How to Do Text to Speech: Step-By-Step Guide for Developers (2025 Edition)

A comprehensive, step-by-step developer guide on how to do text to speech (TTS) using online tools, cloud APIs, and local solutions, with code and best practices.

Introduction

Text to speech (TTS) technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, becoming an essential tool for developers and content creators alike. Whether you’re building accessible applications, automating content creation, or enhancing productivity, learning how to do text to speech is more relevant in 2025 than ever before. TTS enables your software to convert written text into spoken audio, opening up new user experiences for accessibility, AI voiceovers, and more. This guide explores how to do text to speech on various platforms, demonstrates code samples, and highlights best practices for integrating speech synthesis into your projects.

What is Text to Speech?

Text to speech (TTS) is a form of speech synthesis that converts written text into spoken words using computer algorithms. Originally developed for accessibility, TTS has evolved into a powerful AI voiceover solution, leveraging deep learning and neural networks to produce natural-sounding voices. Early TTS systems sounded robotic, but today’s neural approaches support expressive, customizable speech output.
The TTS process typically involves three main stages: text analysis, linguistic processing, and audio synthesis. Modern systems can handle multiple languages, accents, and even voice cloning, making TTS a versatile technology for developers. With advancements in AI, TTS is now used for accessibility, content creation, voiceovers, and interactive applications. For those building interactive voice applications, integrating a

Voice SDK

 can further enhance real-time communication features alongside TTS.

Popular Methods to Do Text to Speech (TTS)

When considering how to do text to speech, developers can choose from a variety of approaches:
  • Online TTS services: Platforms like FreeTTS and Natural Readers let users input text and receive audio output directly in the browser, often

    for free

     or with limited usage.
  • Offline/local solutions: Tools such as Coqui TTS enable TTS on your own hardware, ensuring privacy and customization.
  • Cloud-based APIs: Services like Google Cloud TTS and Microsoft Azure TTS offer robust, scalable speech synthesis with advanced features (e.g., SSML, voice customization) via simple API calls.
If your project involves telephony or real-time audio, you might also consider integrating a

phone call api

 to enable seamless voice communication features alongside TTS.
Free tools are ideal for basic projects or prototyping, while paid solutions provide higher quality, commercial usage rights, and advanced neural voices. Cloud-based TTS offers the latest features but requires internet connectivity, while local TTS excels at privacy and customization.
Diagram

Step-By-Step: How to Do Text to Speech on Different Platforms

Online Tools: Quick & Easy TTS

Online text to speech platforms like Natural Readers and FreeTTS are the fastest way to convert text to speech without installation or coding. Here’s how to do text to speech online:
  1. Go to a reputable TTS website (e.g.,

    Natural Readers

     or

    FreeTTS

    ).
  2. Paste or type your text into the input box.
  3. Choose a voice and language from the dropdown menus.
  4. Click the "Convert" or "Play" button to generate the audio.
  5. Download the resulting audio file if desired.
For developers looking to add interactive audio features to web apps, using a

javascript video and audio calling sdk

 can complement TTS by enabling real-time communication alongside synthesized speech.
Pros:
  • No installation required
  • Free tiers available
  • Multiple voices/languages
Cons:
  • Limited customization
  • Usage restrictions on free plans
  • Privacy considerations (text sent to third-party servers)
Online TTS is excellent for rapid prototyping, accessibility testing, and small projects.

Using Google Cloud Text-to-Speech API

Google Cloud TTS is a robust, cloud-based solution with wide language and voice support. Here’s how to set it up:
  1. Create a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) account at

    console.cloud.google.com

    .
  2. Enable the Text-to-Speech API for your project.
  3. Generate API credentials (service account key). Download the JSON key file.
  4. Install the client library:
1pip install google-cloud-texttospeech
2
  1. Sample Python code to convert text to speech:
1from google.cloud import texttospeech
2import os
3
4os.environ["GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS"] = "path/to/your/key.json"
5
6client = texttospeech.TextToSpeechClient()
7
8synthesis_input = texttospeech.SynthesisInput(text="Hello, world!")
9voice = texttospeech.VoiceSelectionParams(
10    language_code="en-US", ssml_gender=texttospeech.SsmlVoiceGender.NEUTRAL
11)
12audio_config = texttospeech.AudioConfig(
13    audio_encoding=texttospeech.AudioEncoding.MP3
14)
15
16response = client.synthesize_speech(
17    input=synthesis_input, voice=voice, audio_config=audio_config
18)
19
20with open("output.mp3", "wb") as out:
21    out.write(response.audio_content)
22
  • Features:
    • Extensive voice and language support
    • Supports SSML for advanced control
    • Neural and standard voices
If you are developing in Python and want to add live audio or video communication features, consider using a

python video and audio calling sdk

 to further enhance your applications.
For the latest documentation, see

Google Cloud TTS Documentation

.

Using Microsoft Azure TTS

Microsoft Azure offers powerful TTS services through its Azure AI Speech platform and Clipchamp. Here’s how to create an AI voiceover with Azure:
  1. Create an Azure account and navigate to Azure AI Speech service.
  2. Deploy a Speech resource in the Azure Portal.
  3. Generate API keys to authenticate requests.
  4. Use the Speech Studio or integrate via SDK/API.
If you’re building cross-platform mobile apps, integrating a

react native video and audio calling sdk

 can allow you to combine TTS with real-time voice and video features for a richer user experience.
Customizations:
  • Adjust pitch, speed, and voice style
  • Choose neural or standard voices
Azure’s

Speech Studio

 provides an interactive way to test and download TTS output, while the SDK enables integration into your apps.

Running TTS Locally: Coqui TTS Voice Cloning

For developers interested in privacy, customization, or offline processing, Coqui TTS is a leading open-source solution. Here’s how to do text to speech locally on Windows:
  1. Install Python 3.8+ and pip.
  2. Install dependencies:
1pip install TTS
2pip install torch
3pip install espeakng
4
  1. Verify eSpeak-ng installation:
  2. Synthesize speech using a pre-trained model:
1from TTS.api import TTS
2
3tts = TTS(model_name="tts_models/en/ljspeech/tacotron2-DDC")
4tts.tts_to_file(text="This is a local TTS synthesis example.", file_path="output.wav")
5
  1. Voice Cloning/Training:
For projects that require embedding video or audio calling features along with TTS, leveraging an

embed video calling sdk

 can streamline the integration process and enhance interactivity.
Benefits:
  • Full data privacy
  • Custom voice training
  • No internet required after setup

Advanced TTS Features and Customization

Modern TTS engines support a range of advanced features, including:
  • Voice Cloning: Replicate unique voices for personalization or branding.
  • SSML (Speech Synthesis Markup Language): Fine-tune pronunciation, pauses, speed, and emphasis.
  • Voice Parameters: Adjust pitch, speed, gender, and style for natural-sounding voices.
If your application requires real-time audio rooms or interactive voice features, integrating a

Voice SDK

 can help you build scalable and engaging experiences that complement TTS capabilities.
Diagram
Example SSML snippet for Google Cloud or Azure:
1<speak>
2  <voice name="en-US-AriaNeural">
3    <prosody rate="fast" pitch="high">
4      <emphasis level="strong">Hello, developer!</emphasis>
5    </prosody>
6  </voice>
7</speak>
8

Best Practices for Using Text to Speech Effectively

  • Format your input text clearly with punctuation for natural prosody.
  • Use SSML tags for tricky pronunciations or emphasis.
  • For large projects, use batch processing tools or scripts to automate audio generation.
For developers building collaborative or interactive applications, combining TTS with a

Voice SDK

 can greatly enhance user engagement and accessibility.

Common Use Cases for Text to Speech

  • Accessibility: Create screen reader-friendly apps for visually impaired users.
  • Audiobooks & Content Creation: Automatically generate audio from written content.
  • Voiceovers: Produce narration for videos and presentations.
  • Productivity: Listen to emails, articles, or code documentation hands-free.
If your use case involves live audio rooms or group communication, integrating a

Voice SDK

 alongside TTS can provide seamless real-time interaction for your users.

Conclusion

Text to speech technology is more accessible, powerful, and customizable than ever in 2025. Whether you’re using online tools, cloud APIs, or running TTS locally, knowing how to do text to speech opens up new possibilities for developers. Experiment with different platforms, leverage advanced features like SSML and voice cloning, and start building more inclusive, engaging applications today.

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