Descript lets you create AI avatars that animate in sync with your speaker’s voice. Upload your own photo, generate an avatar from a text prompt, or use an image as a base and customize it with a prompt to create a unique look.

This article covers three ways to create a custom avatar:

• Creating a custom avatar from scratch
• Turning an uploaded image into an avatar
• How to include an image with a prompt

Plus:

• How to save your avatar images
• Avatar generation workflow and timing
• How to update or change an avatar in your composition
• Best practices for using custom avatars

Create a custom avatar with a text prompt

Create a new avatar by entering a description and Descript will generate a unique image based entirely on your prompt.

1. Assign a speaker to your script.
2. Click the speaker label and choose Assign avatar to [speaker name].
   
3. Click the Create a custom avatar button.
   
4. In the Text prompt tab, enter a description to generate an avatar, or click the Inspire button to use a suggested prompt. For best results, describe a realistic, human-like figure.
5. (Optional) Choose a style for your avatar from the available options in our style library.
   
6. Descript will generate three avatar options. You can:
   • Select one of the images to apply, or
   • Continue iterating on your prompt. Previous generations remain visible as long as the avatar modal stays open.
7. Click Assign avatar to create the avatar and assign it to your speaker.
8. Once your script is finalized, click Generate avatar to animate the image and sync it with the speech audio.

Upload a photo to create your custom avatar

Upload a photo to use as your avatar. Be sure to reference the best practices for image guidelines that will yield the best results.

1. Assign a speaker to your script.
2. Click the speaker label and choose Assign avatar to [speaker name].
3. Click the Create a custom avatar button.
4. Click the Upload an image button and select a supported image file (.jpeg, .png, or .webp).
   
5. Click the Create button to complete the upload.
   
6. If you just want to use the photo with no additional changes, click the Assign avatar button in the bottom right-hand corner.

If your photo doesn't meet formatting or safety requirements, Descript will prompt you to upload a different one.

Add an image to your prompt

Want to give your avatar a new look while keeping the same base image? In the preview pane on the right side of the avatar window, hover over the image and click Add image to prompt. This adds the image to your text prompt, and Descript will generate your next avatar using both the prompt and the attached image.

To see the entire workflow from start to finish, check out the tutorial video below:

Save your avatar images

To keep a copy of any generated avatar image, click the Download icon. Saved avatar images can be uploaded to use as a base for a new avatar or restyled with a new prompt.

Manage or update custom avatars

To update a custom avatar, click the speaker label and choose Update speaker’s avatar. This updates the avatar across your project while preserving its size, position, and visibility in the scene editor.

Best practices for using custom avatars

Whether you’re uploading a photo or generating an avatar from a text prompt, use a clear, human-like face with even lighting and a relaxed, natural expression. Avoid using images or prompts that include animals, objects, or abstract characters—they won’t animate reliably.

Head position and framing

Glasses, mouth, and eyes

Background, foreground, and lighting

File upload requirements