Synthesia, a London-based artificial intelligence firm backed by Nvidia, has introduced a new technology called “Expressive Avatars” that can convey human emotions using a user’s text inputs. These AI-generated digital avatars aim to revolutionize the video production process by eliminating the need for cameras, microphones, actors, and lengthy edits. The technology is already being used by over 55,000 businesses, including half of the Fortune 100, to create digital avatars for various purposes such as corporate presentations and training videos.
Founded in 2017, Synthesia has raised $90 million in funding and is valued at around $1 billion, making it one of Britain’s most recent AI “unicorn” firms. Investors in the company include Accel, Kleiner Perkins, GV, FirstMark Capital, and MMC. Synthesia has addressed concerns about potential misuse of its technology to create fake news content by requiring publishers to sign up as enterprise customers. Additionally, all content created using its technology is vetted by moderators to ensure authenticity.
In preparation for upcoming global elections, Synthesia has implemented a range of controls to prevent its platform from being misused by hostile actors seeking to manipulate the outcome of votes. The company also participates in the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, an organization that aims to provide content credentials and digital “watermarking” for AI-generated content to distinguish between content created by artificial intelligence and that created by humans. This initiative aims to increase transparency and authenticity in the digital content landscape.
The technology developed by Synthesia involves training actors to read scripts in front of a green screen, which is then used to create AI-generated avatars that can accurately convey human emotions based on text inputs. The company demonstrated this capability by inserting three lines of text — “I am happy. I am sad. I am frustrated” — into its platform, and the AI-generated avatar responded by reading the text in the corresponding emotional tones. This innovation has the potential to significantly streamline the video production process and reduce costs for businesses.
Synthesia does not publicly disclose its pricing for enterprise customers and requires all new clients to undergo a thorough “Know Your Customer” process to prevent bad actors from creating fake company profiles for spreading misinformation. The company’s technology has numerous applications beyond corporate presentations, including in the entertainment industry, education, and customer service. By offering a solution that can create lifelike avatars capable of expressing emotions, Synthesia is poised to revolutionize the way videos are produced and consumed in various sectors.
Overall, Synthesia’s Expressive Avatars represent a breakthrough in artificial intelligence technology, with the potential to transform the video production industry. By enabling users to create digital avatars that can accurately convey human emotions, the company is offering a valuable tool for businesses to enhance their communication strategies. With a focus on authenticity and transparency, Synthesia is working to ensure that its technology is not misused for creating fake news content and is taking proactive measures to prevent abuse of its platform in the lead-up to important events such as global elections.
