Overview
Hedra is a multimodal generative media platform that turns a still image into an expressive talking, singing, or performing video character using its flagship Character-3 model - described as an omnimodal model that takes text, image, and audio in at once and uses audio as the dominant signal for movement. Rather than looping generic mouth cycles, it models full-face performance: phoneme-aligned lip sync, automatic blinks, gaze shifts, eyebrow raises, and consistent motion across frames. The audio source can be a recording, an ElevenLabs or Cartesia voice, or built-in text-to-speech. Beyond Character-3, Hedra has grown into a multi-model studio with roughly 28 AI models - image generators and video engines from Kling, Veo, Sora, and Flux - all drawing from one credit balance, which positions it as a platform play rather than a single-purpose avatar tool.
Key Features
- Character-3 omnimodal lip-sync from any portrait, illustration, or AI-generated face
- Whole-face performance modeling: micro-expressions and head movement, not just lips
- Multi-model studio (28 models) under one subscription and one credit pool
- Voice cloning and text-to-speech via integrated ElevenLabs and Cartesia
- Timeline editor plus 20+ viral templates for short-form social content
- Platform API for automating video pipelines and embedding Hedra in your product
Pricing
| Plan | Price | For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 100 credits, watermarked, personal use only |
| Basic | $15/mo | 1,500 credits, no watermark, commercial use |
| Creator | $30/mo | 5,400 credits, faster, buy add-on packs |
| Professional | $75/mo | 14,400 credits, fastest, team access |
Comparison
Compared to HeyGen, Hedra excels at animating illustrations and AI characters rather than business spokesperson avatars. Against Synthesia, Hedra is cheaper for creative character work but covers fewer languages and enterprise templates. Next to D-ID, Hedra’s Character-3 adds fuller facial micro-expressions and a growing multi-model studio under one credit pool.
Hands-on Verdict
Hedra is the video tool I use to make talking characters — type a script, drop in a portrait or voice, and get a lip-synced spokesperson that holds a performance. It’s more character-driven than Synthesia on creative faces and a lighter setup than HeyGen. For corporate avatars I use HeyGen.
Who it’s for: creators, marketers. Tip: use a clear front-facing image and a well-paced script — Hedra’s lip-sync follows the voice, so a clean audio track makes the character believable.