When creating an Interactive Avatar, the quality of your footage is key. It's the foundation for the entire avatar, so be sure to follow these tips closely for the best possible outcome.
How to Film the Best Footage for Your Interactive Avatar
We offer two options to record your footage:
Upload a Google Drive or local video file
Record with your computer's webcam
Camera Quality: Please keep in mind that uploading your footage from a higher quality camera is the better option to create a higher quality avatar. While the back-facing camera of a modern smartphones is adequate to record footage, use a professional-grade camera for best results.
🛎️ Note: Interactive avatars currently do not support 4K output due to latency limitations.
Environment: Choose a very quiet space with good lighting and a simple background without too much detail.
Video Length: For an Interactive Avatar, we require you to submit 2 minutes of footage depicting the subject in three different ‘modes’: listening mode, speaking mode, and idling mode.
1. Listening (15 seconds) ‼️ This portion is SILENT ‼️
Purpose: To show active engagement.
Engage with facial expressions (e.g., raise eyebrows, smile) to demonstrate you are attentively listening while being completely silent.
2. Talking (90 seconds)
Purpose: To convey your message.
Speak clearly and confidently, ensuring your message is concise and to the point.
3. Idling (15 seconds) ‼️ This portion is SILENT ‼️
Purpose: To show attentive presence.
Maintain a neutral expression and simply nod occasionally (without additional facial expressions) and be completely silent.
Key Differences:
Listening: Show active engagement through facial expressions, as if you are listening attentively.
Idling: Keep a neutral demeanor and only nod, demonstrating attentive presence without extra expressions.
⚠️ Important Note: Try to maintain the same body position throughout the entire 120 seconds of your input video. Consistency is crucial because sudden shifts or changes in posture can disrupt the final output, making the avatar’s movements look unnatural. Stay still and avoid sudden head motions or unnatural body movements.
Resolution: We recommend filming in 1080p for higher avatar quality. 4K at 60FPS is even better.
Continuous Shot: Do not edit or cut the footage in the middle. It should be a continuous shot.
Eye Contact: Maintain direct eye contact with the camera at all times. Avoid looking around or up and down during the recording.
Hand Movements: We recommend keeping your hands mostly out of frame while filming a Interactive Avatar. If you choose to include your hands in the footage, keep them below chest level, and try to keep them mostly in a clasped or still position. Do not make exaggerated gestures while filming.
Pauses: Take pauses with lips closed between sentences and look at the camera.
For a visual explainer on how to create the best possible interactive avatar, please watch this short video.
Once you've created the best possible footage, learn how to set up your Interactive Avatar in our Interactive Avatar 101: Creation and Use Guide article.