How to Use TikTok Text-to-Speech?
Turn Texts into Speech and Read Aloud
Turn Texts into Speech and Read Aloud
Brief Answer:
Start by ensuring that the TikTok app is updated to the current version. Next, record a video, enter the text you want the AI voice to narrate, and then click on the text-to-speech icon to set the duration and make any necessary edits.
Did you know:
TikTok has a built-in text-to-speech feature that can turn your written words into voice? This feature was launched to make the platform more accessible to a wider audience, and since its launch, it has been going viral. Many even find automated voice as their selling point, as it adds a different element to the content.
While TikTok's voice feature helps creators in many ways, you'll quickly notice some limitations. The platform only gives you a few voice options, doesn't let you customize much, and sometimes struggles with pronunciation. That's why keeping your message brief and clear works best. If you need more control over your audio, consider third-party tools like Speaktor, which offer better customization, multiple languages, and more natural-sounding voices.
How to Use Text-to-Speech on TikTok?
Using the TikTok text-to-speech voice is pretty simple when you record or upload a video, enter text, tap the textbox, and choose text-to-speech. The built-in AI will read your text aloud.
Brief Steps Guide
- Record a Video: Tap the record button and record a video, or upload one.
- Enter Your Text: Navigate to the text icon, type the text, and tap “Done.”
- Choose Text-to-Speech: Tap the Textbox, and select the “Text-to-Speech” option.
- Save the Video: Edit the audio, then tap “Save to Device” to save it locally.
Now that you have a brief idea, here is a detailed guide on how to add text-to-speech on TikTok.
Step 1: Record a Video
Ensure your TikTok app is updated to the latest version to use its text-to-speech function. Then, open the app and tap the “Plus” button. Here, you can record new footage or upload an existing video.
Step 2: Enter Your Text
Navigate to the text icon in the middle of the screen, on the right, and type the text you want TikTok's text-to-speech voice to read aloud. Keep the text short and simple. Once done, tap “Next” at the top-right corner to insert a customizable textbox in your video.
Step 3: Choose Text-to-Speech
Tap the Textbox, and it pops up with three options such as Text-to-Speech, Set Duration, and Edit. Select the Text-to-Speech option, and the TikTok text-to-speech AI reads out the text.
Step 4: Save the Video
Access other options like Sounds, Effects, and Stickers to customize the video. Once you’re satisfied with everything, tap the “Save with watermark” option to save to TikTok’s servers or to your story, if intended.
What are the Limitations of Text-to-Speech on TikTok?
The text-to-speech TikTok option is simple, but it has limitations, including limited voice options, no parameter customization options, language restrictions, and more. Also, issues like mispronunciation and lack of naturalness in a voice can lower viewer retention.
Quick Summary:
- Limited Voice Options: Only 6-8 voice options available.
- Pronunciation Issues: Struggles with technical terms and names.
- Lack of Naturalness: The voice might sound robotic.
- No Customization: Can’t modify tone or emphasis.
- Language Restrictions: Only supports English (not explicitly mentioned on the website)
According to TikTok, it’s crucial to hook your viewers within the first 3 seconds. Any of the issues mentioned above can lead to otherwise. Here are the details of the potential drawbacks of text-to-speech on TikTok.
Limited Voice Options
The limited availability of voice options is the primary disadvantage of TikTok’s text-to-speech feature. This restricts creators who want the voice to align with the video’s mood and content. It also reduces the overall impact of narration and makes the video less engaging.
Pronunciation Issues
The TikTok text-to-speech sometimes struggles with pronunciation, especially with technical terms, names, or other languages. Mispronunciation can confuse viewers or distract them from the video's actual purpose.
Lack of Naturalness
The AI-generated voices, although they save you time and effort, often lack the nuances and emotional depth of human narration. This can cause a disconnect between the video and viewers and impact the emotional depth or comedic effect of the content.
No Customization
TikTok doesn’t allow you to adjust the speed at which the AI speaks or modify the tone. This potentially hampers the creativity of the creator and the emotional depth of the content.
Language Restrictions
TikTok, although it doesn’t explicitly mention it on its website, only supports text-to-voice conversion in English. So, you might need a third-party tool if you seek to create your content in any other language, like Arabic, Japanese, German, Chinese, and others.
How Does Speaktor Overcome Limitations of Text-to-Speech on TikTok?
Unlike the TikTok Voiceover tool, Speaktor produces human-like voices, offers customization options, and provides extensive language support. You can use Speaktor to create an audio that captures the true tone and emotional depth of the content.
Videos with clear, engaging audio tend to appear on the “For You” page on TikTok, compared to those that lack emotional depth or have pronunciation issues. According to the Pew Research Center, 40% of TikTok users find the content on the “For You” page extremely or very interesting. Speaktor’s use increases the chances of your videos reaching the maximum audience.
Here are some of the key features of this AI voice generator that make it better than text-to-speech TikTok.
- Multiple Language Support: Speaktor supports up to 50 languages, such as Spanish, German, French, Turkish, and Arabic.
- Realistic Voice: Speaktor is an advanced AI-powered tool that can deliver realistic and natural-sounding speech that enhances audience engagement.
- Audio Control Capabilities: Speaktor lets you make precise speed adjustments for your videos. This way, you get control over the delivery style of your voice, depending on the content.
- Voice Customizations: Speaktor also lets you choose from a wide range of AI voices with different tones, genders, and accents. You can choose one that comes close to your video style.
- Use of 15+ Voices: Unlike TikTok’s native text-to-speech feature, Speaktor supports the use of various voices (15+) in a project. You can assign different voices to the sections of your content and make the video more engaging.
- Export Formats: TikTok doesn’t allow export of audio, but Speaktor supports SRT, MP3, MP3 + SRT, and WAV + SRT format downloads.
Conclusion
Here's the bottom line: TikTok's text-to-speech is ideal for quick, simple videos, but if you're serious about creating professional-quality content, you'll probably want something more powerful. Tools like Speaktor give you the control and quality that can make your videos stand out in a crowded feed. Why not try both approaches and see what works best for your content style?
Frequently Asked Questions
To use TikTok's AI voice, tap the record button on TikTok and record your voice, or you can use the text-to-speech option. From there, select the "Optimus Prime" voiceover or another to get the AI talking on your behalf.
The best text-to-speech tool depends on your needs, but if you need a comprehensive tool, Speaktor is the best option. It supports 50+ languages and 15+ human-like tones, alongside customization options to create audio that engages audiences.
The language support for TikTok text-to-speech is limited, but options include English, Spanish, Japanese, and German. If you need other language options, you can try out third-party text-to-speech apps like Speaktor.
Yes, ChatGPT can generate voice with its newly introduced voice capabilities. This allows users to have spoken conversations with AI and have it respond with synthesized speech. The feature is available on the ChatGPT mobile and desktop apps. Although convenient, it has limitations similar to TikTok's AI text-to-speech feature, so it's recommended to use apps like Speaktor.
TikTok pays its creators via its Creator Fund and Creativity program. Through the former, a creator can earn between $0.02 and $0.04 per 1,000 views, or $20-$40 per million views. Its Creativity Program potentially pays higher, and some creators reportedly earn $400-$1,600 per million views.