This New Video-Based AI-Powered Tool Lets You ‘Speak’ In Another Language

HeyGen, a generative AI video program, has unveiled a new feature that allows users to seamlessly translate their spoken content into different languages while maintaining perfect lip synchronization.

Traditionally, video translation involved the use of subtitles or dubbing, but HeyGen’s new technology aims to eliminate the need for these approaches. 

Users can now record a video in their native language, and HeyGen’s AI takes care of overdubbing the content in a language of their choice, with what it touts is “native-like fluency.” The program also superimposes realistic mouth movements on the video, creating a convincing illusion of the speaker using the chosen language. 

Currently, HeyGen supports translation into several languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Polish, Portuguese, and Hindi.

The company, which was originally called Movio before a rebranding in April, also recently launched a way to create a “personal deepfake” or an AI-generated video double that can say practically anything you type into a text field. Its founder, Joshua Xu, says this new product is “more than just a translation feature; it’s a new paradigm for content consumption.”

Since we released the video translation app last week, we've received lots of interests from the community. Big thanks to everyone for the feedback!

Video translation can play a pivotal role for YouTubers and the education sector. Think about it: breaking down language barriers… pic.twitter.com/moOZnzdICw

— Joshua Xu (@joshua_xu_) September 11, 2023

To experience it for yourself, you’ll need to record a video of at least 30 seconds up to a maximum of 5 minutes, in mp4, Quicktime, or Webm format, with a file size not exceeding 500 MB and upload it here.

So here at @HeyGen_Official, we've been working on a new AI feature to help creators and businesses translate their videos as simply as possible.

Step 1. Upload video
Step 2. Choose your language
Step 3. Submit

Here's a sample of @MKBHD, @elonmusk, @casey and Emma Chamberlain pic.twitter.com/Enoz8YDzWC

— Joshua Xu (@joshua_xu_) August 3, 2023

X user Jon Finger posted a test on Monday and the results, while still not completely natural-looking, were pretty astonishing.

Testing out @HeyGen_Official translation on French and German. I don’t speak either language so let me know if it sounds natural if you do.
I hope if you pay you can turn off the color correction.
It didn’t work on my phone so I had to upload on my pc.https://t.co/FMJp9sJEBI pic.twitter.com/iF5eONAQ3c

— Jon Finger (@mrjonfinger) September 11, 2023

In a reply, a native French speaker pointed out that the language Finger “spoke” was “technically perfect” but the accent was more French-Canadian or Québécois.

The potential impact of this technology extends to various industries, including content creation and localization. As HeyGen continues to refine its system, it could reshape the landscape of video translation and potentially impact industries like dubbing. And also, more deepfakes.

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Information for this story was found via HeyGen, Jon Finger on X, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.