ElevenLabs is the undisputed leader in the world of AI voice generation. Launched in January 2023 by ex-Googler Piotr Dąbkowski, the company has essentially defined what natural-sounding AI voices should look like.
The secret to the company’s success is the intricate level at which its text-to-speech (TTS) voices can be customized to deliver that perfect blend of natural intonation and emotional feel. Each voice has a number of settings that users can use to make the sound just right.
From adjusting pitch and speed to fine-tuning clarity and stability, ElevenLabs offers unparalleled control over voice output. This level of customization allows creators to craft voices that truly resonate with their audience, whether it’s audiobooks, podcasts, or video narration. The technology’s ability to convey subtle emotions and maintain consistency across long-form content has set a new standard in the industry.
Let’s take a look at how you too can use this essential tool to bring your story to life for your listeners.
Step 1.
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First, create an account or Log inUsers on the free plan receive 10,000 credits per month, which should be good for 10 minutes of audio for personal use.
If you need commercial use, or want to clone your own voice, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid subscription, which starts at $5 per month. This gives you 30 minutes of cloned audio.
Step 2.
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Whichever plan you choose, the process is essentially the same. Choose whether you are comfortable using a Standard ElevenLabs voice or would rather like Make your own. The last option is a good option if you have the time and money to spend on training, and you are not satisfied with the library’s voices.
Click on Vote from the dashboard menu, then Add a new voice. Select Voice Library or Voice Design. The Voice Design menu allows you to select accents, age, and gender.
Step 3.
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Once you’re equipped with a voice, it’s time to create the audio you want. Go to the Speech option in the sidebar and Add some text to the box, or upload or record any audio you want to use.
The latter is an excellent way to convert your voice into another version that you prefer.
Step 4.
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Click on the Generate Speech button and wait while your audio is generated by the AI. You can also see your credits decrease each generation, which is a fun exercise.
Step 5.
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Customize your audio using the Settings or Advanced options. Here you can change your voice settings, such as vocal stability or style exaggeration, and hear the results by press Generate again. It is important to remember that each generation costs credits, so it is best to test with a small amount of text to keep costs down.
Be warned, you can spend quite a few credits auditioning and refining the voice you like, but once it’s done, you can reuse the voice as many times as you like.
Once you are happy with the audio produced, you can: Click on the Download icon at the bottom right of the screen to receive a high-quality MP3 file, which you can then use as you wish.
Final thoughts…
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The great thing about ElevenLabs is that it is fast, easy and the results are excellent. It may not be the cheapest platform out there, but sometimes it is worth paying for the best.
While pricier than some alternatives, the platform’s advanced algorithms produce lifelike speech that justifies the cost for many users. Remember, practice makes perfect as you explore ElevenLabs. Don’t forget to fine-tune and unleash your creativity in this exciting new frontier of AI-powered voice-drawing.
ElevenLabs has set a new precedent for text-to-speech models and opened up a world of possibilities for creators. With its advanced AI, you can create a radio show in minutes and turn your scripts into professional broadcasts. And for a personal touch, you can clone your own voice, so you can produce content that sounds authentically you.