Making a video should take minutes, not hours. That’s why we built Video Agent, HeyGen’s first prompt-native creative engine. With just a single idea, you can create a polished, publish-ready video, no timelines, no complicated editing. Whether you want to launch a TikTok ad, hook your audience on YouTube, explain your product, or share a UGC clip, Video Agent handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on the message.
You can check out the video guide below or review the rest of the article!
What is Video Agent?
Video Agent is HeyGen’s first prompt-native creative engine. Instead of editing on a static timeline, it constructs your video from the ground up, script, visuals, narration, and flow, all designed to feel intentional and polished.
With Video Agent:
The script is written. Your idea becomes a clear, compelling story.
Images are selected. Each scene is matched with visuals that fit tone and message.
Voiceover is added. Your script comes to life with natural, emotion-aware narration.
Edits and transitions are crafted. Pacing, cuts, and effects feel smooth and dynamic.
Subtitles and rhythm are finalized. Captions, timing, and flow are tuned for clarity and performance.
How to create a video with Video Agent
Open Video Agent from your Home page.
Select your avatar. The avatar's default voice will be attached automatically, but you can choose a different voice if you'd like.
Set up your Brand System (optional) to automatically apply your brand colors, fonts, logos, and style.
Choose your preferred workflow:
Chat Mode – Collaborate with Video Agent to review, refine, and fine-tune your video plan before generating.
Autopilot Mode – Let Video Agent automatically research, build the video plan, and begin generating your project with minimal interaction.
Click Options for your Script and Instructions
Select your desired video duration and choose the orientation that best fits your use case:
Landscape for YouTube, presentations, and desktop viewing.
Portrait (Mobile) for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and other vertical platforms.
You can also choose whether to enable Seedance:
Enabled: Uses AI-generated cinematic animated visuals that match your script, creating a more dynamic and creative video.
Disabled: Relies primarily on B-roll, stock footage, and uploaded media, making it a great option for more traditional or brand-focused videos.
Enter the exact script you want the avatar to say in the video.
Then add any specific instructions about the visual style, pacing, tone, scene structure, media, or motion design you want Video Agent to follow.
Upload any Attachements (images, videos, logos, documents, etc.) that you want Video Agent to incorporate into your video.
Best Practice: Before pasting your script into Video Agent, consider using a generative AI tool to refine your script and instructions. A well-structured, detailed prompt helps Video Agent better understand your creative intent and typically produces cleaner, more accurate, and more consistent results.
Generate your Video Plan. You can continue refining it with the agent as many times as you'd like, this step is completely free.
You can reply with feedback to adjust the plan, or simply type ‘Proceed’ to move forward. Once confirmed, HeyGen will create your full video.
Editing your video
Once your video has been generated, there are two ways to continue improving it, depending on the type of changes you'd like to make.
Option 1: Continue Chatting with Video Agent
For content or creative changes, simply describe what you'd like to modify in the chat.
For example:
Rewrite the script.
Change the voice or tone.
Replace an image or video.
Update a scene.
Modify the pacing.
Change the visual style.
Ask the agent to explain the root cause if something went wrong.
Video Agent will update the project and regenerate the affected content when needed.
How to edit a specific scene
Find the scene you want to modify.
Click Edit on that specific scene.
Enter a clear prompt describing the change you want to make.
Submit the prompt in the chat.
Example prompt
Update this scene by changing the background to a modern office. Keep the avatar, voice, script, and all other scenes unchanged.
Best practices
Clearly describe what should change and what should remain the same. For larger modifications, update one scene at a time and review the result before moving to the next scene.
This workflow reduces unintended changes and provides more consistent control over your final video.
Option 2 (Recommended for Final Refinements): Edit a Copy in AI Studio
Once your video is ready, select Edit a Copy in AI Studio.
AI Studio gives you full manual control over your project, allowing you to fine-tune every detail, including:
Script and text
Avatar scenes
Voice selection
Audio regeneration
Images and videos
Layout
Timing
Transitions
Captions
This is the recommended workflow for making precise edits before publishing your final video.
Best practice: Use Video Agent to quickly build and iterate on your project, then use Edit a Copy in AI Studio for the final polish and manual fine-tuning.
If you want to update the visuals, just click on the media to replace it. You can choose from HeyGen’s stock library or upload your own images. You can also add music to set the right mood and fine-tune your captions for clarity and performance.
Note: Editing in AI Studio only uses credits if your changes require re-rendering an avatar scene (such as modifying the script, avatar, or voice). Visual edits like media, layouts, captions, or timing do not require additional credits on their own.
Think of Video Agent as your AI producer. It creates the first complete version of your project. Most creators then spend a few minutes refining the final details in AI Studio.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, check out our other articles on how to create videos in HeyGen AI Studio!
How many credits does Video Agent use?
Credit usage depends on the generation mode you choose:
Standard Video Agent: approximately 30–40 credits per minute
Seedance Mode: approximately 90–120 credits per minute (around 3× the cost of Standard mode)
Please note that these values are estimates and actual credit consumption may vary depending on your video settings, generation mode, duration, and future product updates.
Usage limits by subscription type
Generating a video with Video Agent costs approximately 20 credits per minute. This is only an estimate, as the final credit usage depends on the content the agent generates, including AI B-roll, images, video assets, motion design, and other elements.
Before you start generating, Video Agent will display an estimated credit cost for your specific project.
For the moment, users on eligible legacy plans may still have access to Unlimited Mode once their credits are exhausted, although this mode may offer more limited capabilities.
For more details about credit usage, available modes, and current limitations, please review our Video Agent FAQ.