I’m always looking for ways to streamline my work. I figured that with the abundance of artificial intelligence marketing campaigns flooding my LinkedIn timeline, there could be a tool that helps capture content without the hassle of recording my own face.
I toggled through a couple different choices before ending up on D-ID, an AI-powered platform specializing in transforming still images into lifelike, talking video avatars. I was immediately amazed to learn I wasn’t the only person with content creation burnout.
D-ID leverages AI to create video avatars and a design studio that lets you produce professional videos with little technical know-how. The platform is available in over 100 languages, and aims to solve the problem of needing high-quality content creation with little to no budget.
What is D-ID?
D-ID was launched in 2017 by three co-founders: Gil Perry, Sella Blondheim and Eliran Kuta. It found success in the video generation sector.
The startup has just announced a new partnership with Microsoft, which brings AI-powered avatars to its business tools. This will allow businesses to integrate the AI avatars into their apps for real-time interactions with customers.
How to use D-ID to create a talking AI avatar
Creating a D-ID digital avatar is pretty simple and straightforward, regardless of how you plan to use it.
- Head to D-ID’s website and create an account using your email address. You can start your 14-day free trial once complete if you aren’t ready to sign up for one of its plans (ranging from $5–$108/month on an annual plan).
- Once you’ve logged into your account, navigate to the Home dashboard. There is a sidebar to your left with all of the platform’s functions. Up top, there’s a Get Started section which includes tutorial videos.
- Below that you’ll see where you can create your Personal Avatar or scroll down to navigate through the pre-created avatars you can use. Keep scrolling to find more tutorials and case studies.
- Navigate to the left side, where the Video Studio tab lives. Click to that page, where you’ll see an orange Create Video button to start a new video project.
- Upload a high-quality image that you wish to animate. Make sure it’s clear and well-lit so that it’s easier for D-ID to process.
- Remember those avatars you saw a couple steps ago? Here’s where you can choose from one, or upload your own. After recently spending time with avatars to help with other aspects of my life, I was curious about D-ID’s avatars — and they look pretty realistic.
Creating an AI video starring your AI avatar
Once you have your avatar, here’s how to create a video content campaign:
- Script writing: Either pen something yourself or use a creative writing tool like Sudowrite to help out with a script that has a storyline and is hopefully also entertaining. Then, select a voice from the available options and a voiceover will generate for your script.
- Now you can adjust settings like background, animations or other visual elements to help the avatar feel more like your vision or better suit your needs.
- Preview your video and make any necessary edits. It’s always nice to review what you’ve created and see if there’s anything off. It took three attempts to get my avatar the way I wanted it, but your expectations may vary depending on your video or writing needs.
- Export it out. Once satisfied, export the video in your desired format and resolution.
If you find something you want to change, pop back in when you need to make a new video — your older avatars will still be there. This helps to keep a library of your creations on hand.
Who should use D-ID’s tools?
I find that sharing content across multiple platforms featuring my work can be a lot. The constant need for fresh looks, fits and energy to speak on topics is daunting — honestly, exhausting — over time. (If you’re a full-time content creator, I respect it.)
D-ID proves I’m not alone in feeling this way. It’s a great tool for marketers, educators, small businesses – really anyone who wants customizable features or wants to see how their writing comes to life through a close-to-realistic AI avatar.
In case you’re worried about fair use of images, I’m a fan of the company’s ethical AI development, which focuses on responsible AI, and the fact that its AI systems emphasize safety, transparency and fairness. Its blog contains many articles related to its stance on AI governance and security.
Honestly, this is an AI tool I see myself using for more than just streamlining processes. I could use it to practice speeches and fine-tune my tone, or even for content creation beyond education and advertising — like training, video messages for friends and family or fun narration.
However, it’s pretty limited without a paid plan — I could only record a 10-word video, which isn’t ideal for creating or sharing meaningful content. Still, what I love most about D-ID is its versatility. A paid plan feels worth it to mitigate problems and spark inspiration
If you have any need to express yourself a little differently, this could be the way to go. And when it comes to safety, there’s peace of mind in sharing an avatar version of yourself – without truly putting yourself out there.
Sounds like a movie plot. I’d watch.
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