So, you want to crank out personalized videos without losing your weekend to editing hell? This guide is for you. Whether you’re in marketing, sales, or just someone who wants to stop sending boring “Hello, {FirstName}” emails, you’ll learn exactly how to use Tavus templates to make dynamic videos that don’t look like they were slapped together by a robot. No fluff, no hype—just what works, what doesn’t, and what to skip.
Why dynamic video? (And why Tavus?)
Let’s be honest: most “personalized” content is about as exciting as a form letter. Dynamic video—where each viewer gets a version that feels like it’s just for them—cuts through that. But actually making these videos, especially in bulk, is usually a pain. You don’t want to record 500 introductions by hand.
That’s where Tavus comes in. Its promise: record once, set up a template, and spit out endless personalized videos. Sounds slick, right? It mostly is—but only if you use it smartly. Here’s how.
Step 1: Get your basics set up
Before you even think about templates, you need:
- A Tavus account (not free, but there’s a trial)
- A good webcam or smartphone (your laptop cam will do, but don’t expect Hollywood)
- Decent lighting (natural light or a cheap ring light, trust me)
- A script that’s friendly, not robotic
Pro tip: Don’t get hung up on gear. If your audio is clear and your face isn’t in shadow, you’re 90% there.
Step 2: Write a script that actually works
Templates live or die with your script. Tavus lets you insert dynamic fields—name, company, product, etc.—but you still need to sound like a human.
- Keep it short. 30–60 seconds is plenty. Longer = higher risk of people tuning out or noticing the “robot” bits.
- Put variable parts in natural spots. Saying “Hi {FirstName}, I saw your company, {CompanyName}...” sounds clunky. Try “Hey {FirstName}, I love what you’re doing at {CompanyName}.”
- Avoid tongue-twisters around variables. Tavus does its best, but if you stumble over “Hi {FirstName} from {CompanyName} at {Location},” it’ll show.
- Test out loud. Read your script with pretend names. If it sounds weird, tweak it.
What to ignore: Don’t over-personalize. You don’t need six variables. Two or three is enough to feel personal without risking glitchy results.
Step 3: Record your base video
This is the “template” video Tavus will use to generate all the dynamic versions.
- Follow your script closely. Stick to it—freestyling can mess up where the variables get swapped in.
- Pause slightly before and after variables. This gives Tavus a clean cut for swapping in the AI voice.
- Smile, but don’t force it. Friendly works. Over-the-top “sales energy” looks fake.
- One take is usually enough. If you flub, start over. Don’t try to edit together two takes.
Pro tip: Tavus’s AI is good, but not magic. If you rush or mumble through the dynamic parts, the end result will sound odd.
Step 4: Set up your Tavus template
Once your video’s recorded, upload it to Tavus. Here’s where the “dynamic” part kicks in.
- Mark your variables. Tavus will usually pick up on spots like “Hi {FirstName},” but double-check. You can add or adjust dynamic fields manually.
- Map fields to your data. These are the values you’ll swap in later—names, company, etc.
- Preview with sample data. Tavus lets you watch a version with fake info plugged in. If it sounds clunky, go back and tweak your script or re-record.
- Set up fallback values. If you don’t have a name for everyone, set a default like “there.” (“Hey there!” is better than “Hey .”)
What works: The variable mapping is pretty straightforward.
What doesn’t: Overcomplicating with lots of variables. Keep it simple to avoid weird glitches.
Step 5: Prepare your data
Personalized video is only as good as your data. Garbage in, garbage out.
- Build a CSV or spreadsheet with columns for each field (FirstName, CompanyName, etc.).
- Triple-check spelling and capitalization. “jOhN” or “acme, inc.” will show up exactly as you enter it.
- Don’t get fancy with emojis or weird characters—they can trip up the AI.
Pro tip: Spot-check a few names and companies in your sheet. If something looks off, it’ll look off in the video.
Step 6: Generate your personalized videos
Now the fun part—let Tavus do its thing.
- Upload your data file. Tavus will match columns to your template variables.
- Review a few samples. Watch the generated videos. Pay attention to pacing, pronunciation, and whether the AI voice matches your tone.
- Fix issues before bulk generating. If “Jonathon” is pronounced wrong, you might need to tweak the spelling (“Jon-ah-thon”) in your data.
- Batch generate. Once you’re happy, let Tavus process the whole list.
What works: Tavus’s AI voice cloning is surprisingly good for most names.
What doesn’t: Unusual names or non-English words can sound off. If it matters, preview those specific cases.
Step 7: Deliver your videos
You’ve got a pile of personalized videos—now what?
- Use Tavus’s direct send tools (email/SMS integrations) for simple campaigns.
- Download videos in bulk if you want to use your own sending platform.
- Embed or link to videos from your CRM, website, or email.
- Track engagement. Tavus provides basic analytics—who watched, when, and so on.
Heads up: If you’re sending by email, avoid attaching huge video files. Link or embed instead to avoid spam filters.
Pro tips, pitfalls, and what to skip
- Pro tip: Personalization works best when it’s subtle. Don’t make every single word a variable.
- Pitfall: Don’t assume AI is infallible. Always check a few videos before sending.
- What to skip: Overproduced backgrounds, music, or graphics. People care about the message, not your Canva skills.
- Pro tip: If you’re hitting scale (hundreds or more), automate as much as you can—but keep an eye on quality.
Wrapping up: Keep it simple, iterate, and don’t overthink it
Dynamic video isn’t magic, but it is effective—if you focus on the basics. Get your script tight, keep your data clean, and preview before you blast out 1,000 videos. Tavus makes the tech part easier, but the results depend on your prep. Start small, see what lands, and tweak as you go. Don’t try to be perfect—just be personal.