Do you need a Custom Avatar?

We're offering custom avatars for our Enterprise plan users. If you are interested, you can send your inquiry here: https://www.veed.io/contact-sales

To create your Custom Avatar, follow this step by step guide. Review each section for more detailed information.

How to record your avatar.

After the recording is done, you just need to upload the footage into a VEED project and send us the URL. We will review the project for errors in a day and train the model. This process usually takes 2-5 working days. Then, your custom avatar will be ready in your enterprise user workspace.

The following document will outline the requirements necessary to record the best footage to produce a digital avatar. The avatar shoot does not take much time, but it’s advised that you follow these guidelines for the best possible outcome. Please follow the requirements carefully, as the quality of the footage and your performance on camera determines the quality of the avatar.

When we create your synthetic avatar, our team must be able to remove you from the footage, so a green screen or solid background is required for filming. Here are a couple of tips for how to achieve the best results in a green screen studio:

A good quality camera is critical. Make sure you shoot with a dedicated video camera or iPhone 12 or above (if using the back camera) and iPhone 13 or above (if using the front camera). Here is what you need to know about the technical setup of the camera:

The key is to have good lighting, sharp focus, and the correct exposure and white balance settings to avoid dark and/or grainy footage.

The way you frame yourself during the shoot is key for the best result. We allow two different framing options at the moment.

If using a phone camera, be sure to record horizontally in landscape mode, even if shooting a mid-shot.

Good lighting sets the tone and the feel for the look of the avatar and plays a significant role in the quality of the footage. To achieve the best outcome, a three point lighting setup with fixed, even illumination is recommended. It's very important not to have shadows, particularly across the face. Use a main key light at the front to illuminate yourself. This is positioned slightly to one side to add depth to the face.

Use a fill light on the other side of the camera in order to balance and avoid the shadows when available. The use of a backlight is also recommended as it further highlights and separates you from the background.

Example:

If you do not have access to a three point lighting setup, be sure to use a ring or key light to achieve as natural lighting as possible and avoid shadows on the face.

We use audio to train our AI algorithms to match your lip movement. Because of this, it's essential to have clear audio. Please make sure to keep background noise to an absolute minimum and no echo. A firetruck passing or office sounds, such as noisy air conditioning, can be problematic for the synthetic output.

Additionally, please make sure only you speak during the performance. For example, the camera person, if applicable, should not feed you lines. For the best outcome, use audio from a lapel microphone. If that is not an option, you can use camera audio. We're looking for 1-2 clear takes of you speaking into the camera and as little background noise as possible for each set of footage.

You’re free to wear whatever type of wardrobe you prefer.

Business casual attire may include: khaki or dress pants and a button-down or short-sleeved shirt with a collar; jacket, blouse, or modest dress or skirt.

Casual attire may include: khakis or jeans, short-sleeved shirt with a collar, plain tshirt, polo shirt, loafers, clean sneakers or sandals; sundress, long or short skirt, khakis or nice jeans, casual button-down blouse, plain t-shirt, polo shirt, flats or sandals.

Here are some additional tips on wardrobe and hair:

The performance is the most important element of creating a synthetic avatar. Make sure you are calm, relaxed, and not rushing.

We use two standard scripts along with a consent script (attached) to help us analyze how you move your face, mouth, and lips while speaking. It is important to deliver each script with a short pause and closed mouth after every sentence.

The two scripts should be recorded as one continuous, sequential shot, without any cuts or edits. This means that you should recite the script from start to finish as one sequence, without adjustment and then continue on to the next script. Though relatively minor, each cut produces slight body position and framing adjustments within the video, and the technology has a difficult time gaining an accurate representation of the talent’s speaking style as a result. As such, you should remain positioned in the same pose within the frame throughout the shot.

There should be no submitted takes in which you become distracted and stop performing. Even if you become confused, stumble over and/or miss a word, you should keep your composure and simply continue reading from the next convenient point in the script without breaking your performance.

You will get the best result if you’re familiar with the script and then deliver it to the camera with the assistance of a teleprompter, so it’s helpful to take time to review the script before your performance. The use of the teleprompter keeps the performance natural and your eye line direct to the camera. Subtle brow, cheek, and facial movement, in order to emphasize emotion, are acceptable but the performance should remain relatively neutral without looking too robotic. Remember, we are looking for a natural delivery with a positive expression and pauses (with a neutral mouth; lips closed) between sentences.

Don't be afraid to incorporate a bit more expression/emotion in your delivery of your scripts, particularly the second one. We'll often have the source actors for the stock avatars go through a few different takes, but the ones that seem to work the best for this are where they approach the first and second script like they're performing or reading in front of a class of elementary school students (slightly more heightened emotion, smiling, eyebrow movement, etc. than would otherwise be expected if performing the same scripts in front of a stuffy board of executives, for example). The more you implement your normal speaking style, the more the final results will look and sound like you.

Unless you are able to memorize each script, the performance will likely require a teleprompter to help deliver your dialogue. Just be sure to get comfortable with the scroll speed before you begin so that you don't have to adjust your position mid-recording as that will likely result in a break in your performance. Depending on the app, you should be able to just copy/paste the scripts directly into the application.

If using a phone to record your footage, we highly recommend the “Teleprompter for Video” app available via the Apple Store and Google Play. It’s one of the view teleprompter apps that allow you to shoot in 4k at 60fps from the front camera.

As we discussed, it's crucial for the overall quality of your avatar to ensure you record your footage in 4k at 60 fps. Here’s how you can adjust the settings in the Teleprompter for Video application to make sure you’re using the recommended settings:

We only need one clean take with no edits or instances where you become distracted and stop performing, but we would highly recommend that you provide at least two takes. Even if you become confused, please keep your composure and simply continue reading from the next convenient point in the script without breaking your performance. It is more important to provide a clean take in which performance is uninterrupted than it is to recite the script perfectly. The consent script and the additional two scripts should be read consecutively as one continuous sequence. Please review the scripts before your shoot. Being familiar with the content will allow for a smoother performance and delivery.

At the end of each line (indicated by 🛑 ) we ask you to briefly pause and close your lips with a neutral expression.

If you would feel more comfortable utilizing a non-English script in your native language or a language you’d feel more comfortable with, this is absolutely something we can accommodate. Please reach out to hello@veed.io so we can discuss alternative script options for you.

We do require a consent script be recorded by every user looking to create their own avatar. This script, along with the pass phrase, is to ensure that each recording we receive is associated with the account and is knowingly and voluntarily taking part in the custom avatar creation process. Once we receive confirmation that your invoice has been paid and you’re ready to move forward with filming, we’ll send you a unique pass phrase that can then be used to complete the consent script below.

We are currently in the process of finalizing the first iteration of our Expression Control feature. This feature will allow users to control certain expressions and emotions exhibited by their avatar. We're running Beta testing for users who are interested in creating their own avatars and having this feature available for use with the custom avatar after this feature is launched. There is no additional cost associated with this feature and is completely optional. As you’ll see below, this involves adding a few extra lines to the beginning of your performance (accompanied by a little acting). The Expression Control script requires you to recite the lines below along with the associated emotion/facial expression indicated in parentheses. The emojis and associated words in parentheses ("Happy", for example) are just meant to direct how that line of dialogue is meant to be spoken. So, for example, you would recite the words, "I'm so happy to be here" in a generally happy and cheerful manner.

If you don’t wish to participate in the Expression Control beta, feel free to skip over that script.

My name is , and I hereby consent to use this video recording data to create a representation or likeness of myself in the form of a digital avatar. My unique passphrase is [PASS PHRASE]

😃 I'm so happy to be here! Thank you for inviting me! 😃 (Happy)

😞 I'm a little upset that I didn't get to go to the party... 😞(Sad)

😨 I don't think we should go in there... 😨(Scared)

😖 That's disgusting, how could you eat that? 😖(Disgusted)

😡Don't ever talk to me like that again! 😡(Angry)

😲 Woah! Can you believe they actually made it?! 😲 (Surprised)

😒 It must be nice to always get everything you want... 😒(Contemptful)

😔I completely understand where you’re coming from. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do. 😔(Sympathetic)

🛑

Hello, everyone! 🛑

Today, we’re going to go over how to create a highly effective email marketing campaign for prospects and customers.🛑

Marketing campaigns are not solely reliant on advertising and can include demonstrations, video conferencing, and other interactive techniques.🛑

And one of the most useful tools in your arsenal as a professional marketer is email. 🛑

Email marketing is the highly effective digital marketing strategy of sending emails to prospects and customers.🛑

You should use email to build upon an existing relationship with your subscribers and leads by providing relevant, valuable information that will help them take action on their goals.🛑

That’s right, email marketing isn’t just about you, or your company.🛑

It’s about your customer.🛑

If you keep this golden rule in mind, your subscribers will not only read your emails, but they will look forward to hearing from you every time.🛑

This guide is for those who’re ready to commit to email marketing and begin acquiring leads and generating sales, 24/7.🛑

We’ve covered the biggest question, “What is email marketing,” but haven’t gotten into why email marketing is so very important for your business.🛑

Let’s talk about that now…🛑

Despite the rise of social media and unsolicited spam email, email remains the most effective way to nurture leads and boost customer loyalty. 🛑

There are many reasons you should make email marketing one of your top priorities, but here are the top three:🛑

Number 1:🛑

Email is still the primary means of communication amongst professionals today. 🛑

Did you know that at least 99% of consumers check their email on a daily basis?🛑

That can’t be said of any other communication channel. 🛑

Number 2: 🛑

You own your list. 🛑

On any social media platform, your account, along with all your fans and posts, could be suspended or deleted at any time, for any reason, without notice. 🛑

However, you own your email list. 🛑

No one can take those leads away from you. 🛑

Your email list is one of your most valuable resources, and if you learn how to treat it right, the cost of doing so will pay for itself. 🛑

And, finally, Number 3: 🛑

Email just converts better. 🛑

People who buy products marketed through email spend 138% more than those who do not receive email offers. 🛑

In fact, email marketing has an ROI of 4,400 percent. 🛑

That’s huge.🛑

And if you are wondering if social media converts even better, think again: 🛑

The average order value of an email is at least three times higher than that of social media. 🛑

That’s why building a successful email marketing campaign is more important than ever for marketers today. 🛑

Now, let’s discuss some of the best practices businesses should consider as they’re devising their email marketing strategy: 🛑

Your first priority should be identifying your audience. 🛑

No matter what you sell, you need to have a clear idea of who your audience is in order to effectively communicate with them. 🛑

This might sound like an easy task — after all, one of your most important jobs as a business is understanding your brand’s demographic inside and out. 🛑

What’s key is digging deeper in order to identify segments of people within your audience so that you can send them more personalized emails that help increase engagement and generate greater ROI. 🛑

Next up is deciding what to write. 🛑

Now that you know who you’re writing to, it’s time to think about your content. 🛑

What do you want to say to your audience? 🛑

You’ll want to send emails with purpose that really speak to your subscribers. 🛑

So, always keep in mind what they signed up for. It might be helpful to outline some general content types you can include in your campaigns, so you can refer to it when designing your emails. 🛑

When it’s time for you to send a campaign, you can choose a few pieces of content you’d like to showcase based on who you’re sending to. 🛑

Before you start creating content from scratch, think about what you already have that your customers might find interesting, like a popular Instagram and Facebook post or an article written about your company. 🛑

Lastly, establish your sending frequency and goals. 🛑

There’s nothing set in stone about how often you should email your customers, but if you send too often, your subscribers are likely to tune out what you have to say or unsubscribe altogether.🛑

Some users that run a blog or news website might choose to send daily updates to their subscribers, while other users only send twice a month so subscribers stay excited about their emails. 🛑

We suggest sending an email at least once a month to keep your subscribers engaged, but don’t feel you need to commit to this immediately. 🛑

And be sure to look ahead and plan accordingly if you think your sending frequency will change for special events and holidays. 🛑

Today, email marketing is delivering huge returns for marketers willing to get started with it. 🛑

It doesn’t have to be too complicated. 🛑

Email is simply the best way to make sales online. 🛑

If you’ve been ignoring email marketing, it might be time to reevaluate your strategy. 🛑

Remember to focus on your top priorities but also understand that there’s no formula for this—it’s all about what works best for you and your company’s voice and style. 🛑

We hope this brief tutorial has helped you learn how to begin creating an effective email campaign and start achieving your marketing goals in 2021. 🛑

🛑

Hello. 🛑

Have you ever thought about the fact that relaxing in basins at the end of inlets really terminates the endless tests from your thoughts and removes them from the clouded box of your mind? 🛑

This is because carved symbols in a mountain will tend to hollow on the bank of an inlet that is irritated by a wild or eccentric person. 🛑

Some people believe that you can see it across the valley in plain sight. 🛑

But that doesn’t necessarily give them the right to steal coins from the Saudi mint, particularly on a Friday. 🛑

When a short brimless felt hat barely blocks out the sound of a Celtic violin, you should still be able to hear it. 🛑

If you fail to hear it, signage indicating endowments for industrial diamonds will annoy filth-spreading genies, making it difficult to do business with them. 🛑

Assuming you can avoid the filth-spreading genies, you should know that being bounced around quickly will annoy the disheveled taxi drivers and make them irritable. 🛑

Speaking of which, have you heard the joke about the public relations agent who asks the sports room, “When do television disc jockeys fight?” 🛑

He begins the question by making a high-pitched sound, annoying the short athletes along with their white blood plasma and an Islamic saint. 🛑

Before anyone had a chance to speak, the quick beige fox jumped in the air over each thin dog and landed on the other side of the room. 🛑

“He's foiled you again,” I thought. 🛑

But it was too late. 🛑

The fox is a master of creating chaos. 🛑

As I sat there in silence, I thought about whether I would buy the shy Eurasian footwear, cowboy chaps, or jolly earthmoving headgear. 🛑

As I pondered my decision, a hungry purple dinosaur suddenly ate the kind, zingy fox, the jabbering crab, and the mad whale and started vending and quacking. 🛑

Without tenure, Suzie would have to get rid of the dinosaur. 🛑

On the bright side, however, she would have all the more leisure for yachting, despite the fact that her publications are no good. 🛑

The beige hue on the waters of the loch impressed all, including the French queen, before she heard that symphony again, just as young Arthur wanted. 🛑

Once you’ve finished the filming process, you can upload the final results to your VEED Project. Just be sure to provide access to us at hello@veed.io and reach out to let our team know when the footage is ready.

The most important thing to remember about your recording (aside from the video specs, lighting, etc.) is that you maintain your "performance" through both Script #1 and Script #2, which are meant to be recorded consecutively without a break in between.

This means if you stumble over a word, mispronounce something, skip an entire sentence, etc. you just pick the script back up wherever is most convenient (you can even go back and read it again as well if you want) as though that stumble was your intention the entire time. Having done a ton of these, people just naturally want to get it perfect and have a difficult time not reacting (squinting, grimacing, scrunching their face, looking off-camera, rolling their eyes, etc.) when they don't get it right.

The words themselves don't really have much value for us outside of capturing a plethora of different mouth and facial movements, so you could technically spout nonsense into the camera for 8 minutes and we'd still get a decent result (you’ll see what we mean after reading Script #2).

These scripts are just meant to ensure that we capture as many of those mouth and facial movements as we can. The main thing is just getting 8-10 minutes, or however long it takes to read both scripts one after another, of footage with you looking into the camera (or close to it) and maintaining your performance throughout.