video editing software

Adding Voiceover to iMovie using Text to Speech

Today, social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are no longer just a source of entertainment. With content creation emerging as one of the most common professions, they have become a source of income for many creators.

Companies are constantly upgrading their video editing tools and software to cater to this enormously diverse audience and make them simple and effective. 

On top of this list is Apple’s iMovie.

A fantastic video editing tool for Mac devices and iphone, iMovie is the go-to solution for budding creators. With this free app, it is even possible to create engaging video content with professional voiceovers and sound effects. 

But the question is, how?

So, in this blog, we’ll discover AI text to speech solutions that creators can use to record voiceover in iMovie. 

Table of Contents

How to Add Voice Over in iMovie?

iMovie is exclusively designed for amateur content creators and video editors. So, using it to add voiceovers to videos is incredibly easy. Here’s the process:

Step 1: Open the iMovie app on your iPhone/Mac.

Step 2: Select and import all the video clips you want to add voiceover.

Step 3: Once the videos are imported, scroll the timeline to place the playhead at the exact point from where you want the voiceover to start. 

Step 4: Now, tap on the “+" icon on the top left side of the menu (or the microphone icon in the case of Mac) and select the “Voiceover" option from the list.

Step 5: Then tap "Record" from the Ready to Record window and start recording your voiceover. When finished, tap on "Stop." 

Step 6: If you’re satisfied with the recording, tap "Accept." You can also cancel, review, and retake a voiceover. 

Five Text to Voice Tools to Add Voiceovers to iMovie 

iMovie voiceovers are great. But, given that the app doesn’t support text to speech voices, it might not be the right match for creators. Here are a few text to voice generators that can come in handy for adding AI voiceovers and narration to videos:

Speechify

Speechify is a popular text to speech reader. But it also doubles as a fantastic solution for adding AI voiceovers to videos, audiobooks, podcasts, and so on. 

Speechify’s USP is its vast library of lifelike generative AI voices that sound authentic and natural. Best part? It offers a free forever plan, too!

Key Features

  • Supports over 60 languages and 100 AI voices in diverse accents.

  • Lets users control the speed of their voiceover.

  • Simple user interface with no learning curve.

Lovo AI

For creators looking for a tool that can optimize their content and expand their reach, Lovo AI is the key. 

This AI text to speech free tool supports over 100 global languages and 500 AI voices. Moreover, Lovo’s voices are hyper-realistic and localized. 

But that’s not all. This tool also allows users to dive deep and manage even the tiniest nuances of the voiceover, such as pauses and specific word emphasis

Key Features

  • Includes additional features such as speed adjustment, sound effects, and more.

  • Users can also use its AI for writing voiceover scripts.

  • Also comes in the form of a professional API, exclusively for developers.

Play.ht

Play.ht is another renowned name in the league of text to audio converters online. The platform is designed in a way that it facilitates voiceover generation for all kinds of commercial and non-commercial purposes. 

Its arsenal of features is rich, but the user interface is just as uncomplicated and intuitive. 

Moreover, with Play.ht, creators can also do a lot more than just add voiceovers to their videos; they can generate voice clones, translations, dubbing, and much more. 

Key Features

  • Supports 142 languages and over 800 AI voices.

  • Lets users pick the tone of the voiceover, such as conversational, narrative, etcetera. 

  • With the voice inflections feature, users can also adjust the rate and pitch of the voiceover.

Listnr

A text to audio converter that specializes in generating humanlike AI voices, Listnr is another brilliant solution for adding voiceover on iMovie on iPhone. 

Extending support in over 140 languages with 1000+ different voice styles, this tool can create slick content for YouTube videos, Shorts, Reels, and so much more. 

The platform boasts a simple user interface that’s super engaging and intuitive. Moreover, Listnr also offers a free plan, so well, budget is never a problem. 

Key Features

  • Offers tools for adding professional voice clones to videos.

  • Lets users fine-tune their voiceovers and manage tone, pitch, speed, and so on.

  • Also available as an API.

ElevenLabs

Last but never least, it’s ElevenLabs one of the best text to audio converters currently available online. 

This tool is a go-to for any creator who wants a simple yet robust solution for adding voiceovers to iMovie videos. ElevenLabs supports 29 languages and offers multiple diverse accents and voice styles to choose from. 

With it, users can also create video transcripts, AI voice clones, dubs, and so on. In fact, ElevenLabs also consists of a speech to speech tool to let creators professionally transform their voice. 

Key Features

  • Generates voiceovers in humanlike, premium quality.

  • Offers features to personalize multiple aspects of the generated speech.

  • Lets users regenerate specific fragments of voiceovers.

Murf: The Ultimate Solution for Adding AI Voiceovers to Videos

When it comes to producing high-quality AI voiceovers with little to zero effort, nothing can beat Murf Studio. Supporting 120 voices in 20+ languages and accents, Murf simplifies the task of adding voiceovers to videos. This online tool lets users generate professional, localized speeches in a snap. 

With Murf, users can adjust every nuance of the voiceover, including its pace, clarity, emphasis, and volume. Moreover, they can also add engaging background music to make their content come to life. 

Cherry on the cake? It’s all just an easy, five-step process.

  1. Open Murf Studio, upload the video clips you want to add voiceover to, and copy-paste the script into the text editor.

  2. Next up, select your preferred AI voice in the language and accent of your choice from Murf's vast language library.

  3. Now, modify crucial elements of your voiceover, like volume, points of emphasis, and more.

  4. If you wish to, add suitable background music to the voiceover.

  5. Finally, tap on “Build Video” to finish. 

Easy-peasy, see?

Wrapping up

iMovie's voiceover feature is a boon for creators. However, it has its limitations. Therefore, it’s always a better idea to explore alternative tools for facilitating voiceover production.

In this blog, we listed eight of the best text to audio converters online. But if you want a professional, one-stop solution for adding voiceovers to iMovie videos, we implore you to try Murf. Tap below and get started with your free trial today.

FAQs

Can you edit voice in iMovie?

Yes, iMovie allows users to edit audio files. With its built-in audio editor, you can move or trim the audio clip, add sound effects, increase or decrease volume, enhance audio quality, adjust the equalizer, and much more.

How to record and add voiceover in iMovie?

Adding and recording a voiceover in iMovie is a simple process. After opening the particular video file, you need to scroll its timeline and stop recording at the point where you want to add the voice. Once done, tap on the “Add Media” icon and select the “Voiceover” option.

How do you use text to speech in iMovie?

iMovie does not come with a text to speech feature. However, you can use third-party tools like Murf to easily add text to speech AI voices to your videos.

Why won't iMovie let me record my voice?

Two common reasons why this may happen are the video timeline might be muted by mistake or iMovie cannot recognize the device’s microphone.

How do I allow iMovie to access my microphone?

To ensure iMovie is able to record your voice, you must give it access to your iPhone's microphone. To do that, open the System Settings from the Apple menu. From there, go to Privacy & Security, select the Microphone option, and turn on the access for iMovie.

Where is the audio button on iMovie?

Locating the audio button on iMovie can be difficult, especially if you use it on a Mac device. However, it’s always located at the top of the screen.

How do you add prerecorded audio to iMovie?

Tap on the “+" icon, choose the Files option, and then select the audio file. Now, drag and drop it under the video clip you want to.