By Alyse Mitten, Interlace Communications, Editor
When our AI Trainer introduced this idea during my certification as an AI Consultant, I had thoughts then but only briefly. Well, today, I want to bring you into the conversation.
You may or may not have heard of HeyGen Studios. They’re one of the leading platforms right now offering AI-generated video avatars—some that are avatars available to use and then avatars that look and sound like you, reading scripts you’ve written, and, to boot, in dozens of languages, with facial expressions, gestures, and even wardrobe changes. Pretty amazing, right?
And yet… I’ve been hesitant.
Not because I don’t see the value. In fact, that’s the very tension I’m sitting with. I do see the value. I just also see the questions. And that’s what this article is about.
The Temptation to Clone Myself
As an AI consultant, speaker, and business owner, I’m constantly creating—writing scripts, drafting blogs (like this one), recording videos, speaking at events. But there are only so many hours in the day. I often catch myself thinking, “If only I could be in two places at once.”
That’s the exact promise of cloning yourself with a platform like HeyGen: record a short training or welcome video once, and let your AI self deliver the message whenever and wherever it’s needed. Want to scale your workshops? Send a personalized message to new leads? Offer multilingual content to reach new audiences? HeyGen makes it look easy and, frankly–having created videos with it, it is easy.
I created a few videos using their default avatar options, and honestly? I didn’t mind it. The result was clean, professional, and got the message across without me needing to set up lights, do my hair, or re-record five takes.
Imagine, the idea of cloning myself is incredibly appealing. I could take the material I’ve been pouring myself into—the content that lives in notebooks, slide decks, and half-drafted blog posts—and give it a voice and face, even on days I don’t have time to get camera-ready.
The truth is, I’m no stranger to video creation. I enjoy the process. I’ve spent the last 3 years following influencers like Mark Harbert to learn how to help clients craft visual content that connects. So using HeyGen in a practical way just made sense—and it saves time.
But here’s what is ok with me: using a generic avatar just feels very different from cloning myself. There’s a gap between “using an avatar” and “becoming the avatar.” That’s the line I’m hesitant to cross. Once it’s me—my face, my voice, my mannerisms—that’s no longer a stand-in, it’s my digital twin. And that comes with a deeper level of responsibility and care. I can’t shrug off a bad script or a mispronunciation. It’s not “the AI’s” mistake anymore. It’s mine.
So even though I’ve dipped my toes into the water, cloning myself still feels like a bigger leap. One that I want to prepare for thoughtfully.
Let’s look at the Pros and Cons of this.
If you’re feeling the same hesitation, you’re not alone. Some of the most common struggles people have when considering avatar cloning include:
- Fear of Losing Human Touch
There’s something powerful about showing up—flaws, pauses, and all. People connect with people. And the idea of handing that over to an avatar can feel… detached. - Worry About Misuse
Once your image and voice are cloned, how do you ensure it’s only being used the way you intended? What if someone else gains access to it—or edits it without your permission? - Concern About Brand Integrity
Your tone, phrasing, even facial expressions are part of your brand. A poorly rendered avatar could water that down, or worse, damage the trust you’ve built. - Ethical or Spiritual Reservations
For some, the thought of replicating their likeness feels unnatural or even unsettling. It raises bigger questions about identity and presence.
These are all real concerns, and they shouldn’t be dismissed in the rush to adopt shiny new tech.
Now, to the pros of cloning:
That said, there’s a reason I’m still exploring this. Because the benefits are real—and in some cases, powerful.
- Reach More People, More Consistently
Your AI avatar can deliver a consistent message, even when you’re unavailable. That’s a game-changer for client onboarding, course creation, and lead nurturing. - Save Time and Energy
Not every message needs a fresh recording. Sometimes you just need to say the same thing—well—over and over again. This is where automation shines. - Expand Your Accessibility
With multilingual and subtitled videos, you can open your message to broader, more diverse audiences. - Stay Top of Mind
You can maintain a presence on camera even during busy seasons—without compromising on quality or exhausting yourself.
I don’t know about you, but there’s a bit more buy in by me.
My Commitment Moving Forward
I’ve decided that before I ever hit “clone,” I’m going to learn everything I can about HeyGen Studios—how it works, where it shines, and what to watch out for.
I want to understand the creative controls, the security protocols, the export settings. I want to test what it feels like to write a script for myself versus writing for my avatar. I want to see how the AI handles pauses, warmth, humor. And then—and only then—will I decide how to move forward.
Because in the end, this isn’t just about saving time. It’s about staying aligned—with my voice, my values, and my community.
Wrapping It All Up
Should you clone yourself? Maybe. Maybe not. But the more important question is this:
What do you want your message to do—when you’re not in the room?
That’s the question I’m sitting with. And as I explore this next chapter, I’ll be sharing what I learn—openly, honestly, and in my own voice (AI or otherwise).
Let’s stay curious together.
Curious about using HeyGen or other AI tools for your business? Let’s chat. I’d love to share what I’m learning and hear what you’re exploring too.
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