How to create engaging videos using TikTok text to speech

Ever since TikTok made its appearance back in 2016, it's been a big hit among the GenZ. Did you know that the app generated 1.2 billion monthly active users in 2021 and is expected to reach 105 billion by the end of 2022? No wonder businesses are leveraging TikTok more aggressively than ever to reach their target audience. To make the app easily accessible, TikTok recently introduced a new text-to-speech feature.

What is the text to speech feature on TikTok?

In essence, TikTok's latest text to speech feature enables users to put a voice to their videos' on-screen text. In other words, if you upload a video on TikTok and add text to it, the application's in-built AI-powered voice will automatically read the text out loud.

This opens a world of possibilities for video content creators, who are either unwilling to use their voice or suffer from some sort of speech impediment, or just want to keep their videos anonymous. Tiktok initially came up with this accessibility feature of integrating voice technology into its platform to allow visually impaired individuals to experience a TikTok video by hearing the text even if they cannot see or read what's on screen.

The text-to-speech feature also comes in handy while creating explainer videos on TikTok. For example, a food blogger can teach their audience about plating a dish creatively using TikTok TTS. Simply upload text supporting your video, and the in-built AI voice will read the text out loud creating a voiceover for your video.

How to Use text to speech On TikTok?

Contemplating on using TikTok text to speech but not sure how to get started? Here is a step-by-step guide that you may find handy!

  1. Ensure you have the latest TikTok version

The text-to-speech feature is only available in the latest version of the TikTok app. So, ensure your app is updated to the current version. If you have deferred updating your app, now is the time to get it updated.

  1. Record a video

If you're recording a TikTok video for the first time, create a storyboard of what you want to say in the video. This will also give you an idea of how long it will take for the text-to-speech voice to read the text aloud. The maximum length can be as long as the duration of the video. Once you have recorded the video, upload it to the app.

  1. Enter text

Enter the text that you want the AI voice to read aloud in the text box and click on the speech icon to convert it to voice. You will see a customizable box on your video.

  1. Tap text-to-speech icon

Select the text-to-speech option, set the duration, and edit. That's all, TikTok's in-built AI voice will read the text you just entered out loud.

Use the TTS feature on TikTok to make your video more engaging and fun for your viewers and supporters.

How to do text-to-speech on TikTok on Android

While TikTok offers the same features on Android and iPhone systems, there are certain features and filters that may vary depending on the geographic region.

Here’s how to use text-to-speech on TikTok on an Android system:

Step 1: Open the TikTok app on your Android phone and add text by tapping “Text” on the right side of the screen.

Step 2: Type in your text and save it.

Step 3: Select the text and click on the 'text to speech option in the pop-up menu.

Step 4: You can also adjust the duration the text will appear on the screen by selecting the 'set duration' function in the pop-up menu.

Step 5: Save the video.

Additionally, users can also change between the four different AI voices the platform offers, as well as change the volume of the voices. These options help ensure that your background music and the voice of the Text-to-Speech are at the desired volume.

How to Use text to speech in TikTok on an iPhone

Here's a quick guide to get you started on the text-to-speech feature in TikTok on an iOS device:

Step 1: Record a video on the platform. Tap on and hold the text on your screen.

Step 2: A pop-up menu with three options will appear: “Text-to-Speech,” “Set Duration,” and “Edit.” Select the 'text to speech' option.

Step 3: Finish editing your video and save it.

Step 4: iPhone users can also add the Siri voice to read your text. To do so, open 'settings' on your iPhone, go to 'accessibility,' select 'spoken content,' turn on 'speak selection.'

Step 5: Open the Notes app and type the text you want to use in your TikTok video.

Step 6: Open the 'Recording tool' and start recording. Go to “Notes” again and select the text you’ve written down.

Step 7: Tap on the “Speak” feature and hear Siri read the text out loud. Stop recording when she’s done.

Step 8: Finally, upload the recording on TikTok.

Build voices that fit your character through Murf Text to Speech

Need to build a character that fits well into your story for your TikTok video? Murf, an AI voice generator allows you to create studio-quality voiceovers for your videos in minutes. Its AI voices can help create natural-sounding voiceovers for your TikTok without the need for expensive recording equipment.

You can also use the different custom features offered by Murf to add more depth to the character in your TikTok video. For example, by toning the pitch down using Murf's 'Pitch' feature, you can make the AI voice sound more deep and serious. Tap into your creative potential by adding different voices and adjusting them to your liking. 

Upload your own sounds to TikTok using Murf

TikTok only offers four different AI-voice options for a user to choose from for their voiceover. But, if you want to add more alternatives, you can use Murf Studio to generate natural-sounding AI voices in the language and accent you desire.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create realistic voiceovers for your TikTok using Murf Studio:

Step 1: Open Murf Studio and enter your text.

Step 2: Select an AI voice from the 130+ male and female voices offered by the platform.

Step 3: Convert text to speech by rendering your script.

Step 4: You can also customize the voice by tweaking pitch, emphasis, speed, volume, and more.

Step 5: Download the rendered audio file and upload the mp3 audio file to any video editing tool and sync it with your TikTok video. 

Step 6: Open the TikTok app, click on the "+" and tap on 'Upload.'

Step 6: Upload the audio clip you want to use to TikTok using any third-party tool like InShot or BeeCut. 

Tada! In a few simple steps, you can now create custom voiceovers for your TikTok and make it more interesting.

Unleash your creativity with TikTok

TikTok text-to-speech not only makes the app more accessible but enables one to reach a broader audience and explore their creativity by enabling them to create engaging viral videos. For example, there’s a growing trend with robotic TTS voices talking in groups or making altered pronunciations to give a humorous tweak to videos. With your creativity, the possibilities can be endless!

FAQs

How do I change the voice on TikTok text to speech?

TikTok has different AI-generated voice options that you can change in your text to speech. To do so, record your video, select the text at the bottom of the screen, and enter the text you want to convert to speech. Next, select text to speech and change the voice you want for your video.

Why did TikTok change the text to speech voice?

There was a lawsuit  after which TikTok had to change the text to speech voice.