heygen

Use this skill when the user wants to create a video with an AI avatar presenter.

309stars52forksUpdated 6/22/2026

API Development #deprecated #heygen #video-generation #api-integration #ai-avatars #content-creation

Security Assessment

Critical Risk(20/100)

Detected risks:

Data Exfiltration([references/assets.md] requests.post, [references/video-agent.md] requests.post, [references/photo-avatars.md] requests.post)

Secret Exposure([references/authentication.md] API_KEY=, [references/photo-avatars.md] api_key =)

Sensitive File Access([references/voices.md] .env, [references/assets.md] .env, [references/quota.md] .env)

Security Score20/100

About heygen

The HeyGen skill provides AI-powered avatar video creation capabilities through the HeyGen API. This deprecated skill has been superseded by two focused alternatives: 'create-video' for prompt-based video generation and 'avatar-video' for precise avatar and scene control. It remains available for backward compatibility but will be removed in future releases. The skill enables automated generation of talking-head videos, explainer content, and presentations using AI avatars.

This skill supports two primary workflows: a simple prompt-based approach using the Video Agent API, and a precise control approach using the v2 API for detailed customization. It integrates with HeyGen MCP tools when available, providing automatic authentication and request formatting. Users can generate videos from text prompts, check video generation status, retrieve download URLs, list account videos, and delete videos. The skill includes prompt optimization guidelines, visual style references, and support for captions, text overlays, and transparent video output for compositing.

Ideal for content creators, marketers, educators, and developers who need to automate video production with AI avatars. The skill is particularly useful for creating consistent video content at scale, generating multilingual presentations, producing explainer videos without filming, and integrating AI avatar videos into larger video production workflows through tools like Remotion. It operates on a credit-based quota system and requires a HeyGen API key for authentication.

FAQ

Why is this skill deprecated and what should I use instead?

This skill combines two different workflows which led to confusion. Use 'create-video' for simple prompt-based video generation, or 'avatar-video' when you need precise control over avatars, voices, scripts, and scenes. Both provide clearer, focused guidance for their specific use cases.

What's the difference between using MCP tools and direct API calls?

MCP tools (prefixed with mcp__heygen__*) handle authentication and request formatting automatically, making them easier to use. If MCP tools aren't available, you can fall back to direct HTTP API calls using the X-Api-Key header with your HEYGEN_API_KEY.

When should I use Video Agent vs v2 API for video generation?

Use Video Agent (prompt-based) for most cases where you want AI to handle the details. Only use v2 API when you need exact script control without AI modification, specific voice selection, different avatars per scene, precise timing control, or programmatic batch generation with exact specifications.

What environment variables are required to use this skill?

You need to set the HEYGEN_API_KEY environment variable with your HeyGen API key. This is used for authentication when making API calls.

Can I create videos with transparent backgrounds for compositing?

Yes, the skill supports generating transparent videos in WebM format, which can be used for compositing in video editing workflows and integration with tools like Remotion.

All Files

21 files

SKILL.md5.7 KB