> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.descript.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Eye Contact

> Applying the Eye Contact effect adjusts your gaze to appear like you're facing the camera, even when you're reading from a script or notes off-screen.

Eye Contact uses AI to redirect your gaze to the lens, so a take you recorded while reading off-screen looks like you were talking straight to camera.

<Frame>
  <iframe src="https://fast.wistia.com/embed/iframe/5er32l5t6o" width="100%" height="400" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" />
</Frame>

<Note>
  **Usage note**

  On current plans, this feature uses **AI Credits**. Learn more about [tracking your Media Minutes and AI Credits](/billing-payments-plans/track-and-understand-your-media-minutes-and-ai-credits).

  Legacy and Sunset plans track usage differently. See our [Understanding your Legacy and Sunset plan](/billing-payments-plans/legacy-sunset) guide for details.
</Note>

## Before you start

* Make sure your video is correctly oriented before importing—Eye Contact won't work on sideways footage.
* Stay online while processing; the Eye Contact effect requires a network connection.

## Apply Eye Contact to a video

1. In the [scene editor](/visuals/scene-editor-overview), select your **video layer**.
2. In the hover menu, open the **Effects** tab and choose **Eye Contact**.

<Note>
  **Tip**

  Select a layer on the timeline and toggle the effect from the [Properties panel](/descript-tour/properties-panel) in the sidebar.
</Note>

<Frame>
  <iframe src="https://fast.wistia.com/embed/iframe/sbj9rkao3n" width="100%" height="400" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" />
</Frame>

## Tips for best results

* **Single person only:** The effect works when one clear face is in frame.
* **Keep the face prominent and well lit:** Avoid extreme side angles or full head turns.
* **If reading a script:** Keep your eye line close to the camera; large offsets won't apply.
* **Glasses:** Reduce glare with softer, angled lighting so eyes are clearly visible.

## Troubleshooting Eye Contact

If Eye Contact is not applying as expected, check the video file, framing, lighting, and subject movement.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Eye Contact doesn't apply to my video">
    Eye Contact may not work if your video uses a variable frame rate, includes multiple people, or the subject's face and eyes are not clearly visible.

    To fix this:

    * **Re-encode variable frame rate videos to a constant frame rate.** Use a tool like [HandBrake](https://handbrake.fr/): open the video, go to the **Video** tab, choose **Constant Framerate**, export the new file, then replace the original file in Descript.
    * **Use single-person footage.** Eye Contact works best when one clear face is visible in frame.
    * **Re-frame the subject.** Keep the face and eyes large, centered, and fully visible.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The results look unnatural">
    Eye Contact can look unnatural when the subject's face is too small, poorly lit, angled away from the camera, or obscured by glare from glasses.

    To improve the result:

    * **Re-frame the shot.** Keep the face large, centered, and mostly straight-on.
    * **Improve the lighting.** Use soft, even lighting and avoid strong backlighting or shadows.
    * **Reduce glare.** Adjust glasses, lights, or the camera angle so the eyes are clearly visible.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Eye Contact skips parts of my video">
    Eye Contact may skip sections where the subject looks far away from the camera, turns their head, or moves out of frame.

    To help the effect apply more consistently:

    * Keep head and eye movement minimal.
    * Place scripts or notes close to the camera's line of sight.
    * Keep the face and eyes visible throughout the clip.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>