Want your video to speak Spanish, German or Japanese, in your own voice and with matching lip movements? HeyGen’s video translation does exactly that. You upload a video, choose the target languages, and HeyGen translates the speech, clones the voice and re-syncs the lips.
This guide shows you how to translate a video with HeyGen step by step, which options to choose for the best result, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Menus and button names can change, so if something looks different, look for the closest matching option.
Best for: Localising videos with lip-sync
Starting price: Free plan; Creator $29/month ($24 yearly)
Before you start
- A HeyGen account (the free plan is fine for a short test)
- Your video as a file, or a public YouTube or Google Drive link
- Clear audio with one main speaker and little background noise
- A face that is clearly visible if you want lip-sync
The process at a glance
- Open
- Type
- Upload
- Engine
- Languages
- Review
- Publish
Step-by-step: translate your video in HeyGen
Step 1: Open the translation tool
In your HeyGen dashboard, click Create › Translate a Video.
Step 2: Choose the translation type
- Hyperrealistic Translation: translates the voice and adjusts lip movements. Choose this when the speaker’s face is clearly visible.
- Audio Dubbing: translates the voice only, no lip-sync. Choose this when the speaker is small, off-screen, or you need it fast.
Screen recordings, slides with a voiceover and webinars usually only need Audio Dubbing, which is quicker.
Step 3: Add your video
Upload the file from your computer, or paste a YouTube or Google Drive link.
Links must be publicly accessible. A private or restricted link will fail to import.
Step 4: Pick Fast or Quality
Quality uses a more advanced model for better lip-sync, timing and audio, but takes longer and uses more credits. Fast is fine for internal videos and quick tests.Step 5: Select languages (Quick or Advanced)
Choose Quick Translate to select the original language and up to five target languages, then click Translate.
Choose Advanced Translate when you need more control: upload your own translation, add a brand glossary (so product names are not translated), and toggle options such as lip-sync, background noise removal, captions and voice enhancement.
Add your brand and product names to the glossary so they stay in English in every language.
Step 6: Review the translation
When processing finishes, the translated videos appear in your library and on the Share page. Watch each one fully. If possible, ask a native speaker to check names, numbers and tone.
Step 7: Download or share
Download each language version as a video file or share it with a link. On YouTube, you can upload translated audio tracks or separate videos per language, and add translated titles and descriptions.
How to get the best translation quality
- Record clean audio. One speaker, a good microphone and no music under the voice give the most natural cloned voice.
- Face the camera. Lip-sync works best with a front-facing, well-lit speaker who is not covering their mouth.
- Speak at a steady pace. Some languages are longer than English; a calm pace leaves room for the translation.
- Avoid slang and idioms. Plain language translates far more accurately.
- Start with one short test. Translate a one-minute clip before you process a full course.
Hyperrealistic vs Audio Dubbing: which to choose?
| Your video | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Talking head, face clearly visible | Hyperrealistic Translation | Lip-sync makes it look native |
| Webinar or screen recording | Audio Dubbing | No face to sync; faster and cheaper |
| Interview with small faces or side angles | Audio Dubbing | Lip-sync needs a clear face |
| Marketing video for a new market | Hyperrealistic + Quality | Best impression for customers |
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Frequently asked questions
Can HeyGen translate a video for free?
Yes, the free plan lets you test HeyGen’s features with short videos. For longer videos and more languages you need a paid plan; Creator costs $29 per month or $24 billed yearly.
Does HeyGen keep my original voice?
Yes. HeyGen clones the speaker’s voice so the translated version sounds like the original person speaking another language.
How many languages can I translate into at once?
Quick Translate lets you choose up to five target languages in one go.
Can I translate a YouTube video?
Yes, paste the YouTube link, but it must be public, and you should only translate videos you own or have permission to use.
Why does the lip-sync look wrong?
Lip-sync struggles with small faces, side angles, hands over the mouth and multiple speakers. Use the Quality engine, a clear front-facing shot, or switch to Audio Dubbing.
Wrap-up
Translating a video with HeyGen takes a few clicks: choose the translation type, add your video, pick an engine and languages, then review and share. Start with a one-minute clip to check quality, use the glossary for brand names, and get a native speaker to review before publishing. For more on pricing and features, see our HeyGen review.
This guide is independent and is not sponsored by HeyGen. Some links may be affiliate links, which never change our recommendations. See our Affiliate Disclosure.