AI Video Cloning: A video editing dream or a sci-fi nightmare?
Introduction: The Clone Chronicles Begin
I embarked on a journey that would make even Dr. Frankenstein raise an eyebrow — I turned myself into an AI clone avatar. And eventually it turned out… surprisingly convincing.
Is it me or am I on vacation? AI Clone
We've witnessed creators dabbling in the art of cloning, creating virtual versions of themselves to take the stage when the real deal needs a vacation. The idea is intriguing, but let’s face it, a future where we all sit back and watch an AI clone seems not that appealing. Yet, as a video editor, I couldn't help but see the potential—cue the dramatic music…
The Cloning Process Unveiled: Hacks, Hurdles, and Hilarity
How to Clone Yourself in a Video - The Basics
Before you imagine me in a lab coat and goggles, let me spill the beans—I didn't craft this clone from scratch. I enlisted the help of a company, ELAI, for the dirty work. But here's the kicker: they asked that I film in a well-lit green screen studio. Problem? I didn’t own one. Cue my MacGyver moment. After Effects to the rescue! I hacked my way through, masking and replacing my very small Foldable Green Screen (that I used hundreds of times) with a fake, but convincing, background. What is more, they asked me to film in 4K and in at least 30 fps. They also asked for clear, studio quality audio. If you’re looking for a good Lav mic, I recommend the Hollyland Lark Max.
So in this scenario, if you're wondering how to clone yourself in a video, the answer is simple: enlist the help of professionals.
The Robot Pause Dilemma
Now, about the acting instructions—they wanted me to speak like a robot. Calm, minimal expressions, and 3-5 second pauses between each statement. I'm not saying I'm a drama queen, but reining in my expressiveness was a challenge. The first test I sent back, they told me of being "too expressive." Who knew robots had such high standards?
The Clone Unveiling
The first results…
After days of suspense, my AI clone was ready for its grand reveal. The first results were… well, quite disappointing.
I asked ELAI if they could try and make a better version. At the same time I reached out to another company – HeyGen. I recorded new footage and sent it to both companies. To ensure that the end result will be more natural, and less like a still image with moving lips, this time I included some hand movement.
Lip Sync Battles and Hand Movement Roulette
After a few days I got my avatars. The results? Definitely a lot better than the first try. Still, there were areas for improvement: the lip syncing was like a dance battle—entertaining, but not quite synchronized. The hand movements? Let's just say they were more random than my playlist on shuffle.
The Duel of the Clones
HeyGen took the crown for speed, rendering in 5 minutes, but ELAI's clone looked better. It was like choosing between the Flash and Superman — each with their quirks.
The Price of a Clone
Breaking the Bank for a Clone
Now, let's talk money. HeyGen charges $72/month plus a $1,000/yr for a personal avatar and additional $99 for a custom voice. ELAI is close behind, asking for $100/month and $859/year for custom avatars, plus an extra $200/year for a voice clone.
That is about $175 per month for the full avatar plus voice clone. Presently, the price tag seems to be reflective of the market, mainly because, we're dealing with a new technology. Now, will this pricing change and become more pocket-friendly in the future? I do believe so, but for now, it looks like it is more for the bigger enterprise firms who need to make tons of customer service videos very fast.
Now, onto the Creator Replacement... It turns out, the crowd isn't exactly throwing roses at the idea of creators swapping themselves out for avatars. The roar of feedback is like a collective "Give us the real deal”.
Conclusion: Will AI Clones Rule the World?
Work-life Balance or Algorithm Pleaser?
As I reflect on this experiment, I can't help but wonder if clones are the future. A work-life balance dream or a sci-fi nightmare? While it might ease the life of my editors, creating clones still feels like entering the Matrix—a world of trial and error. After all, most viewers come to YouTube for genuine connections, not a parade of avatars.
The Future of Clones
As technology hurtles forward, I'll keep my eye on the AI clone landscape. How will people use it? How will audiences react? What about the regulations? Only time will tell. In the meantime… keep creating better video with Gal... or her clone! Until next time, happy cloning!
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