ElevenLabs

What it does

ElevenLabs turns text into realistic speech in many voices and languages. It is used for voice-overs, audiobooks, dubbing and voices in apps.

It can also clone a voice from a sample, which should only ever be done with permission.

Why use it

• Natural-sounding voice-overs in minutes, without a studio.
• Dozens of languages and accents from the same text.
• Dubbing translates existing videos into other languages.
• An API for adding voices to your own products.

How it works

1. Sign up in the browser.
2. Paste your text and choose a voice from the library.
3. Adjust the style and stability, then generate.
4. Download the audio, or use the dubbing tools on a video.

How hard is it to use?

Intermediate Some set-up, or a little practice, to get good results.

Easy to make a first clip. Getting the right pacing and emphasis for long pieces takes some practice.

What it costs

Free plan; paid plans. A free plan with a small monthly allowance of characters. Paid plans add more characters, voice cloning and commercial use.

Prices change often, so check ElevenLabs’s own site before you pay.

Watch out for

• Only clone voices you have rights to: yours, or someone who has agreed in writing.
• Check the plan’s licence before using the audio commercially.

Your data

Voice samples are personal data. Keep consent records for any voice you clone.

ElevenLabs doesn’t offer UK data storage, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.