To change the text-to-speech voice on TikTok, open the video editor, add a text box, tap the text, choose Text-to-speech, and pick a different voice from the options that appear. The new voice applies to that text box. If you have several text boxes, you may need to set the voice for each one.
Note: TikTok updates its app often, so the exact button names and positions can shift slightly between versions. Check the controls available in your version before following the steps.
Quick Summary
- Record or upload your clip and tap the checkmark to reach the editor.
- Tap Text (Aa) and type your words.
- Tap the text on screen and choose Text-to-speech.
- Swipe through the voice options and tap the one you want.
- Tap Done and preview before posting.
What Text-to-Speech Does on TikTok
Text-to-speech reads your on-screen text out loud with a computer-generated voice. Creators use it for narration, jokes, recipes, tutorials, and storytimes when they do not want to record their own voice. TikTok offers several voices, and the selection can change over time and vary by region and language.
Step-by-Step: Add Text-to-Speech and Change the Voice
1. Open the editor
Tap the + button at the bottom of the screen. Record a new video or tap Upload to choose one from your camera roll. When you are done, move forward to the editing screen.
2. Add a text box
Tap Text (often shown as “Aa”) and type what you want the voice to say. Tap Done.
3. Turn on text-to-speech
Tap the text box you just made. A small menu appears. Choose Text-to-speech. TikTok will read the text in the default voice.
4. Pick a different voice
After you tap Text-to-speech, a row or panel of voice options appears, usually at the bottom of the screen. Swipe through and tap each one to hear a preview. When you find one you like, tap Done or the checkmark.
5. Repeat for other text boxes
Each text box can have its own setting. If you want the same voice throughout, check each one. Some versions offer an option to apply the voice to all text, which saves time.
6. Adjust timing
Tap the text and choose Set duration or drag the text bar on the timeline so the narration lines up with the right part of your video.
7. Preview and post
Play the video from the start to make sure the voice and timing sound right, then continue to post.
How to Change the Voice on Text You Already Added
If you added text-to-speech earlier and want a different voice, tap the text box again, choose Text-to-speech, and select a new voice. If the voice panel does not appear, remove text-to-speech from that box and add it again.
Why Is the Voice Option Missing?
If you cannot find text-to-speech or the voice choices, try these fixes:
- Update TikTok. Older versions may not have newer voices or menus.
- Check your app language. Voice availability can depend on the language setting.
- Restart the app. Close it fully and reopen.
- Clear cache. In TikTok settings, look for “Free up space” and clear the cache.
- Region differences. Some voices are not offered in every country.
If your phone is low on storage, apps can behave oddly. Our guide on how to free up storage on iPhone can help.
How to Remove Text-to-Speech
Tap the text box, tap Text-to-speech again, and choose the option to cancel or turn it off. The text stays on screen but stops being read aloud.
Tips for Better Text-to-Speech Videos
- Keep lines short. Several short text boxes sound more natural than one long paragraph.
- Spell words the way they sound. If the voice mispronounces a name, try a phonetic spelling.
- Use punctuation. Commas and periods add natural pauses.
- Lower background music. Make sure the voice is easy to hear.
- Add captions for clarity. The text already on screen helps viewers who watch on mute.
Text-to-Speech vs. Voice Effects
These are two different features. Text-to-speech creates a voice from typed words. Voice effects change the sound of your own recorded voice, like making it higher or adding an echo. You can find voice effects in the editor’s audio or voice options after you record.
FAQ
Can I use a custom voice for TikTok text-to-speech?
TikTok only offers its built-in voices. To use a different voice, you would need to record narration in another app and add it as audio.
Why does TikTok keep using the same voice?
The voice is set per text box. Make sure you changed it on every text box, or update the app if the voice menu is not showing.
Can I change the voice after posting?
No. Once a video is posted, you cannot edit the audio. You would need to make the edits and post a new version.
Does text-to-speech work on drafts?
Yes. You can open a draft, edit the text, and change the voice before posting.
Leave a Reply