Service overview
Synthesia is an AI video creation platform that helps users produce professional-quality videos without cameras, actors, or advanced editing skills. It uses AI avatars and multilingual voiceovers to streamline production.
Synthesia publicly lists more than 240 AI avatars and support for more than 160 languages.
For more details, visit Synthesia's official website.
Common use cases
| Common use case | Example at McGill |
|---|---|
| Training and onboarding | Short procedural videos for staff training, new employee onboarding, service orientation, or compliance refreshers. |
| Knowledge base and service explainers | Video versions of how-to articles, service overviews, or frequently asked questions. |
| Product or service walkthroughs | Guided demos using screen recordings, screenshots, or interactive menus. |
| Internal communications | Consistent, repeatable updates for teams or distributed audiences. |
| Multilingual communication | Localized versions of approved content using translation, dubbing, captions, or multilingual playback where appropriate. |
Who can use it
This service is available to a limited group of staff and faculty. Participants are expected to test their use cases and provide feedback on their experience using the platform.
How to request & access the service
To request access, complete the request form and enter “Synthesia request” in the Request Summary field. In the Details field, briefly describe your business's need for the service.
After you submit your request, a follow-up meeting will be scheduled to review your use case and confirm whether you are eligible for access.
Using Synthesia
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Start a New Video
Sign in. Access Synthesia using your McGill account.
Create a new video. Choose the option that best fits your needs. You can start from a prompt, upload a file, paste a webpage URL, paste a script, or choose a template.
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Plan the Content
Draft or review the outline. Confirm the objective, audience, duration, language, and scene order before you begin editing.
Refine each scene. Open the editor and keep the content concise, focused, and easy to follow.
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Refine the Video
Choose an AI avatar and voice. Select options that match your audience and tone. Do not present an AI avatar as a real McGill employee unless that use has been approved.
Add supporting visuals. Include screenshots, screen recordings, approved images, icons, or short video clips where they improve understanding.
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Review and Publish
Preview the video. Check pacing, pronunciation, captions, accessibility, branding, and overall accuracy before generating the final version.
Generate and review the final version. Complete one last check before publishing or sharing the video.
NOTE: Review checklist before generating
Confirm one clear idea per scene, accurate script, readable text, adequate colour contrast, captions, correct pronunciation of names and terminology, and no sensitive or restricted information.
Editing, Localization, and Sharing
| Feature area | What users can do |
|---|---|
| Scene editing | Edit scripts, split or reorganize scenes, adjust layouts, and preview timing. |
| Media | Add images, video clips, animated GIFs, icons, Lottie animations, logos, and screen recordings where appropriate. |
| Branding | Use approved logos, fonts, colors, and brand kits if your workspace supports them. |
| Collaboration | Invite collaborators to view, edit, or comment, depending on license and workspace permissions. |
| Translation and localization | Create localized versions, captions, dubbing, or multilingual playback where available and appropriate. |
| Interactivity | Add buttons, branching, menus, hotspots, quizzes, or knowledge checks when the video is intended for active learning or guided navigation. |
Export and Share
After you generate the video, review it before sharing. The Share option lets you create a shareable link, copy an embed code, and, for eligible plans, download a SCORM package for use in an LMS.
| Option | Use when | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Share link | You want viewers to access the Synthesia video page. | Share links are not discoverable by search engines, but anyone with access to the link may be able to view it unless additional restrictions are applied. |
| Embed code | You want to embed the video on a website, knowledge base page, or other supported platform. | Updates made in Synthesia can appear wherever the embed is used. |
| MP4 download | You need a standard video file for upload to an approved platform. | Standard MP4 downloads are available for non-interactive videos. Interactive videos cannot be downloaded as MP4 because interactivity requires Synthesia playback logic. |
| SCORM package | You need LMS tracking for training completion. | SCORM export is an Enterprise feature. It can support SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004, completion criteria, and learner identity settings where enabled. |
Cost
This service has an associated cost. For details, contact ai@mcgill.ca. At present, licenses are available only to units participating in the pilot program.
Availability
Synthesia is available 24/7 as a cloud-based platform. Users need an active subscription to access its features.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can all McGill users access Synthesia?
A: No. The service is available only to McGill Staff and Faculty with an approved use case and assigned license.
Q: How do I request access?
A: Submit the service request form with “Synthesia access request” in the Request Summary field, and describe your use case in the Details field.
Q: Is there a cost?
A: Yes. Synthesia is a paid service. Licenses are assigned only for approved use cases. Contact ai@mcgill.ca for details.
Q: Which language is supported?
A: Synthesia currently lists support for more than 160 languages. Availability may vary by feature, voice, and workspace settings.
Q: Can I create a custom avatar?
A: Synthesia offers personal and custom avatar options, but availability depends on the plan, workspace settings, and approval. Confirm with ai@mcgill.ca before planning content that depends on a custom avatar.
Q: Can I download every video as MP4?
A: No. Standard non-interactive videos can be downloaded as MP4 where permissions allow. Videos with interactive elements cannot be downloaded as MP4 and must be shared through Synthesia playback options such as link, embed, or SCORM where available.
Best practices & policies
- Ensure scripts are clear and concise for the best AI voiceover results.
- Use high-quality images and branding elements to enhance video professionalism.
- Follow copyright guidelines when using third-party assets.
Responsible Use
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Keep scripts concise, accurate, and audience specific. | Sharing AI-generated content without human review. |
| Use approved McGill branding and accessible visual design. | Using third-party images, audio, video, or music unless you have appropriate rights. |
| Add captions and check pronunciation, names, terminology, and translations. | Assuming AI translation or dubbing is correct without review by someone qualified. |
| Use interactivity only when it improves learning or navigation. | Adding unnecessary branching, buttons, or quizzes that make the video harder to use. |
| Store and share videos using approved McGill workflows. | Including confidential, personal, sensitive, restricted, or regulated data without approval. |
Training & documentation
To build your proficiency with Synthesia, use the training and documentation resources below.
- Synthesia Academy: Engage with tutorials and beginner courses designed to help you create compelling videos efficiently. academy.synthesia.io
- Synthesia Documentation: Access comprehensive guides and reference materials to assist you in navigating Synthesia's features and APIs. Synthesia
- Synthesia YouTube Channel: Explore a variety of instructional videos, tips, and best practices to master video creation with Synthesia. YouTube
These resources can help you build skills and make better use of Synthesia’s AI video creation features.
Support
Contact the IT Service Desk for help with access/authentication issues.