API Key

Generate your HeyGen API key in under a minute. Authenticate requests for avatar video generation, translation, and streaming.

Getting Your API Key

1. Go to the HeyGen API dashboard
2. Click to generate your API key.

Configuring Your API Key

Environment variable (recommended)

bash

export HEYGEN_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

.env file

If your project uses a .env file (common with Node.js, Python, or frameworks like Next.js):

HEYGEN_API_KEY=your-api-key-here

Claude Code

If you’re using Claude Code or any terminal-based workflow, set the key in your shell before starting:

bash

export HEYGEN_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"
claude  # or whatever command starts your session

Alternatively, add it to your shell profile (~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc) so it persists across sessions:

bash

echo 'export HEYGEN_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

HeyGen Skills (in Claude)

When using HeyGen through the Skills integration in Claude’s computer environment, the API key is read from the environment. Make sure HEYGEN_API_KEY is set before the skill executes any API calls.

Using the Key in Requests

All HeyGen API requests authenticate via the X-Api-Key header. The base URL for all endpoints is https://api.heygen.com. When auth fails, the API returns unauthorized (401).

curl

curl -X GET "https://api.heygen.com/v3/avatars" \
  -H "X-Api-Key: $HEYGEN_API_KEY"

Quick verification

You can verify your key is working by fetching your account info. Full schema: GET /v3/users/me.

curl

curl -X GET "https://api.heygen.com/v3/users/me" \
  -H "X-Api-Key: $HEYGEN_API_KEY"

A 200 response with your account details confirms your key is valid. The billing_type and corresponding billing field (wallet, subscription, or usage_based) show your current balance and billing model.

Security Best Practices

• Never commit your API key to version control. Add .env to your .gitignore.
• Never expose the key in client-side / browser code. Always call the API from a backend or server environment.
• Rotate your key periodically via the API dashboard.
• Monitor usage in your API dashboard