Avatar IV

HeyGen's Next-Generation AI Video Creation Engine

Key Highlights

    Lifelike Videos: Avatar IV, a new AI feature, creates highly realistic videos. Simple Input: Uses just one photo and voice to generate short, animated videos. Fast & Easy: Designed for speed and simplicity in video creation. Credit-Limited: Access and usage are tied to HeyGen subscription plans.

Overview: Avatar IV

Avatar IV is a revolutionary tool from HeyGen, a leader in AI video creation. It empowers users to produce quick, remarkably realistic videos using a single photo and voice input. This makes it ideal for crafting short, engaging messages like personal introductions or timely updates.

Core Features

Photo to Video

Transforms a single photo into an animated video with natural voice synchronization.

Realistic Animation

Includes lifelike facial movements and hand gestures for an immersive effect.

Format Flexibility

Supports various formats: portrait, half-body, and full-body options.

AI-Powered Engine

Leverages a diffusion-inspired audio-to-expression engine for nuanced animations reflecting vocal tone and rhythm.

How to Use Avatar IV

  1. Upload a clear photo.
  2. Write a script or upload an audio file.
  3. Select a preferred voice.
  4. Generate your video!

Videos are typically ready in seconds. Note: Avatar IV videos cannot be edited in HeyGen Studio, and usage limits apply based on your subscription plan.

Comprehensive Report: Avatar IV

An In-depth Examination (as of May 7, 2025)

Company Background

HeyGen, founded in 2020 by Joshua Xu and Wayne Liang, is based in Los Angeles. Specializing in AI-driven avatars for video generation, the company (formerly Movio) raised $60 million in June 2024, valuing it at $500 million. With over 40,000 customers and $35 million in ARR, HeyGen aims to democratize video creation.

Feature Introduction: Avatar IV

HeyGen Avatar IV launched the week of April 28, 2025, showcased in a May 1, 2025 webinar. It's a next-gen AI avatar engine transforming digital storytelling by enabling quick, lifelike videos from minimal input.

Functionality & Technology of Avatar IV

Avatar IV prioritizes speed and simplicity. It generates avatar-led messages (intros, updates) in seconds from one photo, script/audio, and voice.

Its diffusion-inspired audio-to-expression engine analyzes vocal cues (tone, rhythm, emotion) for photorealistic facial movements, head tilts, pauses, and micro-expressions from a single image. It also supports hand gestures and multiple formats (portrait, half-body, full-body). The multimodal voice-to-motion engine ensures natural expression beyond simple lip-sync.

Usage & Accessibility

Access "Photo to Video with Avatar IV" on HeyGen's homepage. Upload a photo, add script/audio, select voice, and generate. No complex setup or Studio editing needed. Integrates with Canva and offers educational resources like Udemy courses.

Limitations & Plan Restrictions for Avatar IV

Videos made with Avatar IV cannot be edited in HeyGen Studio (no "Edit as new" option). Usage is credit-limited per plan:

Plan Type Max Video Length Monthly Limit
Free 10 seconds 3 videos/month total
Creator 30 seconds 5 minutes/month total
Team 30 seconds 5 minutes/month total

Industry Context & Reception

Avatar IV competes with tools like Luma AI but stands out with its simplicity and realism. The launch was met with enthusiasm, featuring creator collaborations and live demos. User testimonials highlight HeyGen's quality. It's appealing for businesses expanding video libraries and localizing content.

Conclusion on Avatar IV

Launched in late April 2025, HeyGen's Avatar IV is a transformative feature for AI video creation. It allows users to produce short, lifelike videos with minimal effort, thanks to its diffusion-inspired technology supporting natural expressions and hand gestures. While powerful for real-time content, usage is credit-limited by plan. This overview is based on data as of May 7, 2025.

Social Buzz: What They're Saying About Avatar IV

汗青 HQ (@hq4ai)

HeyGen Avatar IV来了，我们这次有幸得到HeyGen的邀请进行提前试用，并制作了样片。
一个模拟主播的AI视频，全部使用HeyGen Avatar IV完成，核心亮点：
1. 口型的准确度
2.多角度支持，侧面完美
3. 除面部外，人物其他的肢体动作有自然的动幅（注意拿手机的动作）。
相比老版本提升很大
⬇️继续

Joshua Xu (@joshua_xu_)

🆕 NEW: HeyGen Avatar IV is here.
Our most advanced AI avatar model yet.

📸 One photo.
📝 One script.
🎧 Just your voice.

Most avatars sync to your words. Avatar IV interprets them.

Built on a diffusion-inspired audio-to-expression engine, it analyzes your vocal tone, rhythm,…

Markandey Sharma (@TechByMarkandey)

🚨 BREAKING: HeyGen just dropped Avatar IV.

Turn one photo + a script into a studio-quality video in seconds.

It's fast, realistic, and scary good.

Here's how it works:

Angry Tom (@AngryTomtweets)

It's over.

HeyGen just dropped Avatar IV, a new model that creates realistic videos from a single photo and a script.

No words... This is 100% AI

Here's how it works: (step-by-step)

Jeff_synthesized (@JeffSynthesized)

Fur Real News.
Talking animals in AI have been nearly impossible—until now.
With early access to Heygen's new Avatar IV, I made this highbrow little film.

4K YouTube link here: https://t.co/SfpdNXj9yA

Thanks to @HeyGen_Official for the extra access so I could finish it.

el.cine (@EHuanglu)

can you still tell what's real?

not anymore.

HeyGen just dropped Avatar IV, it can make anyone talk anything with human like expression and movement

the lines between real and AI is gone

step by step tutorial:

Key Citations