> ## 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.

# Troubleshooting Avatars

> Resolve avatar errors like failed safety checks and unsupported files.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="“Image failed safety check” error when uploading">
    This error appears when Descript’s automated safety system flags your uploaded photo. Most often, this is due to:

    * Celebrity likeness or public figure detection
    * Inappropriate content such as nudity

    Try uploading a different image featuring a human subject, facing forward, with neutral lighting and no image alterations.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“Content doesn't meet our guidelines” error during generation">
    This error indicates the content in your script was flagged during generation. This is a separate audit from the image safety check that happens during upload.

    Moderation is handled by our model provider. Descript does not control the specific criteria used to flag content. If you encounter this error, revise your script, remove any potentially graphic or offensive content, and attempt generating again. If the issue persists, [contact support](/connect-with-us/get-help) for further help.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Unsupported file type error">
    Descript only supports JPEG, PNG, and WEBP image formats for avatar uploads. If your file is another type (like GIF or HEIC), it will be rejected. Convert your file to one of the supported formats and try again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Avatar not showing in the video">
    If your avatar doesn’t appear after assigning it to a speaker, it’s likely hidden behind other layers or not added visibly to the scene editor. We share steps for managing layer visibility in our [Layer visibility and order](/visuals/layer-visibility) guide.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Avatar disappears after script changes">
    Any time you make changes to your script, speaker, or assigned avatar, you’ll need to regenerate the avatar.

    This includes:

    * Editing the script or transcript
    * Switching AI speakers
    * Changing the underlying audio recording
    * Replacing or deleting the avatar image

    Once changes are made, click **Generate avatar** again to re-sync the animation.\\

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/descript-5bf56f3f/x_o3AVZ-HKjw1TIM/images/external/descript-35697975791373-ec9331054e.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=x_o3AVZ-HKjw1TIM&q=85&s=d86902596b5bb55400bfc3fec3acac75" alt="Generate avatar button in the Scene Editor" width="580" height="108" data-path="images/external/descript-35697975791373-ec9331054e.png" />
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My avatar is not being generated">
    If you have just assigned an avatar or made any script edits, click **Generate avatar** from the scene editor.\\

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/descript-5bf56f3f/x_o3AVZ-HKjw1TIM/images/external/descript-35697975791373-ec9331054e.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=x_o3AVZ-HKjw1TIM&q=85&s=d86902596b5bb55400bfc3fec3acac75" alt="Generate avatar button in the Scene Editor" width="580" height="108" data-path="images/external/descript-35697975791373-ec9331054e.png" />
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Avatar generation is taking a long time">
    Descript avatar generation happens only after you click **Generate avatar**. Longer videos may take some time to process. You don’t need to stay in the project, closing the tab won’t cancel generation.

    You’ll receive an email when your avatar is ready to review.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Avatar is missing from timeline exports">
    When exporting your Descript project to editing tools like Premiere Pro or Final Cut via timeline export (e.g., XML or AAF), avatar layers will not appear. This is expected behavior.

    Avatars are not represented in the timeline. They must be baked into a video file before export.

    To include avatars in your final project:

    * Export your composition as a video file (e.g., MP4) from Descript
    * Then import that video into your external editor for further work

    For more, see [Descript’s timeline export guide](/export-and-share/timeline-exports).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Using up too many AI credits">
    The AI credits required for avatars are calculated based on your total length of spoken audio and not just the parts where the avatar is visible.

    Each time you generate, your available AI credits are updated. You can check your balance in the [**Usage** tab of your account settings](https://help.descript.com/hc/en-us/articles/29135893572237).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="File exceeds size limit 10MB">
    Currently, only image files up to 10MB are supported. Please reduce your file size and try uploading again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Visual artifacts or objects in my avatar video">
    In some cases, you might notice unexpected visual elements, like flickering lines or shapes near the bottom of the screen or around the hands of an avatar during playback.

    * Add a gradient background.
    * Include a captions layer.
    * Crop the frame slightly to remove the affected portion.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can my avatar animate hands?">
    Avatars created with the Kling models may include hand movements as part of the avatar generation. See [Avatars Overview](/generative-media/overview) for more info about available models.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>