HeyGen, an AI startup, announced on Monday that it had integrated its avatar model into OpenAI’s Sora models. This created a revolutionary talking avatar technology powered entirely by AI.
Joshua Xu is the co-founder and CEO at HeyGen. He stated that these virtual characters can blend seamlessly into Sora’s generated environments and in some ways, even surpass real actors.
Video shooting traditionally relied on actors, which was expensive and required reshoots to make adjustments. This new technology allows users to fine-tune avatars’ movements, expressions and postures without having to refilm. This flexibility reduces costs and speeds up production cycles. Video length is not restricted, allowing creators the freedom to create extended works.
HeyGen’s virtual characters are not based off of real people, but are AI-generated characters.
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HeyGen, formerly known as Surreal, was founded in Shenzhen in China in 2020. It moved its headquarters in Los Angeles to 2022. HeyGen is one of a growing number startups that use generative AI in order to make video production more affordable and efficient.
A video of Taylor Swift, the renowned American singer, speaking Mandarin on the internet took off in October 2023. HeyGen’s AI video generation technology is responsible for this impressive achievement.
HeyGen will receive $60 million in Series-A funding by June 2024. This will bring its valuation up to $500 million. Benchmark led the round with participation from Thrive Capital and BOND. Conviction and other investors also participated. Sign up for 5 articles free per month !