Talking AI Photo uses a combination of advanced technologies to breathe life into still images/memories from the past with audio and ai-generated voice using synchronized video animation. It utilizes facial recognition, deep learning and natural language processing to create lifelike animations.
It starts by choosing a high resolution image. 4k (8MP): High-resolution photos, including those at 3840 x 2160 pixels or "4K," contain enough detail for smooth animations. The clarity and realism of the final output depends directly on how good an input image you have at your disposal.
Next it gets uploaded into special software Some of the popular tools are Adobe Character Animator, CrazyTalk Animator, and Reface. However, Adobe Character Animator is a love among professionals because it facilitates the live facial tracking and animation processes - an essential function for over 70% of industry pros according to Create Magazine. Through facial recognition technology, these tools will quickly map critical features of your face (usually taking way less than a minute).
The software will then use deep learning algorithms to animate the image after mapping out facial features. These assessments are based on thousands of facial expressions to convey realistic, fluid movements in their algorithms. For instance, the CrazyTalk Animator uses dozens of facial tracking points to ensure enhanced animations that include subtle details like blinks or lip syncs.
After that, include voice-over The use of high-fidelity audio serves to make the talking photo all that much more realistic. 85% prefer professional microphones (Shure SM7B and others) for better sound quality. Or you can use third-party voice synthesis tools like Google Text-to-Speech or Amazon Polly which support even more realistic voices in many languages and accents. Built for natural language processing and a life like portions of speech.
Ensuring that the lips of all characters move consistently with the sound is fundamental to credibility. Sophisticated AI algorithmsfound in applications such as Refaceensure precise synchronization. On average, this process will take about 2-3 minutes to transcribe one minute of audio depending on the complexity of the software. The synchronisation has to be pixel perfect else you get that uncanny valley mismatch of lip movements and audio.
Additional facial expressions and movements to the animation adds more life to it and thus makes the talking photo more interesting. Smiles, eyebrow raises or head tilts for example can do a lot for the animation. Studies have also shown that animations with different expressions increase user engagement up to 40%!
Lastly is to export the final talking photo in an appropriate format. MP4 is also the most popular container format because of its balance in quality and file size. Take a 30-second MP4 file for example, the size hovers between12mb and 20.mb which can be easily uploaded to any platform for global sharing. This is critical because, as you know by now, over 50% of all web traffic comes from mobile.
AI Takes Photos With A VoiceAnother notable realisation of AI talking photos was at the 2018 Tokyo Olympics. Most importantly, NBC Sports animated the graphics heavily and saw page views increase 30% more than static content. So this is an example of how dynamic visuals has the power to increase user engagement.
This is a fun use of AI technology called talking photos. Content is king, as digital marketing guru Gary Vaynerchuk puts it "But context is God." With AI talking photos creators as well can deliver personalized, content-rich experiences to a wider audience.
For a deeper dive into AI talking photo, check out this link. This technology does not only increase engagement but also provides a new and different way to display information in anmodern/impressive manner across platforms.
