Feature Update: We are discontinuing the standalone Personalized Video product from HeyGen Labs and integrating its capabilities into HeyGen’s core product suite! Below is an introduction to this updated product offering.
Personalized Videos are an exciting, new way to make your communication more engaging and effective. This guide provides an overview of HeyGen's Personalized Video tool, showcasing the exciting possibilities it brings to the table.
Already know all about Personalized Videos and ready to get started? Head over to this article: Personalized Video: Step One - Creating a Template.
What Are Personalized Videos?
Personalized Videos use dynamic elements to create a unique experience for each viewer. For example, you can address viewers by name or reference specific details about their needs or interests. These videos can be used in email campaigns, sales outreach, or even customer support. Think of it like sending a personalized thank-you card, but in video form.
Here is a sample email including a Personalized Video:
Once the recipient clicks the link or the GIF thumbnail in the email, they will be able to view the Personalized Video in a new tab.
How to Get Started with Personalized Video
Here’s a step-by-step overview on creating your first personalized video:
1. Prepare Your Tools
To get started, you'll need:
2. Plan Your Video
Before diving into production, decide:
What’s the goal of the video? (e.g., engaging leads, onboarding new users)
What personalization elements will you include? (e.g., name, company, recent activity)
What data will you need? Make sure the tool you’re using has access to the necessary data points.
3. Create a Template in HeyGen
Your video should have sections that can be customized.
For example:
An introduction: “Hi [Name],”
A middle section: “We noticed you [recent activity or interest].”
A closing: “We’d love to help you achieve [specific goal].”
Most tools will allow you to set up placeholders for these dynamic elements.
4. Gather Your Data
This is where integrations like Google Sheets or HubSpot come in. Consolidate important data from your CRM so it can automatically populate personalized details.
For example:
Name and email address from your contact list
Purchase history or engagement data
5. Automate via Zapier
Create two Zaps: one to automatically generate a video in HeyGen whenever a new contact is added to your contact list, and another to send the completed video back to your CRM.
6. Test Your Zaps
Before sending out your emails, test how it looks for different viewers. Double-check that the dynamic elements display correctly and that the video is engaging.
7. Send Your Videos
Once your videos are ready, it's time to send! Your chosen platform can handle sending the video to the right viewer automatically, our you can manually do so with Gmail Mail Merge.
Tips for Success
Keep It Short: Aim for 30-60 seconds.
Be Clear: Use simple language and visuals.
Focus on Value: Show how the viewer benefits from your message.
How API Credits are Calculated for Personalized Videos
Planning to send Personalized Videos in bulk? Personalized Videos created via Zapier / API are subject to HeyGen's API pricing plan. To learn how to utilize your API Credits for Personalized Videos, see the below use cases:
Totally Free Test Use Case:
What You Need:
HeyGen Plan: Free HeyGen tier.
HeyGen API Plan: Not Needed (10 free API credits included in all regular HeyGen Plans).
Zapier Plan: 14 free days on Zapier.
What You Get: Test 3 videos using free credits from HeyGen and Zapier.
Bare Minimum Usage:
What You Need:
HeyGen Plan: Creator HeyGen tier ($29/month).
HeyGen API Plan: Not Needed (10 free API credits included in all regular HeyGen Plans).
Zapier Plan: 14 free days on Zapier.
What You Get: Produce up to 40 videos of 30 seconds each using free API credits from HeyGen and Zapier.
Recommended Usage:
What You Need:
HeyGen Plan: Creator HeyGen tier ($29/month) or Team ($89/month).
HeyGen API Plan: Pro HeyGen plan (100 API credits, $99/month).
Zapier Plan: Basic Zapier plan ($29).
What You Get: Produce up to 375 videos of 30 seconds each with paid plans for HeyGen and Zapier.
Need more Personalized Videos? All you need to do is upgrade your HeyGen API Plan for additional API credits and adjust your Zapier plan for more task credits. No need to switch to the Team plan just to produce more videos!
Next Steps
With the right tools and a little planning, you can create engaging, customized content that resonates with your audience. Use this guide to get started, and remember—practice makes perfect!
To get started with Personalized Videos, check out our article: Personalized Video: Step One - Creating a Template.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I create unlimited Personalized Videos?
Unlimited video creation is available only through the HeyGen web app pricing. Personalized videos created via Zapier/API are subject to HeyGen's API pricing plan.
Will HeyGen handle sending emails?
HeyGen will no longer support email sending. Instead, HeyGen will focus on:
Generating videos
Returning the generated videos to you
Users can use their own CRM or email automation platform (e.g., HubSpot) to send personalized videos via email.
Can I create Personalized Videos by uploading a CSV?
The CSV upload functionality is temporarily unavailable in the HeyGen web experience. However, you can connect a Google Sheet to HeyGen via Zapier to create personalized videos. Follow this article link to start creating Personalized Videos today!
Can I upload an existing video and personalize part of the script ("Hybrid Mode")?
Support for uploading existing videos to create Personalized Videos is temporarily removed. We recommend using one of your existing Instant Avatars to create personalized videos moving forward.