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What is Text-to-speech?
Text-to-speech is technology that reads written text out loud in a computer made voice.
- Category Media & creative
- Also called TTS, AI voice
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Text-to-speech, explained simply
Text-to-speech, or TTS, turns words on a screen into spoken audio. Modern AI voices sound close to real people.
You choose a voice and paste your text. The tool gives back an audio file.
This matters for reading aloud, making videos, helping people with low vision, and learning languages.
Check the license of a voice before using it in public. Some voices need credit or a paid plan.
On ITG Now, free tool guides include voice tools you can install, with steps to make a spoken clip.
Related terms
Speech-to-textVoice cloningAI avatarAI music generationWhisper
Where you'll see it on ITG Now
- GuideVibeVoice: Free AI Transcription Tool From Microsoft
- GuideHermes Agent: Free Self-Improving AI Agent (2026 Guide)
- GuideVoiceStudio: Free ElevenLabs Alternative (2026 Guide)
Questions people ask about Text-to-speech
Is text-to-speech free?
Some tools are free, including open source ones. Others limit use or charge.
Text-to-speech vs speech-to-text: what is the difference?
Text-to-speech turns writing into voice. Speech-to-text turns voice into writing.
Can text-to-speech sound human?
Often yes. Some voices are hard to tell from real people, so labeling AI audio is a good habit.