synthesia API free?

No, you need to have a paid account with Synthesia STUDIO to start using their API. Pricing is listed above.

What is the best alternative to Synthesia API in 2024?

Tavus is the best alternative to Synthesia API, particularly for its capacity to generate more personalized video content with ease. Tavus’ features go above and beyond. It enables the creation of videos that feel intimate and tailored to individual viewers, offers seamless integration options that make it simple to incorporate Tavus into various platforms and systems, and the ability to use real-life avatars, offering a unique touch to every video produced. 

Choose the Best Synthesia API Alternative

In seeking the best Synthesia API alternative, Tavus stands out as a more dynamic option. With features surpassing Synthesia, Tavus not only mirrors its functionality but greatly expands upon it, offering real-life avatars and comprehensive integration capabilities.

Given the Synthesia API's lack of updates and lack of real-life avatars, Tavus jumps ahead, setting it apart in the realm of AI-driven video generation

This combination of advanced personalization and seamless integration positions Tavus as the superior choice for those aiming to elevate their digital content strategies and increase their end-of-year marketing statistics.

Research initiatives

The team is at the forefront of AI video research and pushes model updates every two weeks based on the latest research and customer needs.

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