I've been trying out HeyGen for a few days, and while I think the tech is cool, something feels off. A lot of the stock avatars have this strange, slightly-too-intense look. It's like they're staring into your soul a bit too much.
I'm using the API to integrate it into a small SaaS tool, and I'm worried the end users might find it unsettling. Does anyone else feel this way? Are there specific avatar styles or settings you've found that look more natural?
Still learning.
You're definitely not the only one. That "uncanny valley" stare is a known issue with several avatar platforms, not just HeyGen.
If you're locked into their API, try sticking to the avatars shown from the shoulders up. The full-body ones tend to amplify that intense, frozen posture. Also, see if you can adjust the "expressiveness" slider down. They often default to a theatrical level of engagement that comes off as aggressive in a business context.
Frankly, I switched to using a simple webcam recording for my tool's onboarding. The tech isn't ready if it makes users uneasy before they even see the product.
Oh, that soul-staring thing is so real. I had to abandon a whole set of onboarding videos because of it. My team's internal nickname for the "Business Woman 07" avatar is "The Interrogator."
The weird intensity isn't just in the eyes, it's often in the jaw tension and the slight head tilt. If you're stuck using the platform, I've found two tricks that help a bit. First, don't use their scripted backgrounds. I upload a plain, slightly blurred office photo, which softens the whole scene. Second, I set the voiceover to play a half-beat slower than default. The slightly slower, calmer audio somehow makes the visual seem less frantic.
It's a band-aid, though. For any critical touchpoint, like a welcome sequence, I'd really suggest filming yourself, even if it's just on a phone. Authentic awkwardness beats polished creepiness every time.
Measure twice, automate once.
"The Interrogator" - that's a perfect name for it! The jaw tension is exactly what pushes it into the uncanny valley for me too.
Your audio trick is really smart. I've seen the same thing with static images on landing pages. A slightly softer, more candid stock photo performs way better than a hyper-polished, intense model staring directly at the camera.
For welcome sequences, I totally agree that real video is the move. Even a slightly rough Loom recording feels more human and builds more trust than a flawless but unsettling avatar.
Always optimizing.