Definition & guide
What Is a Digital Human?
A plain-English definition — the types of digital human, how they're different from avatars and chatbots, and what they're used for.
A digital human is a computer-generated, lifelike human figure — a realistic face and voice — used to interact with or represent people. The interactive kind holds live, real-time conversations; the term also covers pre-rendered digital humans created for video, film and games.
Two types of digital human
Interactive (real-time)
Converses live — it listens, understands and responds in the moment with a talking face and voice. This is what businesses use for receptionists, kiosks and support.
Pre-rendered
Created in advance as a fixed asset — a presenter in a video, a character in a film or game. Lifelike, but it doesn't respond; it plays back.
For customer interaction, the interactive, real-time kind is what matters — a real-time AI avatar is exactly that.
Digital human vs avatar vs chatbot
- •Digital human: emphasizes lifelike, human realism — a believable face and voice.
- •Avatar: a broader term for any digital character representing a person or brand, realistic or stylized. A real-time AI avatar is an interactive digital human.
- •Chatbot: exchanges text or voice with no embodied face — the step before a digital human gives it a believable on-screen presence.
What digital humans are used for
Reception & front desk: a branded face that greets visitors and answers questions.
Kiosks & retail: always-on assistants in stores, lobbies and public spaces.
Support & sales: answering customers and guiding purchases online, in real time.
Media & training: pre-rendered presenters for videos, courses and entertainment.
Getting an interactive digital human
For customer-facing use, you'd deploy an interactive digital human through a real-time avatar platform. Selvia AI is one example — an all-inclusive, real-time talking digital human with per-user memory that runs on a website, phone or in-person kiosk, from $1/hour. It's a practical way to see what a digital human can do for a business.
Frequently asked questions
What is a digital human?
A digital human is a computer-generated, lifelike human figure — typically a realistic face and voice — used to interact with or represent people. The interactive kind holds live, real-time conversations; the term also covers pre-rendered digital humans created for video, film and games.
What's the difference between a digital human and an avatar?
They overlap and are often used interchangeably. 'Digital human' emphasizes lifelike, human realism; 'avatar' is a broader term for any digital character representing a person or brand, lifelike or stylized. A real-time AI avatar is an interactive digital human.
What is an interactive digital human?
One that converses in real time — it listens, understands and responds live with a talking face and voice, rather than being pre-rendered. This is the kind businesses use for receptionists, kiosks and support, as opposed to digital humans created for pre-recorded video.
Is a chatbot a digital human?
Not quite. A chatbot exchanges text or voice without an embodied, lifelike face. A digital human adds a realistic on-screen face and voice, so the interaction feels like talking to a person rather than typing into a box.
What are digital humans used for?
In business: receptionists and front desks, in-store and lobby kiosks, customer support, and online shopping assistants. More broadly, pre-rendered digital humans are also used as presenters, in films and in games.
How do I get a digital human for my business?
For customer interaction, you'd use an interactive (real-time) digital human platform. Selvia AI is one example — an all-inclusive real-time avatar with per-user memory at $1/hour — that lets a business deploy a talking digital human on its website, phone or an in-person kiosk.
Meet a talking digital human
Have a live conversation with Selvia AI's real-time digital human in a free demo — from $1/hour.
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