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All You Need to Know About Synthetic Media

Emmanuel Whyke
October 11, 2022

The digital era demands innovative ways to communicate, and as a result, synthetic media is here.

Earlier, it had common applications in gaming and movies, and now this technology is revolutionizing various sectors with its creativity and uniqueness.

This is a related field of AI-generative media that is gradually changing the ways of interaction in popular culture and commercial settings.

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It has smart synthetic media like text, voice, images, video, etc., which are next-level and look real.

So, keep reading, as here is all you need to know about synthetic media.

Part1. What does synthetic media mean and how does it work?

Here's everything you need to know about synthetic media:

What is synthetic media?

In simple words, synthetic media means "media" created by technology.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning combine to produce highly interactive graphics for various purposes.

Some classic synthetic media examples are AI-written music, text generation, imagery and video, voice synthesis, and more.

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Another example of the use case of synthetic media is deepfake.

For instance, you need to create an interactive video featuring Leorndao Di Caprio, but bringing him can be expensive and time-consuming.

So instead, you can use a deep-fake version of the actor, which looks almost real and immersive.

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Moreover, progress in academic advancements in deep learning and generative adversarial networks (GANs) makes this a cutting-edge technology.

Interestingly, this field has a long and extensive history dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, when algorithmic and generative experiments were conducted.

Then in the 1970s, Bregler, Covell, and Slaney wrote a research paper emphasizing Video Rewrite: Driving Visual Speech with Audio.

Movies like Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Spider-Man 2 (2004) were implemented.

How does synthetic media work?

Synthetic media works with artificial intelligence algorithms powered by deep learning.

Also, machine learning elements identify and evaluate input data patterns and perform the task based on detailed information.

As deep learning advances, the technology is becoming almost real and interactive. Modules can be created from existing images and used to create customized ones.

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are machine learning techniques that enable computers to create realistic content.

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For example, GAN uses two neural networks.

One creates fake images based on real photos, and another works as an analyst to decide whether a picture is genuine.

This can be used to create facial recognition video games, autonomous cars and drones, and more.

For example, if you want to create a video, you need to enter text in the video, choose the avatar of any person, or create a customized one.

The newly developed video is completed within minutes, unlike traditional ones requiring artists, scripts, locations, etc.

What's the difference between synthetic media and digital human technology

Computers partially or completely generate synthetic media with the help of various technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, GAN, etc.

It has multiple forms, like synthetic audio, video, and images. Some synthetic media examples are face swaps, AI influencers, mixed reality, etc.

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On the other hand, digital human technology is created by human input.

It is produced using advanced CGI designed by professionals, animators, and visual effects experts.

The facial functions are programmed and then autonomously animated with the help of a digital human platform.

So, it's a category of conversational AI, but it doesn't fall under synthetic media.

However, digital human technology can make use of synthetic media.

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For example, digital humans can use synthetic voice generation to say anything. Therefore, digital human technology is primarily controlled by humans, but it can use synthetic media applications.

So, categorizing digital human technology under synthetic media is not possible. It requires the ongoing use of humans for programming and visual effect.

But, these applications can use synthetic media to bring exceptional features.

Part2. Examples and Apps of Synthetic Media

Here are some top examples and apps of synthetic media:

HeyGen - Al Video Generator

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HeyGen is a one-stop platform for creating synthetic media within minutes.

It has a great interface where you can create text-to-spokesperson videos, operate in 20+ languages, upload and share videos, and much more.

You can also create competitive advertisements, explainer videos, and education and news videos.

Features

  • Customized AI and 3D Avatars
  • AI avatar with lip-syncing
  • Talking photo
  • Text-to-speech feature
  • Vast types of template
  • 1080P Download
  • You can add background music
  • Option for multi-scene videos
  • User can preview the actions of the avatar
  • In-app chat support

Pricing

  • HeyGen offer free credits for each new users.

Copy.ai - Al Article Generator

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Copy.ai is an AI power writing tool that can write many things within minutes.

You just have to categorize your project and enter all essential details, and it will create an excellent article within minutes. It uses high-level AI to create time-saving, efficient, and immersive text.

Features:

  • Users can create emails, listings, essays, marketing plans, job descriptions, thank-you notes, and more.
  • It has demos to ensure smooth learning of the tool.
  • Use an inbuilt editor to re-write and publish the work on your platform.
  • Availability of 90+ tools and templates
  • Moreover, you can create digital ad copies, social media posts, sales, and eCommerce copy.
  • The content is unique, with 10x faster results.
  • Works in 25+ languages.
  • Email support for users

Pricing:

  • Free for 2000 words per month.
  • The premium plan is $49 per month, which can carry unlimited projects and has advanced writing features.

Selfie Vibe - Al Selfie Generator

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A selfie vibe is a fantastic tool for creating AI-generated selfies. It's an online tool that users can open on any browser.

You just have to upload your selfie, and your avatar will be ready to download within minutes. It creates highly realistic AI selfies which look incredible in all ways.

The detailing and use of colors are top-notch.

Features

  • Users can choose from plenty of templates
  • There are genres like anime, cosplay, meta, aesthetic, etc.
  • Can create A spokesperson video in minutes

Pricing:  

it’s unlimited to face swap image well you need to purchase credits to download the watermark free version (it’s USD0.99 for 50 credits)

FAQ of Synthetic Media

1. What is an example of synthetic media in microbiology?

Synthetic media, also known as chemical media, is used in microbiology to grow microbes or animal cells.

All the constituents of these media are known and evaluated for proper nourishment. Davis and Mingioli Medium are some examples of synthetic media used in microbiology.

2. What is the difference between synthetic and non-synthetic media?

Synthetic media is created partially or completely with the help of computers and advanced technologies.

For example, Face swaps, synthetic videos, synthetic images, etc. On the other hand, non-synthetic media rely heavily on human work. For example, newspapers, traditional videos, etc.

3. Who developed synthetic media?

In 1977 Christoph Bregler, Michele Covell, and Malcolm Slaney presented a paper entitled Video Rewrite: Driving Visual Speech with Audio.

It discussed interpreted faces, synthesized audio from text, and 3D space. The earliest developments began in the 2000s and gradually led to the rise of synthetic media.

4. Is a face-swapping video available on YouTube?

There is no face-swapping video on YouTube. Face swap lets you swap the face of the subject with any other face.

But, various other third-party tools offer face swapping, which can be used to create interactive videos and images.

5. Can I customize a digital version of myself online?

Yes, you can create a digital version of yourself within minutes.

The HeyGen platform lets users create digital versions that look real and are usable for various purposes.

These virtual avatars have great quality, look real, can talk, and look very immersive.

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