Create Character Swap Videos with CloudMySite
CloudMySite Character Swap Video helps you create a new short video from two uploads: a Character Image and a Reference Video. The character image provides the person, avatar, mascot, or visual subject. The reference video provides the motion, timing, camera direction, and overall video structure.
Use this tool when you want a branded character, spokesperson, creator-style clip, social ad, or short website video based on an existing motion reference.
What Character Swap Video Does
Character Swap Video combines:
| Upload | What It Controls |
|---|---|
| Character Image | The person, character, mascot, or subject you want to appear |
| Reference Video | The movement, framing, timing, and video length |
CloudMySite then creates a new video that follows the reference video while using the uploaded character image as the main subject where possible.
Best Uses
Character Swap Video works well for:
- avatar-style marketing videos
- spokesperson videos
- creator clips for social media
- short product or service promotions
- brand mascot videos
- campaign concepts and ad variations
- replacing a placeholder person or character in a simple reference clip
For website work, it is especially useful for landing page promos, hero sections, feature teasers, and social clips that support a launch.
Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- a signed-in CloudMySite account
- access to Character Swap Video in your plan or video credit balance
- a character image you own or have permission to use
- a short reference video you own or have permission to use
Do not upload private customer media, copyrighted characters, performers, employees, or real people unless you have the right permission to use their likeness in the final video.
Upload Requirements
CloudMySite checks your files before generation starts.
| Upload | Accepted Files | Size | Other Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Image | JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, WEBP | 5 MB or smaller | Width and height from 200 to 4096 pixels; aspect ratio from 1:3 to 3:1 |
| Reference Video | MP4, AVI, MOV | 200 MB or smaller | 2 to 30 seconds; width and height from 200 to 2048 pixels; aspect ratio from 1:3 to 3:1 |
If a file does not meet these requirements, Video Studio shows an upload error before you spend credits.
Create a Character Swap Video
- Open Video Studio.
- Select Character Swap Video.
- Upload the Character Image.
- Upload the Reference Video.
- Review the preview and any file validation messages.
- Choose Standard or Professional quality.
- Choose whether to include a watermark when your plan allows control over it.
- Review the estimated video credit use.
- Select Generate Character Swap.
- Wait for the preview to complete, then download or reuse the video from Recent Generations.
Character swap can take several minutes. You can continue working and check Recent Generations later.
Pick a Good Character Image
Use a character image that is:
- clear, sharp, and well lit
- focused on one main subject
- close to the look you want in the final video
- not heavily blurred, filtered, or distorted
- free of large text overlays or unwanted watermarks
- similar enough to the reference video subject for the motion to make sense
For people or avatar-style videos, a clean portrait or upper-body image usually works better than a crowded group photo.
Pick a Good Reference Video
Use a reference video that is:
- short and simple
- focused on one main action
- stable enough to understand the motion
- close to the final framing you want
- not filled with fast cuts, heavy zooms, or multiple people crossing the frame
- clear enough for CloudMySite to read the subject, pose, and movement
The reference video controls the final video length, so a 12-second reference uses more video credits than a 5-second reference.
Quality Options
| Quality | Best For |
|---|---|
| Standard | Faster previews, first drafts, lower-cost tests, and simple social clips |
| Professional | More polished character swap videos, smoother motion, and higher-quality final clips |
Start with Standard when testing your media. Use Professional when the source files are strong and the video is close to final.
Watermark Setting
Free and trial accounts may keep the watermark enabled. Paid plans can turn it off when their subscription allows it.
If you are creating a final ad, website hero clip, or client-facing video, check the watermark setting before generating.
Credit Use
Character Swap Video uses video credits based on:
- reference video length
- selected quality
- available plan features
The credit estimate appears after CloudMySite reads the reference video duration. To use fewer credits, test with a shorter reference video and Standard quality first.
Tips for Better Results
- Keep both uploads visually simple.
- Match the character image and reference video as closely as possible.
- Avoid source videos with many scene changes.
- Avoid tiny text inside the source video.
- Use clean media without logos or overlays unless they are meant to appear.
- Test with Standard quality before using Professional quality.
- Use Recent Generations to compare attempts and reuse the best result.
Common Issues
Generate Character Swap Is Disabled
Check that:
- both uploads are selected
- neither upload has a validation error
- your account has access to Character Swap Video
- you have enough video credits for the estimate
The Character Image Upload Fails
Use JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, or WEBP. Keep the file at 5 MB or smaller and make sure the image is at least 200 pixels wide and tall.
The Reference Video Upload Fails
Use MP4, AVI, or MOV. Keep the file at 200 MB or smaller, between 2 and 30 seconds, and at least 200 pixels wide and tall.
The Result Does Not Look Like the Character
Try a clearer character image with one subject, better lighting, and a similar angle to the reference video. If the result is close but not polished enough, try Professional quality.
The Motion Looks Strange
Use a simpler reference video with fewer cuts, fewer people, and more stable motion. Short clips with one clear action usually work best.