Criterion HeyGenPika
CategoryAI Video GeneratorsAI Video Generators
In one sentenceCreate talking-avatar videos, digital twins and translated videos from a script.An AI creative platform for generating and editing short videos, images and audio from prompts.
Problem it solvesFilming presenters, re-shooting for edits and localising video is costly; HeyGen produces presenter videos from text.Lets creators make short video clips, product visuals and soundtracks without filming or advanced editing skills.
Free planYesNo
Developer APIYes — docsYes — docs
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, APIWeb, API
Pricing (summary)Free plan offers 3 videos a month up to 1 minute. Creator is $29/month ($24 annual), Pro starts at $49/month with 1,000 credits, and Business is $149/month plus $20 per extra seat. The API is separate, pay-as-you-go from a $5 top-up.
Checked 2026-10-23
A Free plan exists but includes no monthly credits (you buy credit packs to generate); paid subscription tiers include monthly credits, more parallel generations and, on higher tiers, a commercial license, with Enterprise options for studios. The API uses a separate prepaid balance with no free generation tier. Verify current plans on Pika's pricing page.
Checked 2026-10-13
Strengths
  • Strong avatar realism
  • Many languages
  • Flexible pay-as-you-go API
  • Covers video, image and audio generation in one place
  • Offers multiple models, including Pika's own and third-party models
  • Self-serve developer API with pay-as-you-go balance
Limitations
  • Credits-to-minutes conversion is not published
  • Free plan limited to 3 one-minute videos per month
  • Conflicting resolution info for Creator plan
  • Requires consent for likeness and voice
  • The free plan has no monthly credits, so generating requires buying credit packs or a subscription
  • A commercial license is only included on higher paid plans, not on the Free or lowest paid plan
  • Generated video can be inconsistent and may need several attempts to get usable results