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Text to audio converter: Speechify

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This article reviews Speechify’s basic features and benefits. Speechify is a reliable text to speech converter and natural-sounding reader that can read any file format.

Text to audio converter: Speechify

A text to audio converter or text to speech software is a robust online tool using AI voices to translate text files into an audio format. There are many benefits of such aids and plenty of free text converter tools on the market. This article reviews Speechify’s basic features and benefits. Speechify is a reliable text to speech converter and natural-sounding reader that can read any file format.

What is a text to audio converter?

A text to audio converter is an assistive technology that is also known as a text to speech (TTS) converter. This software makes reading words on digital devices possible with a single click of a button. TTS works on tablets, computers, smartphones, and even smartwatches. It can read any text file aloud, including Microsoft Word documents, SMS, online text, or any document in the “txt” format, and can convert any text file into an audio file. The voiceover is computerized. The user can usually control the reading speed (speed up or slow down). It’s also possible to highlight text as the software reads it out loud. Sometimes, programs can even read text coming from image files. In addition to understanding what a text to audio converter is, it's important to understand the how and why.

The process of text to audio conversion with APIs and sound converters

Text to audio converters, often powered by advanced APIs, work by using sophisticated speech synthesis algorithms to transform written content into spoken words. These algorithms, especially in the English language, are designed to produce speech that captures the rhythm, punctuation, and even the intended tone or emotions of the text. But how exactly does this process work? Let's dive deeper into the fascinating world of text to audio conversion. When you input written text into a text to audio converter or a sound converter, the software first breaks down the text into smaller segments. These segments are then processed individually to generate the spoken words. The algorithms used in this process are trained on vast amounts of data, allowing them to recognize patterns and accurately convert text files to audio. But it's not just about producing speech. Text to audio converters also take into account punctuation and sentence structure. They can adjust the pace, emphasize certain words, and modulate the tone based on the context, helping to create a more accurate and natural-sounding audio output. Some advanced tools even offer the ability to convert text directly into various audio file formats, broadening their utility.

How can text to audio be helpful?

Text to audio functionality can be helpful to many categories of users, including:

  • Students
  • People with reading difficulties like dyslexia
  • Organizations
  • Business professionals
  • People who want to be more productive

By implementing its features, text to audio users can increase productivity in their personal and business lives. For instance, students who have difficulty decoding or reading words can rely on TTS software to eliminate physical reading requirements, helping them understand the text without struggling with the terms. This is a massive time-saver for readers with learning disabilities as well. Organizations and marketers use TTS tools to boost customer service, enhance user experience, and drive more customers to their websites and services. Finally, people who want to multitask can use a text to speech tool to read any text or article in high-quality voice. This way, they can perform other actions like driving, cleaning the house, or cooking dinner without missing out on their favorite content.

Different text to audio converters available

Text to audio converters are becoming indispensable in classrooms, offices, and homes. As a result, the demand for this software keeps growing and so does the choice of available tools. Here are some of the best text to speech programs you can try.

Balabolka

Balabolka is a voice generator for Windows computers with excellent file format support. It allows users to create audio files, use bookmark tools, and choose from different voices. Users can either copy-paste text into the software or open one of the supported file formats (PDF, HTML, doc). Besides reading text aloud, Balabolka can save a narration as an audio file in WAV, mp3, and other audio formats. It’s also possible to adjust the pronunciation of words to meet user needs.

NaturalReader

NaturalReader works on most operating systems and has a built-in browser. Users can upload documents into the library and have the software read them out loud. They can even use the Optimal Character Reader (OCR), which lets them upload photos or text scans and read the text off of them. Another way to use NaturalReader is through a toolbar. This option allows highlighting text in applications, customization of the text to speech software, and more. This approach makes it simple to use the software in web browsers, word processors, and other programs.

Panopreter Basic

This text to speech converter exports files in MP3 and WAV format. It’s good software for reading audiobooks, e-learning material, and Microsoft Word documents. The downside of this software is that it only works with Windows computers. A unique feature of Panopreter Basic is the option to play music once it finishes reading, adding a nice touch compared to other solutions.

Speechify

Speechify is a powerful text to speech application that can read files aloud from any file format. Users can listen to the converted audio on their mobile phones, computers, or tablets. Speechify is a free app with an optional premium subscription with added benefits, including note-taking tools. It also boasts the most natural-sounding voices among competitors.

How to use Speechify to help with TTS

Speechify is among the best text to speech converters out there. Users can rely on its features to read books, emails, Amazon or YouTube video descriptions, or any “txt” document. Thanks to its developers’ advanced speech synthesis markup language (SSML) skills and OCR technology, Speechify is suitable for various uses.

Advantages of Speechify

One advantage of Speechify is that it’s available across multiple platforms, including Android and iOS devices. The platform is also available in 15+ languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, English, and more. Additionally, Speechify can transform any text file to MP3 format as well as translate between different languages. For example, you can input Russian text and choose human-like voices to read it to you in English.

How to get started with Speechify

Speechify is a free text to speech online tool. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store or install it as an extension on your browser. To get started, you can visit the website and click on the blue “Try for free” button in the upper right-hand of the screen. The program will ask you questions to customize your user experience:

  • What do you mostly read for?
  • What goals can Speechify help you achieve?

After answering these questions, the system will take you to the checkout page.

Next steps with Speechify

You can start the free version or upgrade to premium right away. The choice is yours. Once you register, you can begin exploring the many features of Speechify. Turn any written lecture into a podcast, read your SMS messages aloud, tweak the playback speed, and choose from dozens of high-quality voices. Ready to take your next steps with Speechify? There’s no reason why you shouldn’t do so today.

FAQ

How do I convert text to audio files?

Thanks to artificial intelligence, SSML, and skilled deep learning developers, you can now convert any text into an MP3 file for free. You can use free software such as Speechify, NaturalReader, or VoiceOver.

Is there a program that converts text to audio?

Yes, numerous online tools can convert text to audio. Some popular examples include Speechify, Panopreter Basic, and Balabolka.

Can I use a text to audio converter for any language?

Most text to audio converters support multiple languages, but it's always a good idea to check the specific languages offered by the tool you're considering. Some might be more fluent in English, while others could excel in various languages.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.