HeyGen Video Agent — Official Prompt Guide (Complete)
Source: https://www.notion.so/heygen/Video-Agent-Prompt-Guide-2e6449792c69801d9353c885aad92c9e
Core Philosophy
"Video Agent isn't magic; it's a production partner that executes your creative direction." "The more specific you are about content, style, media types, and scene structure, the closer you'll get to exactly what you envision."
Three UI Controls
- Avatar — select specific avatar, Auto mode, or "no avatar" for voice-over only (MUST explicitly say "no avatar" in prompt)
- Duration — 30s, 1min, 2min, or Auto (agent follows prompt/script for length, not forced)
- Aspect Ratio — Portrait or Landscape, or Auto
Prompting Hierarchy (Basic → Advanced)
Level 1: Basic Prompt
Describe the content you want delivered:
- "Introduce HeyGen to knowledge workers, talk about its Talking Avatar models"
- "Make a compliance training video and explain phishing in detail"
Level 2: Script-Driven (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)
Paste a full video script. Agent follows scene-by-scene while improving flow, timing, and visuals. This is "the single biggest upgrade most people miss."
Level 3: Scene-by-Scene (Maximum Control)
Scene 1: [Scene Type]
Visual: [Describe exact visual]
VO/Script: "[What the avatar says]"
Duration: [Approximate length]Attachments
- Images, videos, product screenshots, diagrams
- PDFs, documents (agent extracts key info)
- Upload own photo → agent uses as talking avatar
- ALWAYS add context: "Use the attached screenshots as B-roll when discussing features"
The "Catchall" Style Block (Personal Favorite of HeyGen Team)
Use minimal, clean styled visuals. Blue, black, and white as main colors.
Leverage motion graphics as B-rolls and A-roll overlays. Use AI videos when necessary.
When real-world footage is needed, use Stock Media.
Include an intro sequence, outro sequence, and chapter breaks using Motion Graphics.Style Descriptor Presets
| Style | Best For | Prompt Addition |
|---|---|---|
| Minimalistic | Corporate, Tech, SaaS | "Use minimalistic, clean visuals with lots of white space" |
| Cartoon/Animated | Education, Kids content | "Use cartoon-style illustrated visuals" |
| Bold & Vibrant | Marketing, Social | "Use bold, vibrant colors and dynamic visuals" |
| Cinematic | Brand films, High-end | "Use cinematic quality visuals with dramatic lighting" |
| Flat Design | Modern, App demos | "Use flat design style with geometric shapes" |
| Gradient Modern | Tech, Startup | "Use modern gradient backgrounds and sleek transitions" |
| Retro/Vintage | Nostalgia, Creative | "Use retro-inspired visuals with warm tones" |
Color Specification
- Exact hex codes: "Use #1E40AF as primary blue, #F8FAFC as background white, #0F172A for text"
- Brand colors: "Stick to our brand colors: coral (#FF6B6B), navy (#2C3E50), cream (#FFF5E6)"
- Font families: "Use Inter font family throughout"
- WHY: Without defined style, visuals look inconsistent scene-to-scene
Media Types
Motion Graphics
Animated text, icons, charts, shapes, transitions.
- A-roll overlays: lower thirds, bullet points, animated callouts
- B-roll scenes: animated explanations, data viz, process flows
- Chapter cards: section breaks, intros, outros
- Information display: statistics, comparisons, timelines
AI-Generated Images & Videos
- Conceptual illustrations, abstract concepts
- Custom scenarios stock can't cover
- Stylized visuals in particular artistic style
- Product mockups in various contexts
Stock Media
Real-world footage from stock libraries.
- Authentic scenes (offices, cities, people)
- Industry-specific (medical, manufacturing, retail)
- Emotional moments, human connection
- Establishing shots, locations
Media Type Decision Matrix
| Content Type | Motion Graphics | AI Generated | Stock Media |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data/Statistics | ✅ Best | ❌ | ❌ |
| Abstract Concepts | ✅ Good | ✅ Best | ❌ |
| Real Environments | ❌ | ⚠️ Can work | ✅ Best |
| Brand Elements | ✅ Best | ❌ | ❌ |
| Human Emotions | ❌ | ⚠️ Uncanny | ✅ Best |
| Custom Scenarios | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Best | ⚠️ May not exist |
| Technical Diagrams | ✅ Best | ❌ | ❌ |
Example Prompts (Steal These)
Compliance Training
"Use a professional female avatar. Make a compliance training video explaining phishing in detail. Use examples and list top watch-outs. Leverage motion graphics as A-roll overlay and B-roll to help explain core concepts."
Educational Explainer (Voice-Over Only)
"Create a 1-minute video about camera aperture. Use minimal science diagrams and visualizations. No avatar needed, only voice-over. Cool neutrals (navy, cyan), thin-line diagrams, and slow elegant motion. B-roll is abstract scientific illustrations. Sequencing: definition → diagram expansion → conceptual layering, with fade-through transitions."
Brand Story (Animated)
"Make a video telling the story of how Twitch got started. Use cartoon-style animations and overlays. I want Twitch's iconic colors and fonts. Use motion graphics overlays and AI-generated B-roll."
Community Pro Tips
Stack style instructions at the end
Put content/script first, then add all style directives (colors, motion graphics preferences, media type guidance) as a block at the bottom. Keeps creative intent clean and technical specs organized.
Save your catchall as a template
If you find a style combo that works, reuse it across all videos. Consistency builds brand recognition.
Iterate in conversation
Video Agent remembers context within a session. After first render: "make the intro shorter" or "swap the B-roll in scene 3 for stock footage" without re-prompting everything.