I spoke 4 languages in a single video. Here's how to do the same.
Idriss Laouali Abdou
Co-founder Karatou Academy · AI Capacity Builder
In my latest reel, I speak English, Arabic, and German.
I don't speak Arabic or German.
I only filmed one video, in French.
The tool is called HeyGen. It cloned my voice, translated my words, and synced my lips. The result is stunning.
In this guide, I show you exactly how to do it, step by step. It's the full workflow I demo in in-person training.
What HeyGen actually is
HeyGen is an AI video tool. It does several things, but the one that interests us here is called Video Translate: you upload a video of yourself, and it translates it into more than 70 languages. With your voice. With your lips synced. It's not dubbing. It's not subtitles. It's you, speaking a language you don't know.
💡The difference with an avatar: here HeyGen works on your REAL video. Your real gestures, your real lighting, your real energy. Only the voice and the lips change.
Why this is huge for you
You train
Your courses in French now exist in English, Arabic, Hausa. No studio, no reshoot. One recorded module = several markets reached.
You sell
Your business is in Niamey. Your potential clients are in Lagos, Accra, Dubai. A single presentation video speaks to everyone, in their own language.
You create content
Your French-speaking audience is your starting point. With the same video, you open up to English and Arabic-speaking audiences. Your reach multiplies without double the effort.
The full workflow, step by step
- 1
Film your source video
A single take, in French. Good lighting (facing a window or a ring light), clean background, phone stable at eye level. Speak calmly, articulate, make natural pauses. HeyGen reproduces YOUR energy: if the take is flat, the translation will be flat.
- 2
Create your HeyGen account
Go to HeyGen (heygen.com). The free plan lets you test it out. For video translation with voice cloning, you need a paid plan (starting around $29/month, check current prices).
- 3
Upload your video into Video Translate
In the menu, choose Video Translate. Upload your video. Accepted formats: MP4, MOV. Recommended length: under 5 minutes for a first test.
- 4
Choose your languages
Select your target languages: English, Arabic, German, or among more than 70 available. Turn on the voice cloning option to keep YOUR voice in every language.
- 5
Start the generation and wait
Processing takes a few minutes per language. You get one video per language chosen.
- 6
Check each version
Listen to each video all the way through. Check the pronunciation of proper nouns (Karatou, Niamey...) and numbers. If a word doesn't come out right, rephrase it in the source video or correct the translation script in HeyGen.
- 7
Edit and publish
Download the versions, edit the segments in your usual tool (CapCut, Canva...), add subtitles for languages your audience doesn't understand. Publish.
My tips for a really natural result
- Short segments: quality is better on clips under 60 seconds.
- One idea per sentence: long sentences lose sync.
- Test Arabic and rare languages before promising anything: quality varies by language.
- Always keep your original version: it carries your credibility.
- Be transparent: tell your audience when a segment is AI-generated. Trust is worth more than the illusion.
How much it costs
Plan
Free
To test the interface and create your first avatars. Short videos with a watermark.
Recommended
Paid (starting around $29/month)
Video Translate with voice cloning, no watermark, longer videos. This is the plan you need for the workflow in this guide.
Prices change fast. Check the official website. heygen.com →