# HeyGen avatars can now follow written stage directions

By Steven Van · 2026-05-17

Custom Motion lets creators type cues like a lean-in or thumbs up for Avatar V to perform.

Avatar V can now be given specific direction. **Custom Motion** lets a creator type a cue, such as a lean-in before a key point, a smile for emphasis, or a thumbs up at the end, and the avatar performs it. [HeyGen](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/tools/heygen>) covers motion, expression and gaze from a text instruction.

Announced via [post](<https://x.com/i/status/2056416387757990032>) on 17 May 2026.

[View media](<https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/2056411081032290305/vid/avc1/1280x720/R6Y84btN3q3JL8EN.mp4>)

![HeyGen](<https://unavatar.io/heygen.com?fallback=false>)

HeyGen

Talking-head videos from AI avatars — pick from hundreds or build your own from a clip, script in 40+ languages, and translate with lip sync intact.

[View HeyGen →](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/tools/heygen>)

[Read HeyGen avatars can now follow written stage directions on Creators Toolbox](<https://creatorstoolbox.com/blog/heygen-avatar-v-now-takes-direction-custom-motion>)

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Canonical source: https://creatorstoolbox.com/blog/heygen-avatar-v-now-takes-direction-custom-motion