how to get the speech text on tiktok

TikTok's Text-to-Speech Feature Brings the Laughs While Increasing Accessibility

Updated Aug. 10 2021, 6:51 p.m. ET

Of all of the trends on TikTok , one of the longest-running ones is the text-to-speech audio effect. We've all had Siri (or another automated voice) read our text messages to us, and like most computer-generated things, it often comes with errors — which is what makes it so funny.

If you're looking to add a text-to-speech audio to your next TikTok, here's how to do it.

Here's how to do the text-to-speech effect on TikTok.

One of the timeless trends on TikTok includes the Siri text-to-speech audio. There are a variety of these videos on the app, but the general idea is that you give Siri (or another automated voice) text to read and make the text your audio. Many of these videos also include closed captions of the text being read (to increase accessibility, especially for hard of hearing and deaf users).

Sometimes the audio is telling the storytime tale a user wishes to share, or some users like to see how automated voices read specific words.

These text-to-speech programs also read emojis, and for some it's interesting to hear how a computer interprets many of our most-used emojis.

To do this effect for your own TikTok, there are a few ways you can create the audio. There are a variety of apps on the market that will easily create text-to-speech audio for you, though some do charge a small fee.

TikTok implemented a text-to-speech feature in the app to increase accessibility. All you have to do is type your desired text in a text box while editing your video and then select "text-to-speech." This automatically generates an audio from the text you type on the screen.

Of course it's not perfect — but that's what makes it funny!

@gasvroomvroom she can spell quesadilla but can’t say it right smh #fyp #tacobell ♬ original sound - ur mom

How to change the text-to-speech voice.

After the text-to-speech feature was implemented, ByteDance (the company behind TikTok) faced a lawsuit alleging that the voice actor behind the original audio, Beverly Standing, did not consent to the app using her voice. She sued the company, and shortly after the text-to-speech feature was given a different voice.

Unfortunately, many users aren't a fan of the new voice and are looking for ways to swap it out with a different voice.

There isn't a way in the video editing portion of TikTok to edit the audio for text-to-speech, but there are some workarounds if you're really looking to change the voice you use.

First, film your video in TikTok and edit it, using the regular text-to-speech voice. Download the edited video and upload it to another voice-modifying app to alter the voice of the text-to-speech. There are a variety of apps and online services you can pick. Re-upload your video and you're done!

@jimmymac_23 Tutorial how to change text to speech voice #tutorial ♬ original sound - Joshua Green

Here's how to add captions to a video.

One of the most important parts of this trend is to include captions on your video for the text you're using in your audio. This is important because when the text-to-speech audio reads something incorrectly, your viewers will need to know what the word actually is.

Again, there are a variety of apps you can use to do this, but there is a free way to add captions to your video right in the app's built-in video editor.

To add text, all you have to do is click the "text" button in the edit portion of posting your video and transcribe the audio. The video will continue playing in the background while you do this, so you might finish transcribing the audio at a different portion of the video than where it belongs.

Once you're done with your transcription, tap on the text and select "set duration." From here, you can choose for how long and where in the video the text appears.

You can also overlay text on top of each other, and have different text boxes set for different time durations. There is no limit to the number of text boxes you can put in a video, but just make sure they line up with when the text is read.

You can also use captions on other videos you create, which make them more accessible for other users on the app so they can also enjoy your content!

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How to use text to speech on TikTok

Published on January 24, 2024

If you’ve been watching enough TikToks, you’ve undoubtedly seen videos where a cheerful AI voice reads its text to you. It’s a actually helpful accessibility feature for people with visual impairments, meant to let them watch TikToks without struggling with reading. Here’s how to use text-to-speech on TikTok and choose which speech bot you want to narrate your videos.

QUICK ANSWER

To use text-to-speech on TikTok, tap on Text while editing your video and type your caption, and then tap the Text-to-speech icon. For more voices option on CapCut, select Create , tap on Text , tap on Add text , select Text to speech , tap on English , and export the video.

JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

• How to do text-to-speech on Tiktok
• How to use CapCut for more text-to speech voices

How to do text-to-speech

To implement text-to-speech on your next TikTok, record or upload a video as usual until you arrive at the editing stage.

• Select the “ Aa ” icon to add text to your video.
• Type in the message you want the AI to read aloud, tap on the text, and then select Text-to-speech option.
• Tap on a checkmark to post on TikTok.

Currently, only a female voice is available for text-to-speech on TikTok, but no worries. Here is how you can add more text-to-speech  voices to your video by using CapCut.

How to use CapCut for more text-to-speech voices

There are planty of free text-to-speech voices available on Capcut. Before adding more voices, ensure that you have the app on your phone or visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lemon.lvoverseas&hl=en&gl=US to download and sign in to the app.

• On Capcut, tap on Create and choose the video that you want.
• Select Text with the T icon.
• Tap on Add text with A+  icon and type your text.

• Select Text to speech option.
• In Select Voice, tap on English feature and choose the voice that you like.
• Tap on the export icon on the top right of your screen and select Share to TikTok .

Since TikTok and CapCut are owned by ByteDance, users are encoraged to use CapCut for more editing features. According to a report from Time Magazine, ByteDance has promoted CapCut on TikTok with the statement, “Everyone can be a creator by using CapCut. Start creating your cool video today.”

There is only a female voice available on TikTok but you can use Capcut to add more voices for free

In May 2021, TikTok changed the default voice in North America. The original voice actor, Beverly Standing, sued ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, for using her voice without permission.

Ensure that you have the latest version of the TikTok app installed. Older versions don’t have all the text-to-speech features.

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How to use text-to-speech on TikTok

TikTok's text-to-speech is an accessibility feature that lets you put a voice to your videos' on-screen text. If added to your videos, text-to-speech automatically reads selected lines of text from your video out loud. For visually impaired TikTok users, the text-to-speech feature means that they can watch these videos and they won't miss out on what's said by the on-screen text. When reading the text is not possible or is difficult, text-to-speech lets people hear it as well.

If you want to be able to add text-to-speech to your own TikTok videos, we can show you how. Keep reading to learn how to use text-to-speech on TikTok in just a few minutes.

What You Need

The TikTok mobile app

A video you want to post

How do I use TikTok text-to-speech?

Adding text-to-speech to a TikTok video isn't as complicated as it sounds and only requires a few minutes of your time. You'll need to use the TikTok mobile app to follow these steps.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open the TikTok mobile app and select the Plus sign icon at the bottom of your screen.

Step 2: On the next screen, you'll be given the option to either film a video using the TikTok app or upload an existing video. Pick either option and go to step 3.

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Step 3: At this point, you should be looking at the video's editing screen. This screen has a lot of editing options to choose from (these are the white icons on the right side of your screen). From these options, choose the Text icon in the top right corner of your screen.

Step 4: On the next screen, type in the text that you want to add to your TikTok video and choose your text formatting options.

Step 5: Select the lines of text you want to hear read out loud and then select the text-to-speech icon, which looks like the outline of a person's head with sound waves coming from it.

Step 6: On the Text-to-speech window, choose the type of voice you want to read your text out loud by selecting a voice and then selecting the circle next to the phrase Apply [name of voice option] to the following text-to-speech . Then select Done in the top right corner.

Step 7: Back on the text input screen, select Done again in the top right corner.

Then select Next to finish publishing your TikTok video.

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A group of TikTok users has sued the state of Montana in a bid to overturn its plan to ban the app from January 1, 2024.

The complaint was filed on Wednesday evening in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana just hours after Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (R) signed into law a bill banning the Chinese-owned app over concerns it could impact U.S. national security.

TikTok received more bad news on Wednesday after Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (R) signed into law a bill banning the popular app from January 1, 2024.

While more than half of U.S. states have already issued TikTok bans on government-issued devices, Montana’s action against the Chinese-owned app is significant as it’s the first state to impose a total ban on the app.

TikTok is feeling the heat again after a former leading executive at its parent company, Byte Dance, made a series of damning claims in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed recently in the San Francisco Superior Court

Among the allegations made by Yintao Yu was that the Chinese Community Party (CCP) “maintained supreme access” to TikTok data stored in the U.S. when he worked for the company between 2017 and 2018.

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Everything you need to know about text to speech on TikTok

Learn how to use TikTok's text to speech feature and compare it against tools like ElevenLabs

TikTok has exploded in popularity in recent years, boasting over 2 billion active users—but did you know it has a handy text-to-speech feature that allows your videos to reach wider audiences? 

This innovative function allows text captions, hashtags, video titles or written content to be read aloud so viewers can simply listen rather than read.

However, like any technology, text-to-speech on TikTok comes with its set of advantages and challenges. From enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users to sometimes struggling with voice clarity or pronunciation, the feature's impact is multifaceted.

This article explores the workings, benefits, limitations, and alternatives of this tool available to users seeking more customized voiceover options. If that’s you, check out ElevenLabs’ industry leading text-to-speech tool today. 

Whether you're a content creator looking to add a new layer to your videos or a marketer aiming to reach TikTok's vast audience more effectively, this piece will provide you with the insights needed to navigate the world of text-to-speech on one of the world's most influential social media platforms. 

What is TikTok's text-to-speech feature?

TikTok text-to-speech allows users to convert typed text into oral descriptions within their TikTok videos. This functionality serves multiple purposes: it makes content more accessible to individuals who may have difficulty reading on-screen text, it enriches the user experience by adding an auditory layer to visual content, and it offers creators a simple yet powerful tool to enhance storytelling.

By utilizing text to speech, TikTok creators can produce content that is not only more inclusive but also more engaging. The feature supports a variety of voices, enabling users to select the tone and style that best fits their content's mood or their brand's personality. It also complements another recent TikTok change, which allows users to add multiple text bubbles to videos.

How to Use TikTok's text-to-speech voice feature

This feature enhances video content by converting written text into spoken narration. It not only makes content more accessible but also adds a creative layer to videos. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively.

• Create or upload a video: Begin by creating a new video or selecting one from your gallery to upload to TikTok.
• Add text to your video: After uploading your video, tap on the "Text" button at the bottom of the screen to add your desired text.
• Choose text-to-speech: Once you've added text, press and hold on to the text box, and an option menu will appear. Select "Text-to-Speech" from this menu.
• Customize TikTok voice option: TikTok offers various voice options, whether female voice or male, for text-to-speech. After selecting "Text-to-Speech," apply voice that best fits your video's tone and content.
• Preview and edit: Preview your video with the text-to-speech audio during the editing stage. If needed, you can go back and make edits to the text or voice selection to ensure it aligns with your video's theme.
• Finalize and share: Once you’re satisfied with the text-to-speech narration, proceed to finalizing your TikTok video. Add any additional effects or edits, then publish it to your TikTok profile to share with your audience.

This process allows creators to easily integrate spoken word into their content, making videos more engaging and accessible to a wider audience.

Pros of TikTok's text-to-speech feature

TikTok's text-to-speech (TTS) feature has significantly impacted the platform, offering numerous advantages to content creators and viewers alike. Here's a closer look at its benefits:

Enhances accessibility

One of the primary benefits of TikTok's TTS feature is its ability to make content more accessible and inclusive. By converting text within videos into voiceovers, creators can cater to a wider audience, including those with visual impairments or reading difficulties. This inclusivity allows for a more diverse community on the platform​​.

Boosts attention and engagement

In a sea of over one million videos watched daily on TikTok, standing out is crucial. The TTS feature provides a unique tool for creators to make their videos distinctive. By adding narration or playing with the AI's pronunciation capabilities, creators can capture viewers' attention and foster greater engagement with their content​​.

Facilitates narration and storytelling

For creators focusing on storytelling or tutorial videos, the TTS feature is invaluable. It offers a straightforward solution for narrating content, especially for those who may not be comfortable recording their own voice. This feature supports a new style of entertainment, where the interaction between the visual content and AI-generated voice adds a fresh layer to the storytelling​​.

Encourages creative use of AI

The TTS new feature has also spurred a new niche of entertainment content on TikTok, where users experiment with the AI's capabilities. This includes seeing how the AI pronounces certain words or phrases, adding a humorous or unexpected twist to videos. Such creative use of technology not only entertains but also explores the boundaries of AI's role in content creation​​.

Cons of TikTok's text-to-speech feature

While the TikTok text-to-speech (TTS) feature offers numerous benefits, it's not without its limitations and challenges. Understanding these drawbacks is crucial for creators aiming to optimize their content on the platform.

Limited voice options

One of the main drawbacks of TikTok’s TTS feature is the limited range of automated voice options available. This can restrict creators who wish to match the voiceover's tone more closely with their video's mood or content. The lack of diversity in TikTok voices may also affect the overall impact of the narration, making it less engaging for some audiences.

Lack of emotional depth

AI-generated voices, while technologically impressive, often lack the emotional depth and nuance that human narration provides. This can result in a disconnect between the video's visual content and the voiceover, potentially diminishing the intended emotional or comedic effect of the content.

Pronunciation and clarity issues

TTS technology sometimes struggles with pronunciation, especially for names, technical terms, or languages other than English. Mispronunciations can confuse viewers or detract from the video's professionalism. Additionally, the clarity of AI voices can vary, affecting the understandability of the narration for viewers.

Potential overuse and annoyance

As more creators adopt the TTS feature, there's a risk of overuse, which could lead to viewer fatigue. Audiences might grow tired of hearing the same AI voices across multiple videos, reducing the novelty and effectiveness of the feature. Overuse can also make content feel less personalized and diminish a creator's unique voice.

Technical glitches and reliability issues

Some users have reported technical glitches with the TTS feature, including it disappearing from the app or being unpredictable in its functionality. These reliability issues can disrupt the content creation process and affect the timely production and posting of videos.

In summary, while the TTS feature on TikTok opens up creative possibilities and enhances accessibility, it's important for creators to be aware of its limitations. By understanding these cons, creators can better strategize their use of the feature to maximize the impact of their content on the platform.

TikTok text-to-speech vs. ElevenLabs

This TikTok feature is certainly handy—but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for content creators. Far from it. Dedicated platforms like ElevenLabs are a far superior option for creators looking to produce high-quality content. 

Here’s why. 

• Advanced voice quality: ElevenLabs' TTS technology employs state-of-the-art AI models, resulting in more natural-sounding and expressive voice options compared to TikTok's more robotic tones. This can significantly enhance the viewer's experience.

Rachel voice

• Wide range of voices: Unlike TikTok, which offers a limited selection of voices, ElevenLabs provides access to a broad array of voice types and accents. This diversity enables creators to match the voiceover perfectly with their content's tone and context.
• Customizable emotional tones: ElevenLabs allows users to adjust the emotional tone of the voiceover, such as making it sound happier, sadder, or more enthusiastic. This level of control is not available in TikTok's TTS feature, offering creators the ability to convey more nuanced storytelling.
• Better pronunciation control: With ElevenLabs, creators can fine-tune the pronunciation of specific words or phrases, ensuring that their voiceovers are clear and accurate. This addresses one of the significant limitations of TikTok's TTS, where mispronunciations can sometimes occur.
• High-quality audio output: The audio quality produced by ElevenLabs' TTS is superior, with fewer artifacts and a cleaner sound. This is crucial for creators who prioritize high production values in their content.
• Integration capabilities: ElevenLabs' TTS technology can be integrated into a wider range of applications and platforms, offering versatility beyond TikTok. This makes it an excellent choice for creators who distribute content across multiple channels.
• Accessibility features: While TikTok's TTS enhances accessibility, ElevenLabs' advanced options, such as customizable speech rates and better clarity, further improve content accessibility for people with disabilities.

Choosing ElevenLabs' TTS feature over TikTok's built-in option offers content creators greater flexibility, quality, and control over their voiceovers. This can lead to more engaging, professional, and inclusive content that stands out in a crowded digital landscape.

Final thoughts

In summary, TikTok text-to-speech feature significantly enhances content creation, making it more accessible and engaging for a wide audience. It allows creators to transform written text into spoken words, adding depth and personality to videos. By staying up-to-date with the latest updates, experimenting with different voices, and tailoring content to audience preferences, creators can leverage this tool to elevate their TikTok presence and connect more effectively with their viewers.

Looking ahead, the future of TikTok's text to speech holds promising advancements, with potential for more natural voices and increased customization options. These innovations will continue to empower creators, offering new ways to captivate and engage audiences. As TikTok evolves, so too will the opportunities for creators to innovate and inspire through their content.

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