This new Character.AI feature brings any photo to life in an amazing way

In an era where synthetic media is becoming the norm, Character.AI’s latest innovation blurs the line between stillness and motion. The company has introduced AvatarFX, a tool that can transform a single image into a dynamic, speaking video—complete with lip-syncing, gestures, and emotional expression. Whether it’s a photo of a person, an animal, or even a talking teacup, AvatarFX breathes life into pixels with stunning realism.

Turning still images into expressive avatars

AvatarFX creates videos that feel eerily lifelike, with synced lip movements, nuanced facial expressions, and full-body gestures. This isn’t a short-lived gimmick—the tool supports longform monologues, performances, and even singing, using only a portrait, a script, and a sample voice. It leverages temporal consistency to ensure fluid animations, avoiding jarring visual glitches like mismatched movements or duplicated features.

Creativity meets conversation

What makes AvatarFX especially powerful is its integration with Character.AI’s signature personalities. These avatars aren’t just expressive—they’re characters with memory, tone, and emotional depth, capable of remembering past conversations and evolving their responses. From Shakespearean rants delivered by your childhood plush toy to a fridge giving relationship advice, the potential is endless.

Built-in safety and limitations

To address ethical concerns, Character.AI has embedded strong safety protocols: faces are altered to avoid exact matches, scripts are moderated, and videos carry watermarks to flag them as artificial. Generating avatars from public figures or minors is strictly forbidden, and violating the policy means an immediate ban.

AvatarFX is currently in limited testing, with early access available for Character.AI+ users. For now, it’s sparking imaginations—and maybe a few surreal dreams.