What’s an AI voice generator?

AI voice generation

AI voice generation technology uses algorithms to synthesize human speech from written text or vocal recordings. Thanks to breakthroughs in machine learning, AI voice generation can now mimic intonation, emotion, and even stammers to blur the line between human speech and words generated by a machine. AI is revolutionizing how we create audio content and how audiences interact with it.

What does this mean for content creators?

First, it’s crucial to recognize the role voice plays in audience interaction. The type of voice used in a short film, podcast, or social media post will influence how the audience feels when they interact with the content. A calming voice can make us feel relaxed, and a familiar voice will generate feelings of trust. A voice’s quality and authenticity impact how we relate to the content being delivered – whether that’s an authoritative news reader on a news podcast or a compelling voiceover in a movie.

With the automation of high-quality and authentic voice generation, creators can produce content more efficiently and affordably than ever before. Generated voices can be customized and personalized, and in many cases, you can even select a pitch, intonation, language, and accent that will suit your project or audience.

What used to be a long, laborious, and expensive process of finding, vetting, and hiring voice actors can now be done in a fraction of the time. Understanding the power of voice is critical for creators and brands looking to streamline their workflow and stand out.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of AI voice generators available, the technology’s many benefits, and how Artlist’s community of creators can take advantage of them.

Key terms

We’ve broken down some of the most common terms you’ll see relating to the topic of AI voice generation.

AI voice generation

Uses AI algorithms to create more natural and human-sounding voices. There’s plenty of room for customization to replicate human characteristics, and pitch, tone, intonation, and accents can be modified. AI voice generation is often used for podcasts, audiobooks, videos, and virtual assistants. It’s more likely to create an emotional connection with an audience.

Text-to-speech (TTS)

Converts (you guessed it) text into speech. It sounds robotic and has limited customization options. Often it doesn’t sound very natural and is commonly used in navigation and automated customer service systems.

Speech synthesis models

Encompass a broader range of techniques, utilizing machine learning models to synthesize human-sounding speech. This model can be fine-tuned using both traditional TTS methods and advanced AI-based approaches to make voices sound more authentic.

Voice cloning

Voice cloning involves training a model using the voice recording of a specific speaker and creating a digital replica of that individual’s voice using AI algorithms. The AI can mimic speech patterns, tone, and pronunciation to accurately depict the speaker. This has caused controversy, especially in Hollywood, with famous actors concerned their voices might be replicated and used without their consent. Want to know more about this topic? Check our article.

Voice changer

This software or hardware device changes a user’s voice’s pitch, tone, or timbre as they speak in real time. Voice changers are often used for entertainment purposes or to maintain anonymity while testifying in court.

AI voice gen and video creators

With AI voice generation, creators can automate the process of adding narration, dialogue, or commentary to videos, audiobooks, podcasts, and other multimedia projects with high-quality voice-overs. It saves time, money, and resources while maintaining high-quality production.

AI voice generation can also automate voice dubbing or subtitles in multiple languages, allowing creators to reach a broad audience without hiring multilingual voice actors or translators. This is good news for content creators with a multilingual audience and a low budget.

Another great benefit: AI voice generation technology makes content more accessible for the visually impaired, providing an alternative means of accessing information, entertainment, and educational content.

Brands and businesses that use virtual assistants and customer service can easily improve their user experiences with voice generation. Customers will have a better experience when speaking to human-sounding chatbots with a conversation that flows naturally.

In the entertainment industry, voice-over actors are bracing for serious competition. Because of advances in technology, more and more creators are using AI for dubbing, voice acting, and character voices. In animated films and video games, AI-generated voices can bring characters to life with emotive performances, adding depth and realism to storytelling for a fraction of the price of hiring an actor.

Benefits of using AI voice generation

Cost

AI voice generation is a cost-effective alternative to hiring voice actors to produce audio content. Creators and brands can significantly reduce production costs while maintaining consistent quality and fast turnaround times.

Time

Voice generation automation saves time and resources. Tasks such as recording, editing, and post-production can be significantly streamlined with AI voice generation, accelerating the content creation workflow so content creators can focus on other aspects of production.

Customization

Creators can use AI voice generation to customize and personalize audio content to align with their brand identity and better engage with target audiences. They can choose from a variety of voice styles, accents, and languages to tailor their voices to foster deeper emotional connections and improve their storytelling abilities.

Voice branding

Brands and businesses can stand out from the crowd by selecting a distinctive voice for their promotional materials. This will enhance brand recognition and establish a unique identity in the market.

Text-to-speech vs. AI voice generation

Wrapping up

Many industries are poised for an AI audio revolution that will offer unprecedented automation, customization, and efficiency capabilities. From cartoons to podcasts to games to TikTok voice effects, AI-generated voices are transforming how we create, consume, and interact with audio.