Note:
The custom avatar feature is currently in beta release. To participate and receive early access, please contact us through either of the methods below, depending on your plan. After receiving your request, a SundaySky representative will reach out and assist you with opting in.

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Overview

A custom avatar (known also as a replica) is a digital representation of a person, designed to simulate human-like behavior and appearance. Powered by AI, SundaySky's innovative creation tool enables the generation of a realistic, human-like avatar based on video footage. The avatar you create is based not only on your physical appearance but also on your voice.

The creation tool itself is a wizard, guiding you through the process step-by-step. The quality of the custom avatar is based primarily on the video recording that is supplied. To that end, this article also provides a range of best practices for how to film yourself.

Creating a custom avatar consumes one avatar credit. In order not to spend the credit unnecessarily and to ensure that the avatar you create is of the highest quality, we recommend that you review this article before starting the creation process so that you are best prepared for each step.

Currently, once created, a custom avatar cannot be deleted. The custom avatar you create can be used by all users of your account.


Creating a Custom Avatar

1. In the Studio, select Avatar in the sidebar.
2. Select the Custom (Beta) tab.
3. Click Create Avatar.
Note the number of avatar credits remaining in your account.
  Step_1.png
4. Watch the SundaySky video for guidelines on how best to film yourself.
  Wizard_step_1.png
5. After you have watched the video, click Next at the bottom of the wizard.
6. Record a video of yourself, speaking for 1.5–2 minutes.
Click View script to display the script we recommend you read.
Refer to Best Practices for Filming before you begin filming and Recording a Video for step-by-step instructions on how to record according to your operating system.
 
Click to see how to use the prepared script

If you are recording from a computer:
Drag the script window (using the three dots at the top) to the top center of your screen, as close as possible to the camera lens. By doing so, your eyes will stay focused on the camera while you read.
In addition, you can automatically scroll the content on the screen and set the scrolling speed using the drop-down menu at the bottom right.

Script.png

  View_script.png
7. Upload the video that you recorded.
See Video File Specifications for the exact requirements.
  Upload_video_new.png
  The file is uploaded.
  Training_video_uploaded.png
8. Review the checklist on the right side of the wizard and tick the boxes to confirm your video recording meets all the standards.
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9. After ticking all the boxes, click Next at the bottom of the wizard.
10. Record the consent video.
Click View script to see the text that you need to read in the recording.
  Consent_view_script.png
11. Upload the consent video that you recorded.
See Video File Specifications for the exact requirements.
  Upload_consent_file.png
  The consent file is uploaded.
  Consent_file_uploaded.png
12. Click Next at the bottom of the wizard.
13. After carefully reading the consent terms and conditions, check the read and accept checkbox.
  Accept_terms.png
14. Click Provide consent at the bottom of the window.
15. Enter the name for the new custom avatar.
  Avatar_name.png
16. Click Create to begin the avatar creation process.
After clicking Create, one custom avatar credit will be deducted from your account.
  The avatar creation process takes up to five hours. While the avatar is being created, the following indication is displayed in the Avatar Library.
  Processing.png
  After the process is completed, the new custom avatar is added to the Avatar Library and can be used in any video in your account.
  Chris_avatar_added.png

Best Practices for Filming

Setting the Scene
Camera and Microphone
Hair and Clothes
Filming Yourself


Setting the Scene
1. The space in which you film should be very quiet, without background noise or echo.
2. The filming background should be clear, without clutter, moving objects, or people moving through.
3. The space should have good lighting and contrast.
4. The face should be evenly lit without any shadows.

Camera and Microphone
1. Camera should be at eye level.
2. Camera lens should be clean and free of smudges.
3. If using a microphone, it should not block the mouth or face.
4. Do not record using Zoom/Teams/Webex/Google Meet or any other video conferencing app as those programs reduce the recording quality.
5. Do not record with wireless earbuds (Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds) in your ears. Doing so will diminish the audio quality and negatively affect the visuals.

Hair and Clothes
1. Hair should not block the face.
2. The hairstyle should be fixed in place, without stray strands or gaps between the hair and the head.
3. Accessories should be kept to a minimum.
4. Do not wear glasses or a hat.
5. There should be a contrast between the hair and clothes.
6. Do not wear a high collar shirt (for example: turtleneck) that covers the neck. Doing so can cause the avatar creation process to fail.
7. Avoid fabrics with complicated patterns; clothing colors should be distinct from the background.
8. Arms should not be bare.

Filming Yourself
1. Film yourself only from the waist up so that your mouth movements will be clear.
2. There should not be a gap between the arms and torso.
3. Look directly into the camera. As you record, keep your eyes on the camera.
4. Do not rush when you speak; keep a natural pace.
5. Keep movement to a minimum; avoid jolts and turns.
6. Do not use active hand gestures.
7. If you do move your hands, the avatar will also move its hands. For this reason, it's important to use subtle movements so that the avatar can be used in a variety of contexts.
8. It is very important to pause for a half second and fully close the lips at the end of each sentence. This results in a more accurate lip sync.

Video File Specifications

Duration Format Maximum File Size Resolution Frame Rate (FPS)
At least 1 minute (1.5–2 minutes is optimal)* MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec
WebM with VP9 video codec
500 MB Minimum 720p 30 recommended
24–60 acceptable


* Applies only to the main video, not the consent video.


Recording a Video

Windows
Mac
Converting to MP4


Windows—Using the Camera App
1. Click the Start button, type Camera, and select the Camera app.
2. Click Video on the right side to switch to video recording mode.
3. Click Take video on the right side to start recording.
4. Record the video.
5. Click the red button on the right side to stop the recording.
  The video file is saved in the Camera roll folder.

Mac—Using Quick Time Player
1. Click the Launchpad icon and select Quick Time Player.
2. In the top menu, click File and then select New Movie Recording.
  A window with a preview of the webcam is displayed.
3. Click the small arrow next to the red record button to select the camera and quality.
4. Click the red record button to start recording.
5. Record the video.
6. Click the red button to stop the recording.
7. Save the video.

 

Converting to MP4
If you need to convert your video file into an MP4 file, you can use an online converter such as CloudConvert or Convertio.

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