Bring your Photo Avatar to life with HeyGen’s Single Scene tool. Whether you need a simple talking-avatar video or a more creative cinematic sequence, Single Scene gives you two different ways to animate your avatar: Presenter Mode and Cinematic Mode.
Presenter Mode, powered by Avatar V, is ideal when speech and natural delivery are the focus, with your avatar facing the camera directly and speaking like a presenter.
Cinematic Mode, powered by Seedance, gives you more creative control over movement, performance, camera behavior, and the overall scene.
Use Single Scene for anything from presentations, training videos, and product explainers to social content, cinematic intros, storytelling, and creative character performances.
1. Create Your Photo Avatar
First, create a Photo Avatar from the Avatars section.
👉 Learn how to create a Photo Avatar here: How to Get Started with Photo Avatars
Once your avatar is ready, you can use it to create your video. Simply hover over the avatar and select Quick Create to open it directly in the Single Scene tool and start creating your video.
2. Open Single Scene
From the Home page, select Single Scene.
Choose the Photo Avatar you want to animate, then add your script or audio.
3. Build your Single Scene : Presenter mode vs Cinematic mode.
Presenter Mode
Once you're in the Single Scene tool, you can choose between Presenter Mode and Cinematic Mode.
With Presenter Mode, once your avatar is selected:
Write your script or upload an audio file.
Select a voice for your avatar.
Choose your avatar engine — Avatar III, IV, or V.
Add a Custom Motion prompt to describe the gestures or movements you want.
Choose your orientation — landscape or portrait.
6.Click Generate to create your video.
Cinematic Mode
With Cinematic Mode, you can create a more dynamic single-scene Avatar Shot by describing exactly how you want your avatar to move and perform.
Select your avatar or media reference you want to use.
Add a prompt describing the action, gestures, camera movement, and overall atmosphere you want.
Click Generate to create your Avatar Shot.
The more specific your prompt is about the avatar’s movement and performance, the more control you have over the result.
Example prompt:
The avatar is seated on a royal throne. He naturally stands up, looks directly at the camera, smiles, and raises one hand in a friendly hello gesture. Smooth, realistic movement, cinematic camera, regal atmosphere.
Your generated Avatar Shot will then be available as a single-scene video.
Advanced Settings with the Single-Scene Cinematic Mode.
Enhance Prompt, when enabled, the system automatically improves and optimizes your prompt to help generate a stronger result.
Set up the Duration
Auto — The system automatically selects the duration that best fits your prompt.
Custom — Choose the exact duration of your Avatar Shot, from 4 to 15 seconds.
Presenter Mode — Key Specs
30 min maximum length
175+ languages
perfect for lip sync
0.3 credits/sec
Cinematic Mode — Key Specs
15 sec maximum length
360° camera control
supports 3+ references
60 credits per generation
FAQ
What is the difference between Presenter Mode and Cinematic Mode?
Presenter Mode, powered by Avatar V, is designed for traditional talking-avatar videos using a script or audio. Cinematic Mode, powered by Seedance, focuses on movement, performance, camera behavior, and visually dynamic Avatar Shots.
Does Single Scene work with any type of avatar?
Yes! You can use video-based avatars, public avatars, Photo Avatars, and even cartoon or stylized avatars with the Single Scene tool.
Can I use my own Photo Avatar?
Yes. Create your Photo Avatar first, then select it in Single Scene or use Quick Create directly from the Avatars section.
Can I upload audio instead of writing a script?
Yes. In Presenter Mode, you can use a written script or upload your own audio.
Can I control how my avatar moves?
Yes. In Presenter Mode, use Custom Motion to describe gestures. In Cinematic Mode, describe the complete action directly in your prompt.
How long can a Cinematic Avatar Shot be?
When using Custom Duration, you can select between 4 and 15 seconds. You can also choose Auto and let the system determine the best duration.
Where can I find my generated video?
Once generation is complete, your video will be available in your Projects.