| name | avatar-video |
| description | Create AI avatar videos with precise control over avatars, voices, scripts, scenes, and backgrounds using HeyGen's v2 API. Use when: (1) Choosing a specific avatar and voice for a video, (2) Writing exact scripts for an avatar to speak, (3) Building multi-scene videos with different backgrounds per scene, (4) Creating transparent WebM videos for compositing, (5) Using talking photos as video presenters, (6) Integrating HeyGen avatars with Remotion, (7) Batch video generation with exact specs, (8) Brand-consistent production videos with precise control.
|
| homepage | https://docs.heygen.com/reference/create-a-video |
| allowed-tools | mcp__heygen__* |
| metadata | {"openclaw":{"requires":{"env":["HEYGEN_API_KEY"]},"primaryEnv":"HEYGEN_API_KEY"}} |
Avatar Video
Create AI avatar videos with full control over avatars, voices, scripts, scenes, and backgrounds. Build single or multi-scene videos with exact configuration using HeyGen's /v2/video/generate API.
Authentication
All requests require the X-Api-Key header. Set the HEYGEN_API_KEY environment variable.
curl -X GET "https://api.heygen.com/v2/avatars" \
-H "X-Api-Key: $HEYGEN_API_KEY"
Tool Selection
If HeyGen MCP tools are available (mcp__heygen__*), prefer them over direct HTTP API calls — they handle authentication and request formatting automatically.
| Task | MCP Tool | Fallback (Direct API) |
|---|
| Check video status / get URL | mcp__heygen__get_video | GET /v2/videos/{video_id} |
| List account videos | mcp__heygen__list_videos | GET /v2/videos |
| Delete a video | mcp__heygen__delete_video | DELETE /v2/videos/{video_id} |
Video generation (POST /v2/video/generate) and avatar/voice listing are done via direct API calls — see reference files below.
Default Workflow
- List avatars —
GET /v2/avatars → pick an avatar, preview it, note avatar_id and default_voice_id. See avatars.md
- List voices (if needed) —
GET /v2/voices → pick a voice matching the avatar's gender/language. See voices.md
- Write the script — Structure scenes with one concept each. See scripts.md
- Generate the video —
POST /v2/video/generate with avatar, voice, script, and background per scene. See video-generation.md
- Poll for completion —
GET /v2/videos/{video_id} until status is completed. See video-status.md
Quick Reference
When to Use This Skill vs Create Video
This skill is for precise control — you choose the avatar, write the exact script, configure each scene.
If the user just wants to describe a video idea and let AI handle the rest (script, avatar, visuals), use the create-video skill instead.
| User Says | Create Video Skill | This Skill |
|---|
| "Make me a video about X" | ✓ | |
| "Create a product demo" | ✓ | |
| "I want avatar Y to say exactly Z" | | ✓ |
| "Multi-scene video with different backgrounds" | | ✓ |
| "Transparent WebM for compositing" | | ✓ |
| "Use this specific voice for my script" | | ✓ |
| "Batch generate videos with exact specs" | | ✓ |
Reference Files
Core Video Creation
Video Customization
Advanced Features
Integration
Foundation
Best Practices
- Preview avatars before generating — Download
preview_image_url so the user can see the avatar before committing
- Use avatar's default voice — Most avatars have a
default_voice_id pre-matched for natural results
- Fallback: match gender manually — If no default voice, ensure avatar and voice genders match
- Use test mode for development — Set
test: true to avoid consuming credits (output will be watermarked)
- Set generous timeouts — Video generation often takes 5-15 minutes, sometimes longer
- Validate inputs — Check avatar and voice IDs exist before generating
