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 custom 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.

Video Requirements for Custom Avatar Creation

To create a custom avatar, you'll need to submit two videos during the creation process:

1. Training Video
This is a self-recorded video that serves as the foundation for generating the custom avatar. It captures your facial features, voice, and mannerisms, enabling the platform to replicate your appearance and speaking style as much as possible.
2. Consent Video
In this video, you formally grant permission to use your likeness for creating an avatar.


Detailed guidelines for preparing each of these videos are provided in the following sections of this article, as part of the relevant steps.

Creating a Custom Avatar

Before starting, refer to the sections Best Practices for Filming and Recording a Video for guidelines on how best to film yourself. See the Video File Specifications section for details on the required format and other technical specifications for the two videos you'll be uploading.

1. In the Studio, select Avatar in the sidebar.
2. Select the Custom (Beta) tab.
3. Click Create Avatar.
▶ Note the number of custom avatar credits remaining in your account.
  Step_1_new.png
4. Watch the SundaySky video for guidelines on how best to film yourself.
  Watch_video.png
5. After watching the video, click Next at the bottom of the wizard.
6. Record a 2-minute video of yourself: speak naturally for one minute on any topic and then demonstrate active listening for another minute. See Custom Avatar—Filming Tips for specific instructions.
▶ Click this script if you'd like a ready-made script to read from.
  this_script.png
 
Click to see how to use the ready-made 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 enable automatic scrolling and adjust the speed using the drop-down menu at the bottom right.

Use_script.png
7. Upload the training video that you recorded.
  Upload_video_file.png
  The training video is uploaded.
▶ This is the first of two videos that you need to submit.
  File_is_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.
  Checklist_marked.png
9. After ticking all the boxes, click Next at the bottom of the wizard.
10. Record the consent video.
▶ Click View script to display the text you need to read aloud in the recording.
  View_script_for_consent.png
11. Upload the consent video that you recorded.
  Upload_consent_video.png
  The consent video is uploaded.
▶ This is the second of two videos that you need to submit.
  Consent_video_uploaded.png
12. Click Next at the bottom of the wizard.
13. After carefully reading the consent terms and conditions, mark the read and accept checkbox.
  Accept_the_terms.png
14. Click Provide consent at the bottom of the window.
15. Enter a name for the new custom avatar.
  Give_avatar_name.png
16. Click Create to begin the avatar creation process.
▶ After clicking Create, one custom avatar credit is 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_new.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_added.png

Best Practices for Filming

Setting the Scene
Camera and Microphone
Hair and Clothes
Filming Yourself

Setting the Scene
1. The filming space should be quiet, free from background noise or echo.
2. The background should be clean and uncluttered, with no moving objects or people passing through.
3. Ensure the space has good lighting and contrast.
4. Your face should be evenly lit, without any shadows.
Camera and Microphone
1. The camera should be at eye level.
2. The camera lens must be clean and free of smudges.
3. Disable any camera effects, such as custom backgrounds or background blur.
4. If using a microphone, make sure it does not block your mouth or face.
5. Avoid recording with video conferencing apps (Zoom, Teams, Webex, Google Meet, etc.) as they reduce recording quality.
6. Do not use wireless earbuds (such as Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds) during recording, as they will diminish both audio and visual quality.
Hair and Clothes
1. Keep your hair from blocking your face.
2. Ensure your hair is fixed in place, with no stray strands or gaps between your hair and head.
3. Minimize accessories.
4. Avoid wearing a hat.
5. Ensure a contrast between your hair and clothes.
6. Do not wear high-collar shirts (such as turtlenecks), as these may interfere with the avatar creation process.
7. Avoid clothing with complicated patterns, and ensure your clothing colors contrast with the background.
8. Avoid wearing short-sleeve or sleeveless clothing—arms should be covered.
Filming Yourself
1. Film in landscape (horizontal) orientation, not portrait (vertical).
2. Film yourself from the waist up to ensure your mouth movements are visible.
3. Keep your arms close to your torso with no gaps.
4. Look directly into the camera and maintain eye contact throughout the recording.
5. Speak at a natural pace; do not rush.
6. Pause for half a second and close your lips fully at the end of each sentence for more accurate lip sync.
7. Keep movement to a minimum—avoid sudden jerks or turns.
8. Avoid using exaggerated hand gestures.
9. If you do move your hands, the avatar will also move its hands. For this reason, use subtle movements so that the avatar can be used in a variety of contexts.

Video File Specifications

Format Maximum File Size Resolution Frame Rate (FPS)
MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec
WebM with VP9 video codec
MOV (QuickTime) with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. Note that the HEVC codec is not supported for this file format.		 500 MB Minimum 720p 30 recommended
24–60 acceptable

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 QuickTime Player
1. Click the Launchpad icon and select QuickTime 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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