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Create a Conversation with Custom Duration and Timeout

1

Step 1: Create Your Conversation

In this example, we will use stock replica ID rfe12d8b9597 (Nathan) and stock persona ID pdced222244b (Sales Coach).
Use the following request body example:
cURL
curl --request POST \
  --url https://tavusapi.com/v2/conversations \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --header 'x-api-key: <api_key>' \
  --data '{
  "persona_id": "pdced222244b",
  "replica_id": "rfe12d8b9597",
  "callback_url": "https://yourwebsite.com/webhook",
  "conversation_name": "Improve Sales Technique",
  "conversational_context": "I want to improve my sales techniques. Help me practice handling common objections from clients and closing deals more effectively.",
  "properties": {
    "max_call_duration": 1800,
    "participant_left_timeout": 60,
    "participant_absent_timeout": 120
   }
}'
Replace <api_key> with your actual API key. You can generate one in the Developer Portal.
The request example above includes the following customizations:
ParameterDescription
max_call_durationsSets the maximum call length in seconds. Maximum: 3600 seconds.
participant_left_timeoutTime (in seconds) to wait before ending the call after the last participant leaves. Default: 0.
participant_absent_timeoutTime (in seconds) to end the call if no one joins after it’s created. Default: 300.
2

Step 2: Join the Conversation

To join the conversation, click the link in the conversation_url field from the response:
{
  "conversation_id": "ca4301628cb9",
  "conversation_name": "Improve Sales Technique",
  "conversation_url": "<conversation_link>",
  "status": "active",
  "callback_url": "https://yourwebsite.com/webhook",
  "created_at": "2025-05-13T06:42:58.291561Z"
}
Based on the call duration and timeout settings above:
  • The conversation will automatically end after 1800 seconds (30 minutes), regardless of activity.
  • If the participant leaves the conversation, it will end 60 seconds after they disconnect.
  • If the participant is present but inactive (e.g., not speaking or engaging), the conversation ends after 120 seconds of inactivity.