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How to do text-to-speech on TikTok and have words read aloud in your videos

• You can use the text-to-speech voice on TikTok by giving your video text, tapping on the text, and selecting "Text-to-speech."
• The text still has to appear in the TikTok at some point, but you can shrink and move it so it's out of the way.
• You can't exactly control how TikTok's text-to-speech voice sounds, but you can use punctuation to change it.

TikTok's text-to-speech voice is one of the platform's biggest stars. It appears in popular videos all over the app, and when TikTok introduced a new voice earlier this year, users were furious at the change .

If you want to use text-to-speech on TikTok, all you have to do is record a video. There are no extra downloads required.

How to do text-to-speech on TikTok

1. Open TikTok and record a video. It can be any length, and include anything you like.

2. When you're done recording, head to the editing screen and tap Text at the bottom.

3. Type out your text in any color or style, and then tap Done in the top-right.

4. Tap the text you've written out, and then select Text-to-speech .

Your text will be processed, and then be read aloud. If you're happy with it, just save the video and post like normal. You can also try adding punctuation to the text (periods, ellipses, etc.) to see how it changes the voice's inflection.

By default, your text will appear throughout the entire video, and the text-to-speech voice will appear right at the start. If you'd like to change this, tap the text again and select Set duration to choose when you'd like the text — and text-to-speech voice — to appear in your video.

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How to Do Text to Speech on TikTok (with 6 Creative Ideas)

• Serra Ardem

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In the rapid-fire of TikTok videos, the text-to-speech function can invite viewers to slow down, listen, and engage with the content on a deeper level. Furthermore, for creators who do not want to use their own voice, the feature offers a convenient solution.

• Explain what TikTok’s text-to-speech (TTS) feature is and highlight its benefits
• Guide you through the steps on how to do text to speech on TikTok
• Offer solutions for solving the missing voices issue in TikTok TTS
• Share 6 creative ways of utilizing TikTok TTS

Let’s get started.

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

TikTok’s text-to-speech feature allows users to convert text into an automated voice. In the TikTok app, users can input their text and then select their desired voice. The voice will then say the words aloud over a video, which adds accessibility and commentary to the content. Since the feature is directly integrated into the app, creators can easily utilize it to enhance their videos without third-party software.

The feature comes with customization options, such as voice selection (ranging from male and female voices to different tones or styles) and duration (for synchronizing the voiceover with specific moments in the video.) However, keep in mind that certain voices may not be available in all regions, and sometimes voice options might disappear due to app glitches.

Still there are important benefits of TikTok’s text-to-speech feature both for creators and audiences:

How to do Text to Speech on TikTok in 5 Steps

Now let’s go over the steps on how to do text to speech on TikTok:

• Open the TikTok app on your mobile device. You can either record a new video or upload one from your camera roll.
• You’ll be taken to the editing interface after recording or uploading your video. Tap the “Aa” icon (indicating text) in the right-side menu.

• Type the text you want to convert to speech. Then tap on the text to see additional options. Select “Text-to-speech” . An automated voice will narrate your text over the video.

• You must make sure the text appears at the right moment during your video. To adjust the timing , tap on the text and select “Set duration” . Drag the slider to control how long the text will be visible, and in which part of the video.
• Once you’re done, preview your video to see if everything runs smoothly. Tap “Next” to proceed to the publishing screen.

*Depending on your region, TikTok allows you to choose from different voice options. You will see a speaking head icon in the text editing menu to select your preferred voice.

*If needed, you can add another text component by following the same steps and position it at different points in the video. This will allow multiple text-to-speech narrations to appear at various moments.

What about converting speech to text?

Transcribing, the reverse of text-to-speech, is crucial for enhancing the accessibility and SEO performance of your video content.

Troubleshooting: Missing Voices in TikTok’s Text-to-Speech

One of the most common issues during this process is the absence of voice options when converting text to speech. Sometimes, creators may not see any voice choices or notice that some voices aren’t visible. This can be frustrating, especially for those wanting to add a specific voice to their video.

There are several ways to solve this problem:

• Switch from business to personal account. Some features may be limited for business users. To switch, go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Select “Settings and privacy” . Tap “Account” and then “Switch to Personal Account” .
• Clear cache. This will remove any stored data that might be causing issues. In “Settings and privacy”, go to “Free up space” under “Cache & Cellular” . Tap “Clear” near the cache option to free up space.
• Update the app. Check if you have the latest version of TikTok, as updating can fix bugs and improve functionality. Go to your app store to see if an update is available.
• Restart the app. Close TikTok completely and then reopen it. This can help refresh the app and resolve any temporary glitches.
• Delete and reinstall the app. If the issue persists, uninstall and then reinstall TikTok to reset any settings that might cause the problem.
• Contact TikTok Help Center. If none of these solutions work, you can reach out to TikTok Support for further assistance. First, go to “Report a problem” under “Support & About” . Select “Creation” under “Topics” . Tap “Other” and then “Need more help?” You’ll be directed to the TikTok Help Desk where you can send a message about the issue.

What if the problem is not solved despite all the ways above? You can consider using CapCut’s text to speech generator as an alternative. Plus, it will allow you to customize audio parameters (such as fade in and fade out), and remove background noise with one click.

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How to use tiktok text-to-speech creatively.

From tutorials to parody videos, mastering how to do text to speech on TikTok can add a new dimension to your content and strengthen your connection with viewers.

Storytelling

You can use the TTS feature to narrate your daily routines, like “Day in My Life” or “Get Ready with Me” (GRWM) videos, with a fun, robotic twist. The monotone voice can create a humorous contrast with high-energy activities, such as preparing for an event. It can also make mundane tasks like running errands sound more engaging and entertaining.

Humor and Parody

TikTok’s TTS voice can add a layer of comedy to your content when you use it for skits or parodies. For example, you can voice over funny dialogue between characters or turn serious scenes into something unexpectedly hilarious. It’s also perfect for adding a comedic twist to videos featuring pets, giving them a 'voice' and amplifying their cuteness.

Tutorials and How-To Videos

The TTS feature can simplify narration in tutorial videos by giving clear and concise audio instructions. This is especially useful when you want to focus on demonstrating the task at hand rather than speaking directly. Whether it’s a DIY project or a cooking recipe, learning how to do text to speech on TikTok can keep your hands free for the activity and make the tutorial more seamless.

Quotes and Inspirational Content

The TTS feature is an easy way to share motivational quotes or uplifting messages in an unconventional voice. The robotic sound can make the message stand out and catch viewers’ attention as they scroll through their feed. It particularly works well for short, punchy quotes or daily reminders and affirmations.

Educational Content

For educational videos, the TTS feature provides a great way to narrate facts or definitions without having to speak on camera. Whether you’re teaching a quick history lesson or science tip, TTS can keep the information clear and easy to follow. Combine visuals with the TTS narration to enhance comprehension by reinforcing concepts through both audio and visual elements.

Behind-the-Scenes Content

You can give your audience a peek behind the curtain by narrating your workflow or creative process with TTS. This can add a professional yet quirky touch to show how you stay organized, make decisions, or navigate challenges. It can also demystify your process and encourage others to explore their own creativity.

How to Make a Slideshow on TikTok (with 5 Best Practices)

Frequently asked questions, is tts considered ai.

Yes, text-to-speech is considered as a form of artificial intelligence. By analyzing text with natural language processing and machine learning technologies, it converts written content into spoken words, and improves pronunciation and intonation. Many AI TTS systems support multiple languages and dialects.

Why do I not have text-to-speech on TikTok?

This might be due to several reasons. If you’re in a location where the feature hasn’t been rolled out yet, you won’t see it. Additionally, ensure you have the latest version of the TikTok app, as text-to-speech features are regularly updated. Lastly, there could be temporary technical issues preventing the feature from working. In that case, it may be helpful to look out for updates from TikTok.

How long can TikTok text-to-speech be?

The length of TikTok TTS is directly tied to the duration of your video. If you need to convey longer messages, it is better to break your text into smaller segments and distribute them throughout the video for better pacing. This will allow you to emphasize key points without overwhelming your audience.

Is CapCut TTS free?

Yes, CapCut’s text-to-speech tool is free to use. Compared to TikTok’s built-in feature, it offers a wider selection of voices and languages. Plus, it has a simple and friendly interface , making it easy to navigate for TikTok users.

This blog covered how to do text to speech on TikTok with step-by-step instructions. It also addressed the most common issue related to this feature (missing voices), and listed 6 different ways of utilizing this technology for creative purposes.

• For smooth delivery, break longer text into segments and adjust the duration of each segment.
• Clear your cache and update TikTok regularly to avoid potential issues with missing voice options or glitches.
• Leverage TTS for comedic content, as the robotic voice can make funny moments even more amusing.

Now you’re ready to experiment with creative text-to-speech ideas and make your TikTok content stand out.

About Serra Ardem

Serra Ardem is a freelance writer and editor based in Istanbul. For the last 8 years, she has been collaborating with brands and businesses to tell their unique story and develop their verbal identity.

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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.

• How to use TikTok’s Text-to-Speech feature

It’s just as fun to see what words it can’t pronounce

By Kaitlin Hatton , senior audience manager with over seven years of experience in media, with a focus on social media, e-commerce, and SEO. She also works alongside her colleagues at Polygon in audience development, and has previous experience at Business Insider.

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TikTok’s Text-to-Speech is both a great accessibility feature for people with visual and reading impairments and a tool to create enjoyable content. While Text-to-Speech is available on devices like tablets or phones via the operating system, it’s relatively forward-thinking for a social app like TikTok to make it available within the app. Other platforms like Twitter and Facebook don’t make use of this feature. Instagram does auto-caption stories but only if someone is already speaking in the video. 

The feature doesn’t come without controversy, however. TikTok changed the original voice after the actor filed a lawsuit claiming she had never agreed to be featured in the app. The new voice is less of a monotone than the original and seems to be just as popular. Creators use it to narrate their videos, as an accessibility tool, and to have a little fun by seeing what words the bot can (or cannot) pronounce.  

If this is something you’re interested in, here’s how to set it up:  

• Record your video.
• When you’ve finished recording, press the Text button at the bottom of the screen.
• Type what you want to say and press elsewhere on the screen to finish the text.
• Press and hold the text you just typed out.
• Select “Text-to-Speech.” 

Here’s an example of what TikTok’s Text-to-Speech feature sounds like:

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