[Free] Create an audiobook using voice synthesis! A summary of how to create your own audiobook using a text-to-speech service
Aug. 15, 2024
An audiobook is a book that reads the contents aloud.
Audiobooks are available for a fee, but you can actually easily create your own audio for free by synthesizing it yourself.
If you want to create your own audiobook, we recommend using a free AI reading service .
In this article, we will explain the process of voice synthesis using a free AI reading service for those who want to create their own audiobooks.
Recommended reading services for those who want to synthesize audiobooks
There is a service we recommend for those who want to create their own audiobooks using voice synthesis .
This is "Ondoku", the latest AI reading service.
"Ondoku" is a web service that allows anyone to easily read text aloud.
Just open the page here , paste your text, and you'll have it read aloud instantly, for free .
It is a web service that can be used from a browser, so no installation is required.
Using the latest AI, we can synthesize audiobooks in clear, easy-to-listen voice .
If you want to create an audiobook, why not start by using Ondoku here ?
Original audiobooks created using voice synthesis
An audiobook is a book that you listen to and read with your ears.
In fact, anyone can easily create an audiobook by using AI voice synthesis.
Features of Audiobooks
An audiobook is a book that is read aloud and can be played as an audio file.
They have long been sold in the form of cassette tapes and CDs, but they have become much more commonplace since the advent of smartphones.
There are many audiobooks available for sale as audio files that can be played on smartphones, but the selection is still limited compared to paper books and e-books .
In times like these, we recommend making your own audiobook (scanning it yourself) .
In fact, anyone can easily create an audiobook using AI voice synthesis .
Audiobooks are useful
In fact, audiobooks have many scenes that are unique to books that are read with the ears .
1. During exercise
A great benefit of audiobooks is that you can listen to them while exercising, such as running, walking, or working out at the gym .
By synthesizing your own audiobooks, you can turn your exercise time into study time.
2. While driving
Another great use of audiobooks is listening to a book while driving .
People who commute by train can read during their commute, but if you commute by car you usually can't read a book.
Audiobooks allow you to listen to your favorite books and read them during your commute.
3. Reading for the blind
Braille books and audiobooks have long been available for the blind .
Until now, audiobooks had to be read by professional narrators or voice actors, and the types of audiobooks available were limited.
By using AI voice synthesis, it is possible to dramatically increase the options for audiobooks for the visually impaired .
5 Recommended Text-to-Speech Services and Software for Audiobooks
We will introduce recommended speech synthesis services and software for creating audiobooks!
1. Ondoku
"Ondoku" is an AI voice synthesis service recommended for creating audiobooks .
Since it is a web service that can be used from a browser, it can be used immediately without installation .
What's more, 'Ondoku' allows you to synthesize voice for free !
You can experience the realistic and easy-to-listen reading audio that only the latest AI can provide, for free right now.
Easy to use reading screen
Using "Ondoku" is very easy.
Once you open the top page, simply paste the text into the text box and press the "Read aloud" button.
The speech synthesis will be completed in no time and you can download the MP3 file.
17 types of Japanese voice
"Ondoku" can read Japanese aloud using 17 different voices .
The voices are natural and not too character-like, so you can concentrate on the content of the book without being distracted.
It can synthesize voices to perfectly match the author and the content of the book.
Voice synthesis in foreign languages is also possible
"Ondoku" supports voice synthesis in 48 languages, including Japanese and English!
It can also be used to practice listening by reading books in a foreign language aloud.
Free voice synthesis service
What's more, Ondoku is free to use!
You can synthesize speech for free for 1,000 characters without logging in, and 5,000 characters if you log in , so you can easily check out what kind of voice will be used to read it out loud right now.
If you're looking for a way to synthesize audiobooks, why not try out Ondoku for free first?
2. CeVIO
CeVIO is an AI voice synthesis software compatible with Windows.
It uses a unique AI developed by a venture company spun off from the Nagoya Institute of Technology, and is capable of synthesizing voices that are particularly natural and easy to understand, even among paid software.
Both packaged and downloadable versions are available.
He specializes in emotionally rich readings , so he is recommended for those who want to synthesize a novel into an audiobook.
3. VOICEVOX
VOICEVOX is a voice synthesis software that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux .
Please download it from the official website and use it.
It is famous as software that can read out loud in the voices of characters such as Zundamon, Kasukabe Tsumugi, and Shikoku Metaln, but it can also be used to synthesize voice for audiobooks.
Neutral voices suitable for audiobooks include
- Shikoku Metal
- Himari Meimei
is recommended.
4. AquesTalkPlayer
AquesTalkPlayer is a voice synthesis software for Windows provided by Aques Co., Ltd., which is also known as the developer of the so-called "Yukkuri Voice."
In addition to Yukkuri Voice, many other voices are available , and you can read in a voice that is not too character-like, making it easier to use for audiobooks.
It is not as realistic as the latest AI voice synthesis, but on the flip side, it is lightweight and easy to use .
This is a speech synthesis software that is recommended for those who do not care too much about realism and simply want the contents of the book to be read aloud.
5. AIVOICE
AIVOICE is a paid voice synthesis software that can read aloud in a realistic, easy-to-listen character voice .
Compatible with Windows and Mac, and available in both packaged and downloadable versions.
The lineup also includes characters from the "VOICEROID" series , such as Yuzuki Yukari, Tsubasa Akari, Kotonoha Akane and Aoi.
It is also possible to read in a voice that is easy to use for reading audiobooks and does not sound too character-like.
How to synthesize audiobooks using a text-to-speech service
We will explain the process of creating an audiobook for free using the reading service "Ondoku" !
1. Prepare the original text
First, prepare the text that will be the basis for your audiobook .
As an example, we will use text from Aozora Bunko, a website that publishes copyright-free texts.
(How to remove ruby from Aozora Bunko text is explained here.)
2. Open the "Ondoku" page
Click here to open the Ondoku homepage.
3. Paste text
Paste your text into the text box.
4. Set the audio type and speed
Adjust the voice type and reading speed.
5. Press the "Read aloud" button to start voice synthesis.
Press the "Read aloud" button .
"Loading" will be displayed and speech synthesis will begin.
6. Voice synthesis completed
Voice synthesis for 'Ondoku' is completed quickly.
Once the speech synthesis is complete, the screen will automatically switch and the audio will be played in the browser .
For example, it takes just a few seconds to read 1,000 characters.
7. Download the file
Once the voice synthesis is complete, the "Download" button will appear.
When you press the "Download" button, the synthesized voice file will be downloaded in MP3 format .
This completes the process of synthesizing your own audiobook using Ondoku.
Useful tips for creating audiobooks using speech synthesis
Here is some useful information for creating your own audiobooks using voice synthesis.
Beware of copyright
When creating an audiobook using voice synthesis, you need to be careful about copyright .
It's fine to record the audio for your own personal listening , but you may not sell it or distribute it for free.
Be especially careful when using text that is still under copyright, such as books that have been converted into text using OCR .
If the original text is copyright-free, such as "Aozora Bunko," you can create an audiobook without any copyright issues.
How do I remove ruby from Aozora Bunko text?
The texts in Aozora Bunko are accompanied by ruby (readings) , as in this image (from Natsume Soseki's "Botchan").
If you have ruby text, it will be read out along with the main text when the text is read aloud , so when creating an audiobook from Aozora Bunko, it is recommended that you use a tool to remove the ruby text beforehand .
Tools for removing ruby
- Aozora Bunko Ruby Removal Tool Alpha Version
- RubyMate converts side notes and ruby symbols in Aozora Bunko text
Here is a comparison before and after removing the ruby:
Before removing ruby
As in "oyayuzuri" (from a parent) and "muteppo" (reckless pawn) , both the kanji and the pronunciation can be read out loud.
After removing ruby
The reading part has been deleted , making the sentence correct.
Estimated word count for creating an audiobook
The number of characters that can be synthesized for free with Ondoku is as follows:
- No login: 1,000 characters
- With login: 5,000 characters
is.
For paperbacks and new books, the number of characters per page is around 600.
"Ondoku" can synthesize and read out about 8 to 9 pages of content for free.
The number of characters per book is usually around 80,000 to 120,000 for paperbacks and new books , so if you want to synthesize an entire book to create an audiobook, we recommend signing up for a paid plan.
Ondoku's paid plans are as follows:
Plan | Amount | Number of characters that can be read aloud |
---|---|---|
Basic Plan | 980 yen | 200,000 characters/month |
Value Plan | 1,980 yen | 450,000 characters/month |
Premium Plan | 2,980 yen | 1 million characters/month |
With the Value Plan you can create 4 original audiobooks per month, and with the Premium Plan you can create up to 10 original audiobooks per month!
If you're unsure how to synthesize speech for an audiobook, we recommend "Ondoku," as it offers much better value than purchasing paid software .
■ AI voice synthesis software "Ondoku"
"Ondoku" is an online text-to-speech tool that can be used with no initial costs.
- Supports approximately 50 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German
- Available from both PC and smartphone
- Suitable for business, education, entertainment, etc.
- No installation required, can be used immediately from your browser
- Supports reading from images
To use it, simply enter text or upload a file on the site. A natural-sounding audio file will be generated within seconds. You can use voice synthesis up to 5,000 characters for free, so please give it a try.
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com
"Ondoku" is a Text-to-Speech service that anyone can use for free without installation. If you register for free, you can get up to 5000 characters for free each month. Register now for free