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Getting Your API Key

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

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Configuring Your API Key

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

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.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

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Claude Code

If you’re using Claude Code or any terminal-based workflow, set the key in your shell before starting: 
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: 
echo 'export HEYGEN_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

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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.

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

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Quick verification

You can verify your key is working by fetching your account info: 
curl -X GET "https://api.heygen.com/v1/user/me" \
  -H "X-Api-Key: $HEYGEN_API_KEY"
A successful response with "code": 100 confirms your key is valid. The billing_type and corresponding billing field (wallet, subscription, or usage_based) show your current balance and billing model.

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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