Reddit is a massive online community platform where millions share ideas, discuss topics, and explore trends. According to Statista, an average of 438 million posts get published on Reddit each year.
So, how do you keep up with all the trending Reddit threads without wearing your eyes off? Use text-to-speech on Reddit. By reading Reddit posts aloud, text-to-speech makes the content easier to consume and engage with. In this article, we’ll discuss:
- Why use text-to-speech on Reddit?
- Built-in text-to-speech Reddit app features
- Text-to-speech bots on Reddit
- Third-party tools for Reddit text-to-speech conversion
Why Use Text-to-Speech on Reddit?
Speech synthesis tools for Reddit offer numerous benefits including:
Accessibility for Visually Impaired Users
According to the World Health Organization, over 2.2 billion people worldwide experience some form of vision impairment. For this group, text-to-speech bots open up a new way to interact on platforms like Reddit. These voice assistants enable them to participate in discussions, read posts, and explore trending threads without relying on sight.
Hands-Free Content Consumption for Multitasking
Reddit app text-to-speech tools let you get the gist of a post or comment without looking at your screen. Imagine you come across an intriguing story on r/AskReddit during a short break in your daily workout.
Instead of prolonging the break to read through the entire post, use voice assistant integration with Reddit. The bot reads the post aloud, letting you stay focused on your exercise and keep up with the story—all at the same time.
Convenience for Reading Long Threads or Comments Aloud
Subreddits like r/technology or r/TrueOffMyChest often have lengthy threads and discussions packed with information, nuanced opinions, or complex explanations. Text-to-speech (TTS) makes it easier to navigate such content by reading long threads aloud.
Using Built-in Reddit Features for Text-to-Speech
Reddit itself does not currently offer a built-in text-to-speech feature. However, it supports various accessibility tools available on devices that provide this functionality.
1. Accessibility Features in the Reddit App
Screen readers like VoiceOver on iOS and TalkBack on Android can now read aloud Reddit posts, comments, and navigation elements, such as menus and tabs. You may enable these accessibility tools for Reddit on your device for a hands-free and more inclusive browsing experience.
To enable VoiceOver for your iOS device, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Accessibility and select VoiceOver.
- Toggle VoiceOver on to enable it. Once activated, VoiceOver will read aloud posts, comments, and navigation elements in the Reddit app.
If you are an Android user, TalkBack is best to turn text-to-speech for social media. Here’s how to activate it:
- Open Settings on your Android device.
- Go to Accessibility and select TalkBack.
- Toggle TalkBack on. The screen reader will start narrating Reddit content, including posts and menus.
2. Voice Assistants with Reddit
You can also use voice assistants like Google Assistant or Siri to read Reddit posts aloud. First, copy and paste the Reddit post to a Notes or documentation app that the voice assistant supports. Once done, give these commands:
For Google Assistant:
Open the note and say, "Hey Google, read this."
For Siri:
Enable the Speak Screen feature under Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content. Then open the note and swipe down with two fingers, or simply say, "Hey Siri, speak screen."
Text-to-Speech Bots on Reddit
Text-to-speech Reddit bots let you directly process posts, threads, and comments without the need for manual copy-pasting. These bots are simple to use and work across many subreddits, although some restrictions may apply depending on subreddit rules or bot availability.
1. Popular TTS Bots on Reddit
The most well-known Text-to-speech Reddit bots are:
- u/reader_bot,
- u/speech_bot, and
- u/TTS_Reader.
Simply tag or summon them using comments in a thread, and within a few seconds, the bot will start reading it aloud. For example:
To use u/reader_bot, simply reply to a post or comment with: “u/reader_bot read this thread.”
The bot will then generate and share a link to the audio, allowing you to listen to the content.
2. How to Use TTS Bots Effectively
Here are the guidelines to efficiently do speech synthesis for Reddit threads using TTS bots.
Step 1: Follow the rules
Subreddits often have unique guidelines designed to maintain the quality of discussions and ensure a positive experience for their members. Check the subreddit guidelines before using bots to avoid breaking any rules.
2: Choose the right bot
Pick a bot that suits your needs. For example, u/reader_bot works well for entire threads, while u/speech_bot handles individual posts or comments effectively.
Also, ensure the bot you choose supports the specific content you're interested in, as some bots may have limitations based on subreddit rules or content type.
Step 2: Summon the bot
Reply to a post or comment with the bot's username and a clear command. Some bots require specific commands to process your request. For example:
- u/reader_bot: read thread (to read an entire thread).
- u/speech_bot: read post (to focus only on the post).
Make sure you follow the right format. Also, be clear and specific with your command; for example, specify whether you want the full thread or just a single comment to be read.
Step 3: Wait for the response
The bot usually processes your request within seconds or minutes and replies with a link to the audio. Longer threads or comments may take more time to process or may not be fully captured by the bot. If a thread is too long, the bot might also truncate it.
Step 4: Listen to the audio
Click the link provided to stream or download the audio file, depending on the bot's features. The audio quality may vary between bots, with some offering robotic voices that may be harder to understand.
Third-Party Tools for Text-to-Speech on Reddit
Several text-to-speech apps and browser extensions outperform basic voice assistant Reddit integration or TTS Reddit bots in functionality, flexibility, and customization. These third-party Reddit tools for TTS offer better control over voice options, playback speed, and multi-platform support, providing a richer, hands-free Reddit experience.
1. TTS Apps Compatible with Reddit
While there are numerous apps available to convert text-to-speech for social media, Speaktor and NaturalReader, rank top for their affordability and user-friendliness.
Speaktor
Speaktor enhances your Reddit reading experience with high-quality, natural-sounding voices. It supports 50+ languages and dialects with extensive voice options, so you can choose the tone, accent, and delivery style in which the post is read.
Speaktor is available across the Web, iOS, and Android, allowing you to enjoy Reddit content hands-free wherever you are.
How to use Speaktor:
- Copy the Reddit post you want to read.
- Sign up for Speaktor from your browser and paste the content directly into Speaktor.
- Select the voice profile and customize the reading speed to your preferences.
- Listen to the Reddit post or save it as an audio file for later.
Speaktor can also read text from images and documents. This means you can also just screenshot the Reddit post and upload the image to Speaktor to read it aloud.
NaturalReader
Another useful TTS app is NaturalReader, which offers lifelike voices and customizable settings. It allows users to convert Reddit content into audio files for easy listening while on the go. The workflow is similar to Speaktor:
- Copy the content from Reddit that you want to be read aloud.
- Paste it into the NaturalReader app.
- Select your preferred voice and adjust the playback speed and tone.
2. Browser Extensions for TTS
For desktop Reddit users, browser extensions provide a convenient way to automatically read Reddit threads aloud. These extensions integrate directly with Reddit, allowing you to listen to posts and threads without switching between apps.
Popular options include Speaktor, Speechify, and Read Aloud. Most work similarly:
- Install the extension.
- Open a Reddit post or thread.
- Click the extension icon to start reading.
- Adjust playback settings as needed.
3. Multitasking with TTS Tools
Text-to-speech tools like Speaktor are excellent for multitasking. They allow you to consume Reddit content without being tied to a screen.
For instance, while driving, you can have Reddit posts read aloud to you, keeping your focus on the road. In the kitchen, TTS tools can read through Reddit discussions while you prepare meals. Similarly, during workouts like running or cycling, you can keep up with the latest threads, all without having to glance at your phone.
Simply, with Speaktor-like tools, you can effortlessly turn lengthy, interesting Reddit threads into a personalized podcast you can listen to at any time, anywhere.
How Speaktor Enhances the Reddit Experience
Speaktor is a robust text-to-speech tool that transforms how you consume content on the web and beyond. Beyond hands-free browsing, its advanced customization options and Reddit reading features provide a unique, personalized experience tailored to your preferences. Key features include:
- Natural-sounding voices: Speaktor offers lifelike voices that make listening to Reddit posts and threads more engaging, providing a smooth and pleasant experience.
- Customizable settings: You can adjust the reading speed and voice profile to suit your unique style.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Whether you're on mobile, desktop, or using a browser, Speaktor works seamlessly across all devices, allowing you to listen to Reddit posts anywhere, anytime.
So, whether you're stuck in a boring seminar with a friend or driving on a long road trip, use Speaktor to use Speaktor to stay engaged by having Reddit content read aloud to you.
Conclusion: Simplify Your Reddit Experience with Text-to-Speech
With 73.1 million daily active users and 100,000+ active subreddits, Reddit is a hub for everything from breaking news to niche hobbies.
Text-to-speech tools enhance your Reddit experience by making content more accessible and easier to consume. Whether using Reddit bots, browser extensions, or apps like Speaktor, these TTS solutions provide seamless integration for a personalized and efficient experience.
Try text-to-speech with Speaktor today to make your Reddit browsing more engaging, productive, and hands-free!