You probably already know that Artificial Intelligence, or AI, simulates human intelligence processes via machines, and computer systems in particular. There has already been a lot of discussion around Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT). The chatbot launched last autumn. This takes written inputs from users to produce human-style responses. From poetry emulating Shakespeare’s to advice for a child’s party.
Just as revolutionary, AI voices driven by similar technology, are rapidly transforming the way we create content for podcasts.
What Are AI Voices?
Essentially, these are synthetic voices which mimic human speech via a process known as deep learning. In which AI converts text into speech. (This is frequently called Text-to-Speech or TTS.) As one example, thanks to this tech, the voice of actor James Earl Jones was cloned. Then used to voice the Star Wars character Darth Vader.
With podcasts being so popular online, covering myriad different perspectives and points of view, and topics from pop culture to politics. It’s hardly surprising that hosts are upping their game. The reality is that not everyone has the perfect podcasting voice. But thanks to AI voices, that need not be a problem. Or you may have a good voice for broadcasting but simply fancy a change. Another idea could be to use synthetic sounds for parts of your broadcast, such as an intro, jingle, or similar; again, AI-generated voiceovers provide a natural-sounding solution.
Essentially, all you need to do is write and then proofread your script, ensuring it’s clear, concise and accurate. Next, choose the appropriate voice, copy and paste it into your AI voices app, and hey presto, the latest episode of your podcast is complete. Just be sure you have set the speed correctly, so that listeners don’t find the pace of the broadcast too fast or slow.
It’s clearly also important to choose the right narrator and voice for your particular podcasting style, and to suit the topic you’re discussing. You want a natural, professional sound, so that listeners are not aware the voice isn’t real.
Don’t forget to add intro and outro music, too.
What Are the Benefits of Using Artificial Voices in Podcasting?
You’ll find there are a number of these, including:
- Consistency: An artificially generated sound will remain consistent across every episode of your broadcast.
- Cost-effective: You will save money compared with the charge for hiring a professional voiceover artist. (Some apps may also have free plans.)
- Versatility: Using AI gives you great flexibility and access to many different voice types, accents, languages and even emotions. Equally, you can control the speed of the content.
- Speed up: If you’re up against it deadline-wise, a synthetic voice can take less time than a manual recording.
- Convenient: As long as you have an internet connection, you can create content whenever you want and wherever you are.
Remember to test them out in advance to be sure you have the right tone, style and quality in the audio.
Downsides of Using AI Voices in Podcasting
While artificial voices can offer many benefits to podcasting, there are also some downsides to consider. And we feel it’s important to list them. Here are a few:
- Lack of emotional depth: Artificial voices may not be able to convey emotions in the same way a human voice can. This can make it difficult to connect with the audience on a deeper level and can make the podcast feel robotic or impersonal.
- Limited customization: While artificial voices can be programmed to sound a certain way, they lack the natural variations in tone, inflection, and pacing that make human voices unique. This can limit the ability to customize the podcast to suit the needs of the audience or the topic being discussed.
- Limited adaptability: Artificial voices may not be able to adjust to changes in the podcast or respond to audience feedback in the same way a human host can. This can make the podcast feel rigid or inflexible and may limit the ability to build a loyal and engaged audience.
- Lack of authenticity: Artificial voices may lack the authenticity and personality that a human host can bring to the podcast. This can make it difficult to build a personal connection with the audience and may make the podcast feel less engaging overall.
- YOU are missing: Perhaps most penitent point of all. Podcasting enables you to create a bond with a listener. It enables you to be known in your niche. If you outsource the voices of a podcast to a computer – will you not miss the point of podcasting all together?
Overall, while artificial voices can offer many benefits to podcasting, they may not be the best option for all types of podcasts or audiences. It’s important to carefully consider the downsides and weigh them against the potential benefits before deciding to use an artificial voice in your podcast.
Available AI Voice Generator Apps
There are a number of these, including:
- ElevenLabs – you can clone your own voice with a few minutes of your speech or use any of their own synthetic voices.
- Forever Voices – many celebrity AI voices available for your projects (although do check on legality of usage).
- AI Voice Translation – this app not only will seamlesly translate all of your video content, it will add dubbing and lip sync the visuals. Truly mind blowing!
- Murf.ai
- Resemble.ai
- Music Radio Creative – we have our own AI voice overs too! Not only you can get the recordings – we offer one of a kind service where a professional producer will generate the best takes, post edit and add music, sound effects and vocal effects to create a unique DJ drops, radio imaging, podcast intros or anything in between.
Talk To Us
At Music Radio Creative, we specialise in all things audio. We’re really getting into AI voices at the moment, and can help you do the same so that you feel the benefits in your podcasts. Get in touch today to learn more.
