Synthesia: AI Video Creation for Nonprofits
Struggling to create professional videos for donor updates, training sessions, or awareness campaigns without the budget for cameras, actors, or video editing expertise? Synthesia transforms your written scripts into polished, AI-narrated videos featuring lifelike avatars that speak in 140+ languages—eliminating the traditional costs and complexity of video production while helping you reach global audiences with consistent, engaging content.
What It Does
Tired of explaining to your board why it takes two weeks and $2,000 to produce a 3-minute program update video? Synthesia uses AI to convert text scripts into professional-quality videos featuring realistic AI avatars that can narrate your content in over 140 languages—without cameras, studios, or professional actors.
Simply write your script, choose from 230+ AI avatars, select your language and voice, and Synthesia automatically generates a polished video in minutes. The platform handles everything from lip-syncing to natural gestures, closed captions, and even brand customization, turning what used to be a multi-day production into a task you can complete during your lunch break.
For nonprofits serving multilingual communities or operating internationally, Synthesia is a game-changer: create one script, then generate the same video in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, French, or any of 140+ other languages—each with natural pronunciation and culturally appropriate avatars. No recording studio, no voice actors, no subtitling headaches.
Best For
Organization Size
Mid-sized to large nonprofits with regular video content needs, or small organizations serving multilingual communities. Best suited for teams that produce at least 2-3 videos per month to justify the subscription cost.
Best Use Cases
- Nonprofits creating regular training videos for staff or volunteers without video production expertise
- Organizations serving multilingual communities who need the same content in multiple languages
- International NGOs producing donor updates, program reports, or advocacy content for global audiences
- Teams replacing expensive video production with scalable, consistent content creation
- Nonprofits needing to quickly produce educational or informational content for campaigns
Ideal For
Communications Directors, Marketing Managers, Training Coordinators, Program Managers, Development Directors, Executive Directors creating donor communications, and anyone responsible for producing video content without a dedicated videographer.
Key Features for Nonprofits
230+ Realistic AI Avatars
Choose from a diverse library of professional, inclusive avatars representing different ages, ethnicities, and styles. Free plan includes 9 avatars; paid plans unlock the full library. Avatars are rated 4.7/5 stars by users for realism and expressiveness—far beyond robotic text-to-speech.
140+ Languages with Natural Pronunciation
Create the same video in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, French, Hindi, Swahili—140+ languages total—with just a few clicks. Each language features natural pronunciation and culturally appropriate avatars, eliminating the need for multilingual voice actors or expensive translation services.
250+ Professional Templates
Start with pre-built templates designed for training, announcements, product demos, how-tos, and more. Templates include branded layouts, transitions, and visual elements—just add your script and customize with your logo and colors.
Minutes to Create, Not Days
What used to take 2-3 days of filming, editing, and revisions now takes 15-30 minutes. Write your script, choose an avatar and template, and Synthesia generates your video automatically. Need to make changes? Edit the script and regenerate—no reshooting required.
Automatic Closed Captions
Every video automatically includes closed captions in the language of the narration, ensuring accessibility compliance and better engagement for viewers who watch with sound off (which is most social media viewers).
API & Automation (Creator tier and above)
Integrate Synthesia into your workflows with API access. Automatically generate personalized donor thank-you videos, welcome messages for new volunteers, or program update videos triggered by events in your CRM. Available on Creator and Enterprise plans.
Real-World Nonprofit Use Case
A refugee resettlement nonprofit serving families from Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Myanmar needed to create orientation videos explaining local resources, healthcare access, and employment services. Previously, they'd hired interpreters and spent $3,500 per language for video production—a total of $14,000 for four languages that took six weeks to complete.
With Synthesia, they wrote one script in English, then generated the same video in Arabic, Pashto, Somali, and Burmese in under two hours. Each video featured culturally appropriate avatars and natural pronunciation. Total cost: $64/month on the Creator plan (used for other training videos too).
When immigration policies changed and they needed to update the videos, they simply edited the script and regenerated all four language versions in 30 minutes—something that would have cost another $14,000 and six weeks with traditional production. The tool paid for itself in the first month and now saves the organization 20+ hours and thousands of dollars per quarter.
Pricing
| Plan | Free | Starter | Creator | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | $0 | $29/mo | $89/mo | Custom |
| Price (Annual) | $0 | $18/mo ($216/yr) | $64/mo ($768/yr) | Custom |
| Annual Savings | — | $132/year | $300/year | — |
| Video Minutes/Month | 3 minutes | 10 minutes (120/yr) | 30 minutes (360/yr) | Unlimited |
| AI Avatars | 9 avatars | 125+ avatars | 180+ avatars | 230+ avatars |
| Personal Avatars | ❌ | 3 avatars | 5 avatars | Unlimited |
| Watermark | Visible watermark | Removed | Removed | Removed |
| API Access | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | Testing only | Small teams | Growing orgs | Large orgs |
Nonprofit Discount/Special Offers
Nonprofit Discount: Synthesia does not currently offer a specific nonprofit discount or special pricing for 501(c)(3) organizations.
How to Save: The best way for nonprofits to save is by choosing annual billing, which provides significant discounts:
- Starter Plan: Save $132/year ($18/month vs $29/month)
- Creator Plan: Save $300/year ($64/month vs $89/month)
Free Tier Option: The free plan provides 3 minutes of video per month with 9 avatars, which can work for very small nonprofits creating occasional content. However, videos include a watermark and are limited in features, making them unsuitable for most professional communications.
*Note: Pricing information is subject to change. Please verify current pricing directly with Synthesia.
Learning Curve
Beginner to Intermediate
Time to First Value:
- Initial setup and account creation: 15 minutes
- First simple video (using a template): 20-30 minutes
- Proficiency with templates and basic customization: 2-3 videos (2-3 hours)
- Advanced features (API, automation workflows): 1-2 weeks for technical users
Technical Requirements:
- Ability to write clear, concise scripts (think PowerPoint or Word document skills)
- Basic understanding of video structure (intro, body, conclusion)
- No coding, video editing, or design skills required for basic use
- API integration requires developer skills (Creator tier and above only)
Support Available:
- Synthesia Academy with online video classes and courses
- Official tutorial library with step-by-step guides
- Udemy Master Course: "Synthesia AI Video Creation" for comprehensive training
- Blog guides covering specific use cases (training videos, customer service, etc.)
- Email support on all plans; phone support available on Enterprise tier
Quick Win: Your First 24 Hours
Want to see immediate value? Try this simple experiment:
- 1. Sign up for the free trial (no credit card required for free plan) — 5 minutes
- 2. Write a 30-second script for a donor thank-you message or program update — 10 minutes
- 3. Choose a template (try "Announcement" or "Thank You" templates) — 5 minutes
- 4. Select an avatar and language, paste your script, and generate your video — 10 minutes
- 5. Review the result and compare it to your current video creation process — immediate
What you'll learn: Whether AI video creation can replace your current 2-3 day production timeline with a 30-minute process. Most nonprofits discover they can create professional videos faster than they can schedule a meeting to discuss creating a video.
Time invested: 30 minutes
Potential time savings: 15-20 hours per video on future projects
Integration & Compatibility
Connects With
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
360Learning, aNewSpring, Articulate 360, Coassemble
E-commerce & Business Platforms
BigCommerce, ChurnZero
Automation & Workflow Tools
n8n (via HTTP Request node and API), Zapier (via API integration), Make/Integromat (via API)
Video Hosting & Distribution
YouTube, Vimeo, Wistia (via download and upload), social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
Developer Tools
API access (Creator tier and above) for custom integrations with CRM systems, email platforms, or automated workflows
Platform Availability
- Web-based: Access via any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) at synthesia.io
- Mobile: Responsive web interface accessible from tablets and smartphones (no dedicated mobile app required)
- Desktop: No desktop application required; all features accessible through web browser
- System Requirements: Stable internet connection, modern browser with JavaScript enabled
Data Portability
- ✅ Full video export in MP4 format (high quality, compatible with all video platforms)
- ✅ Download videos to your device for offline use or hosting on your own platforms
- ✅ Closed captions downloadable in SRT format for external captioning needs
- ⚠️ Templates and project files not exportable (vendor lock-in consideration)—you own the exported videos, but not the editable projects
- ✅ No restrictions on how you use exported videos (commercial use allowed on paid plans)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Massive time savings: Create professional videos in 30 minutes instead of 2-3 days, eliminating filming, editing, and revision cycles
- Multilingual content at scale: Generate the same video in 140+ languages without hiring translators or voice actors—game-changing for global nonprofits
- No video production skills required: Designed for non-technical users; if you can write a script, you can make a video
- Cost-effective at scale: Replaces expensive video production (thousands per video) with predictable monthly subscription
- Automatic accessibility features: Built-in closed captions and multilingual support ensure inclusive content
- Easy updates and iterations: Edit the script and regenerate—no reshooting required when information changes
- High quality avatars: Rated 4.7/5 stars—realistic enough for professional use in donor communications and training
Cons
- No nonprofit discount: Unlike many tools, Synthesia doesn't offer special pricing for 501(c)(3) organizations—you'll pay standard rates
- Monthly minute limits on paid plans: Starter (10 min), Creator (30 min); if you need unlimited, you'll need Enterprise pricing
- Not ideal for emotional storytelling: AI avatars work great for informational content but lack the emotional authenticity of real people—not the right choice for donor stories or testimonials
- Some gestures feel unnatural: While avatars are impressive, occasional gesticulation doesn't perfectly match voice or content—improving but not flawless
- Free plan is too limited for real use: 3 minutes/month with watermark only works for testing—not suitable for professional nonprofit communications
- Template lock-in: Can't export editable project files; if you cancel, you lose access to edit previously created video projects (though exported videos remain yours)
- Generic aesthetic: Videos look polished but somewhat uniform—may not work if your brand requires highly creative or unconventional video styles
Alternatives to Consider
If Synthesia doesn't feel like the right fit, consider these alternatives:
HeyGen
More avatars and unlimited video generation on all paid plans
Pricing: Starts at $24/month (vs Synthesia's $18/month)
Key Difference: All HeyGen paid plans offer unlimited video generation, while Synthesia limits minutes per month. HeyGen also offers 1,100+ avatars vs Synthesia's 230.
Best if: You need to produce a high volume of videos each month and want unlimited generation without worrying about minute caps. The extra $6/month buys you unlimited videos.
Descript
Comprehensive audio/video editing with AI features
Pricing: $5/month for nonprofits (verified 501(c)(3) organizations) or $12-24/month standard
Key Difference: Descript is a full-featured video/audio editor with text-based editing, transcription, and screen recording—not just avatar videos. Better for podcasts and traditional video editing.
Best if: You need a complete video editing solution beyond just avatar videos, or you produce podcasts and audio content. The nonprofit discount makes it extremely affordable.
Colossyan
AI video platform focused on learning & development
Pricing: Similar to Synthesia; varies by plan
Key Difference: Specialized features for training content including scenario-based learning tools, PowerPoint/PDF import, and SCORM export for LMS integration.
Best if: Your primary use case is creating training videos for staff or volunteers and you need LMS compatibility. Better suited for learning & development than general-purpose video creation.
Why you might choose Synthesia instead: Stronger enterprise features (security, collaboration, SSO), better multilingual support with 140+ languages, more polished user interface, and extensive template library specifically designed for business/nonprofit communications. Synthesia focuses on professional spokesperson-style videos while alternatives serve different niches (HeyGen = volume, Descript = editing, Colossyan = training).
Getting Started
Your First 48 Hours with Synthesia
1Sign up and explore (15 minutes)
Create a free account at synthesia.io to get access to 3 minutes of video per month with 9 AI avatars. No credit card required for the free tier.
Pro tip: Browse the template library first to understand what types of videos Synthesia excels at creating. Look for templates that match your use case (training, announcements, donor updates, etc.).
2Create your first test video (30-45 minutes)
Write a simple 30-60 second script for a donor thank-you message or program update. Choose a template, select an avatar that represents your organization, and generate your first video.
Pro tip: Keep your first script short and simple. Write conversationally—the way you'd speak to a donor or volunteer in person. Avoid jargon and long sentences that sound awkward when spoken aloud.
3Test multilingual capabilities (20-30 minutes)
Take the same script and generate it in 2-3 different languages your community speaks. Compare the results and share with native speakers on your team to assess quality.
Pro tip: This is where Synthesia's value becomes immediately obvious. Creating the same video in multiple languages manually would take days and cost hundreds or thousands of dollars—Synthesia does it in minutes at no extra cost.
4Decide if it fits your needs (evaluation)
Ask yourself: Could this replace 2-3 hours of video production work per video? Is the avatar quality sufficient for your audience? Will the time and cost savings justify the subscription?
Pro tip: Calculate your ROI: If you currently spend $500-2,000 per video for production (or 10-15 hours of staff time), Synthesia pays for itself after just 1-2 videos per month. If you don't produce videos regularly because it's too expensive/time-consuming, Synthesia might unlock new communication opportunities.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit Synthesia's website to sign up for a free account and start creating AI-powered videos in minutes.
Try Synthesia FreeNeed Help with Implementation?
Setting up AI video workflows can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already stretched thin managing programs, fundraising, and day-to-day operations. If you'd like expert guidance getting started with Synthesia—from choosing the right plan to creating your first multilingual video campaign—we're here to help.
One Hundred Nights offers implementation support, from quick setup assistance to full-service video strategy and training for your team.
Contact Us to Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Is Synthesia free for nonprofits?
Synthesia does not offer a specific nonprofit discount. However, there is a free plan that provides 3 minutes of video creation per month with 9 AI avatars and watermarked exports. For most nonprofit use cases, you'll likely need a paid plan. The Starter plan costs $18/month when billed annually (saving $132/year compared to monthly billing).
How long does it take to create a video with Synthesia?
Once you're familiar with the platform, you can create a basic video in just a few minutes. Initial setup and learning the interface takes about 2-3 hours. The actual video generation process happens automatically after you input your script and choose an avatar, typically taking just a few minutes to render.
How many languages does Synthesia support?
Synthesia supports 140+ languages with AI avatars that can speak in any of these languages. The platform also includes automatic closed captioning in multiple languages, making it excellent for nonprofits serving diverse, multilingual communities.
Can I use Synthesia videos for commercial purposes?
Yes, videos created with paid Synthesia plans (Starter, Creator, and Enterprise) can be used commercially and for public distribution. The free plan videos include a watermark and are more limited in their commercial use rights.
What's the difference between Synthesia and HeyGen?
Synthesia starts at $18/month (annual billing) while HeyGen starts at $24/month. HeyGen offers more avatars (1,100+) and unlimited video generation on all paid plans, while Synthesia has monthly minute limits but focuses more on enterprise features like security and collaboration tools. Synthesia is generally better for organizations needing strong security and compliance features.
Do I need technical skills to use Synthesia?
No coding or technical skills are required. The interface is user-friendly and designed for non-technical users. If you can write a script and click a few buttons, you can create videos with Synthesia. The learning curve is minimal, though mastering advanced features like automation workflows takes more time.