create-video
Create videos from a text prompt using HeyGen's Video Agent. Use when: (1) Creating a video from a description or idea, (2) Generating explainer, demo, or marketing videos from a prompt, (3) Making a video without specifying exact avatars, voices, or scenes, (4) Quick video prototyping or drafts, (5) One-shot prompt-to-video generation, (6) User says "make me a video" or "create a video about X".
- Installs
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- Last 24h
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/calesthio/openmontage --skill create-video- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads create-video automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Create Video
Generate complete videos from a text prompt. Describe what you want and the AI handles script writing, avatar selection, visuals, voiceover, pacing, and captions automatically.
Authentication
All requests require the X-Api-Key header. Set the HEYGEN_API_KEY environment variable.
curl -X POST "https://api.heygen.com/v1/video_agent/generate" \
-H "X-Api-Key: $HEYGEN_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"prompt": "Create a 60-second product demo video."}'
Tool Selection
If HeyGen MCP tools are available (mcp__heygen__*), prefer them over direct HTTP API calls — they handle authentication and request formatting automatically.
| Task | MCP Tool | Fallback (Direct API) |
|---|---|---|
| Generate video from prompt | mcp__heygen__generate_video_agent | POST /v1/video_agent/generate |
| Check video status / get URL | mcp__heygen__get_video | GET /v2/videos/{video_id} |
| List account videos | mcp__heygen__list_videos | GET /v2/videos |
| Delete a video | mcp__heygen__delete_video | DELETE /v2/videos/{video_id} |
If no HeyGen MCP tools are available, use direct HTTP API calls as documented in the reference files.
Default Workflow
Always use prompt-optimizer.md guidelines to structure prompts with scenes, timing, and visual styles.
With MCP tools:
- Write an optimized prompt using prompt-optimizer.md → visual-styles.md
- Call
mcp__heygen__generate_video_agentwith prompt and config (duration_sec, orientation, avatar_id) - Call
mcp__heygen__get_videowith the returned video_id to poll status and get the download URL
Without MCP tools (direct API):
- Write an optimized prompt using prompt-optimizer.md → visual-styles.md
POST /v1/video_agent/generate— see video-agent.mdGET /v2/videos/<id>— see video-status.md
Quick Reference
| Task | MCP Tool | Read |
|---|---|---|
| Generate video from prompt | mcp__heygen__generate_video_agent | prompt-optimizer.md → visual-styles.md → video-agent.md |
| Check video status / get download URL | mcp__heygen__get_video | video-status.md |
| Upload reference files for prompt | — | assets.md |
When to Use This Skill vs Avatar Video
This skill is for prompt-based video creation — describe what you want, and the AI handles the rest.
If the user needs precise control over specific avatars, exact scripts, per-scene voice/background configuration, or multi-scene composition, use the avatar-video skill instead.
| User Says | This Skill | Avatar Video Skill |
|---|---|---|
| "Make me a video about X" | ✓ | |
| "Create a product demo" | ✓ | |
| "I want avatar Y to say exactly Z" | ✓ | |
| "Multi-scene video with different backgrounds" | ✓ | |
| "Transparent WebM for compositing" | ✓ |
Reference Files
Core Workflow
- references/prompt-optimizer.md - Writing effective prompts (core workflow + rules)
- references/visual-styles.md - 20 named visual styles with full specs
- references/prompt-examples.md - Full production prompt example + ready-to-use templates
- references/video-agent.md - Video Agent API endpoint details
Foundation
- references/video-status.md - Polling patterns and download URLs
- references/webhooks.md - Webhook endpoints and events
- references/assets.md - Uploading images, videos, audio as references
- references/dimensions.md - Resolution and aspect ratios
- references/quota.md - Credit system and usage limits
Best Practices
- Optimize your prompt — The difference between mediocre and professional results depends entirely on prompt quality. Always use the prompt optimizer
- Specify duration — Use
config.duration_secfor predictable length - Lock avatar if needed — Use
config.avatar_idfor consistency across videos - Upload reference files — Help the agent understand your brand/product
- Iterate on prompts — Refine based on results; Video Agent is great for quick iterations
FAQ
What does the create-video skill do?
Create videos from a text prompt using HeyGen's Video Agent. Use when: (1) Creating a video from a description or idea, (2) Generating explainer, demo, or marketing videos from a prompt, (3) Making a video without specifying exact avatars, voices, or scenes, (4) Quick video prototyping or drafts, (5) One-shot prompt-to-video generation, (6) User says "make me a video" or "create a video about X".
How do I install create-video?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/calesthio/openmontage --skill create-video in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/create-video/ (personal) or .claude/skills/create-video/ (project).
Which AI agents can use create-video?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is create-video safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains create-video?
It is published by calesthio in calesthio/openmontage. It has 1,106 recorded installs.
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