# How to record a video avatar?

### A Quick list of Do's and Dont's when recording your video avatar <a href="#radix-rp" id="radix-rp"></a>

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Do's ✅" %}
✅ Set up your **HD camera** or recording software

✅ If using a smartphone, film in **landscape**

✅ Make sure your **face & upper body** are in **focus**

✅ Ensure the **recording space** is quiet and well-lit

✅ Speak **naturally**, we'll capture **tone & emotion**
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Dont's ❌" %}
❌ Avoid clothes that blend into the background

❌ Avoid accessories that block your head & face like hats, earrings, or thick glasses.

❌ Don't turn your head away from the camera

❌ Avoid backgrounds that are busy or moving

❌ Don't move around too much or exaggerate movements, like waving your hands
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

### Best Practices & Examples

### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#set-up-environment)Set Up: Environment <a href="#set-up-environment" id="set-up-environment"></a>

#### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#lighting)🌞 Lighting <a href="#lighting" id="lighting"></a>

Ensure your face is evenly lit with no shadows.

* **Example:** If a window casts shadows on your face, change your orientation or use a ring light to even it out.
* A large diffuse light will work best, providing consistent even, and neutral lighting for the entire face.
* This helps Phoenix to properly map your face, resulting in a better-looking video overall.

#### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#noise)🔊 Noise <a href="#noise" id="noise"></a>

Your space should be silent or almost silent.

* Avoid noise from air conditioning, construction, traffic, refrigerators, and conversations.
* Choose rooms with minimal reverb to prevent sound amplification.
* Clean audio, free from background noises, will produce the best audio output for your replica.

#### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#background)🌆 Background <a href="#background" id="background"></a>

Keep your background clear.

* Remove moving objects.
* Ensure no other people are visible in the video.

### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#set-up-equipment)Set Up: Equipment <a href="#set-up-equipment" id="set-up-equipment"></a>

#### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#camera-and-placement)📷 Camera & Placement <a href="#camera-and-placement" id="camera-and-placement"></a>

Use a high-quality camera with at least 2K pixels.

* **Examples:** DSLR, newer laptops, iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel.
* **Frames per second:** Optimal FPS is 30, but 24-60 FPS is acceptable.
* **Distance**: Maintain a distance of 3ft-6ft (or 0.9m-1.8m) from the camera.
* **Level**: The camera should be at eye level.
* **Lens**: Ensure the camera lens is clean of smudges.

#### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#microphone)🎙️ Microphone <a href="#microphone" id="microphone"></a>

Start with your phone or computer’s microphone.

* A high-quality mic can mitigate background noise/echo.
* For external USB or XLR mics:
  * Place the mic 1ft (0.3m) from your mouth, not exceeding 2-3ft (0.5-0.9m).
  * Position the mic at least 1 inch below your chin to avoid blocking your mouth.
* Wireless earbuds, like Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds, are not recommended due to poor mic quality.

#### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#software)👾 Software <a href="#software" id="software"></a>

Disable any software-based audio enhancements.

* Turn off compressors, equalizers, noise suppression, etc., as we perform our own sound processing post-recording.

### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#set-up-yourself)Set Up: Yourself <a href="#set-up-yourself" id="set-up-yourself"></a>

#### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#gaze)👀 Gaze <a href="#gaze" id="gaze"></a>

Maintain eye level with the camera and act naturally.

#### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#speaking-vibe-and-pace)🗣️ Speaking Vibe & Pace <a href="#speaking-vibe-and-pace" id="speaking-vibe-and-pace"></a>

Be yourself and relax.

* **Pace:** Take your time, don’t rush.
* **Pausing:** Close your lips during pauses (the script will remind you).
* **Tone:** Aim for an upbeat tone to keep content positive and engaging. Keep continuous eye contact with the camera. Be animated in your mouth, eyes, and cheeks.
* **Gestures:** Keep hand gestures to a minimum and avoid blocking your face.
* **Mistakes:** If you stumble, continue speaking. Perfection isn’t necessary.

#### [​](https://docs.tavus.io/sections/replicas/best-practices-and-examples#accessories-and-beards)🎅 Accessories & Beards <a href="#accessories-and-beards" id="accessories-and-beards"></a>

If possible, avoid beards, glasses, and accessories.

* Our model is still being refined to process these elements better.

This comprehensive guide ensures you capture the highest quality footage for your replica, leading to a more authentic and engaging digital representation.