[2026 Latest] How to Add YouTube Video Narration! Explaining Everything from Recommended AI Apps/Software to Recording Methods

Narration is essential for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok videos.

When watching video sites or social media, you have likely noticed an increase in videos featuring clean, easy-to-hear narrations.

In fact, by using the latest AI, anyone can easily add clear, professional-sounding narration for free!

In this article, the management staff of Ondoku, who are actually involved in video production, will explain how to add narration to YouTube videos and recommend apps and software!

Based on our experience, we will introduce a wide range of topics, including tips for creating narration with AI and how to add narration for those who want to record it themselves.

If you are struggling with how to add narration to YouTube videos or short videos, why not use this article as a reference to create your ideal video?

【Free】Perfect for YouTube Videos! Recommended AI Narration Apps

If you want to add narration to YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok videos, the AI text-to-speech app Ondoku is highly recommended!

Ondoku is an AI app that allows you to easily create narration audio using the latest AI.

Since it is a web app used via a browser, it can be used on PCs, smartphones, and tablets in any environment without the need for installation.

With its latest AI speech synthesis engine, it can generate high-quality, easy-to-hear narration from text, helping you boost your YouTube channel's views and subscribers right away.

Best of all, Ondoku is free!

Upon registration and login, you can read up to 5,000 characters for free, allowing you to generate enough narration audio for more than one full video at no cost.

Another key point is that commercial use is allowed, including for monetization and corporate purposes (Click here for details on commercial use).

If you are unsure about how to add narration to YouTube, social media, or short videos, why not try Ondoku for free first?

【Free】How to Add Video Narration Audio Using AI Apps/Software

First, let's introduce how to add video narration using the AI text-to-speech service Ondoku!

Since you can create text-to-speech audio for free, why not try adding narration to your YouTube videos with Ondoku?

1. Write the Script Text for the Narration Audio

First, prepare your script.

The key point when writing script text is to be mindful of how long it will be when read aloud.

As a rule of thumb for script volume:

• 2,000 characters is approximately 5 minutes of video.

It is recommended to decide the script length based on the content: shorter for entertainment-heavy videos and longer for commentary or explanatory videos.

You can use any software or app for writing, but using one with a character count function is convenient.

Software and apps that can count characters include:

• Microsoft Word
• LibreOffice
• Microsoft VSCode

When writing your script text, in addition to length, it is recommended to keep the following in mind:

• What is the theme of the video?
• Is the flow of the story natural?
• Are expressions consistent throughout the text?

End Sentences with a Period "。"

A key point when creating a script for reading with Ondoku is to:

• Add a period "。" (or full stop) at the end of each sentence.

The Ondoku AI reading engine recognizes parts ending with a period as a break.

By using periods appropriately, you can create narration that reads aloud with natural pauses between sentences.

2. 【Free】Create Narration Audio from Text with Ondoku

Once your script is finished, use Ondoku to create the narration audio.

To create narration audio with Ondoku, first open the Ondoku page.

Paste your script text into the text box on the Ondoku homepage.

If the language is set to another language, select the appropriate one.

In this case, since the script is in Japanese, we selected "Japanese."

Choose the type of voice, such as female or male.

You can listen to samples of Ondoku voices on this page. Please take a look!

Ondoku also allows you to adjust voice pitch and reading speed.

If it is your first time using it, the default settings are fine.

The setup is now complete.

Press the "Read" button to begin generating the audio!

The audio generation is completed instantly.

The screen will switch, and the audio file will play.

If there are no problems after listening, press the download button to save the MP3 file.

With this, you have successfully created narration audio with Ondoku.

Ondoku also allows for divided downloads of narration audio

A recommended feature when downloading audio files from Ondoku is the "Divided Download" function.

To use the divided download function, open the Ondoku Reading History page.

Click "Divide" on the right side.

The divided download page will open, where you can set the intervals and press Download (the interval length can be left at the default setting).

The audio file will then be split and downloaded as a ZIP file.

This allows for more convenient editing when you want to finely adjust audio intervals or swap audio segments at the sentence level.

For more details on the divided download function, please see this page.

3. Edit the YouTube Video Using the Narration Audio

Once your narration MP3 file is ready, produce the actual video using video editing software.

A key point during video editing is to use a cut tool to create pauses in the audio.

The Ondoku narration audio reads the script with a natural flow as is, but there may be scenes where you want to add a pause for better production value.

In such cases, use a cut tool to cut the audio on the video editing software's timeline to create intervals.

For example, in Adobe Premiere Pro, you can cut audio using the "Razor Tool."

We also recommend editing the video to match the narration audio

There are two ways to add video narration:

• Edit the video material to match the length of the narration audio.
• Edit the narration material to match the length of the video material.

The recommended method is to edit the video material to match the length of the narration audio.

Cutting and editing the video material according to the content of the narration audio allows you to create a video with excellent rhythm.

If you observe videos from famous YouTubers, you will notice they edit with a rhythmic flow that doesn't let the momentum of the speech stop.

By cutting video material based on the audio, you can create a video perfectly suited for entertainment.

However, conversely, for serious videos or videos where the actual content shown in the video material is paramount, it is fine to cut and edit the narration audio based on the video material.

We also recommend automatically generating subtitle text from audio

It is also recommended to add subtitles to your YouTube videos!

While you can add subtitles yourself from the script text, we recommend using a transcription service that can automatically create subtitle files.

With the AI transcription service Mojiokoshi-san, you can create an "SRT file" for subtitles simply by uploading the audio file.

By importing the SRT file into video editing software or YouTube, you can easily add text subtitles.

For more details, please see this article!

4. Upload the Video to Sites/Services like YouTube

Once the video is finished, upload it to sites and services such as YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.

A key point when uploading a video to YouTube is to set the video language.

When the details screen opens, set the language (e.g., "Japanese" or "English") to match the narration language.

 

By setting the language, you enable the use of automatic subtitles on YouTube.

Automatic subtitles allow foreign viewers to translate and watch the subtitles, which can further increase your views and subscriber count.

This completes the process of adding narration using Ondoku, editing, and uploading!

Adding narration using Ondoku is very simple.

Since it is available for free, why don't you try making video narration with Ondoku too?

Why Is It Recommended to Add Narration to Your Videos?

Adding narration to YouTube videos and short videos offers many benefits.

• Increases viewer retention time and total views
• Increases subscriber count through higher video quality
• Enhances the production value of the video

Let's look at these in detail.

Increases viewer retention time and total views

By adding narration to a video, you can significantly increase viewer retention time.

In the YouTube algorithm, videos with longer watch times (videos that weren't closed midway) are more likely to be recommended, leading to an increase in view count!

Videos with narration are more likely to be watched to the end compared to videos with only visuals.

This is because the human brain maintains focus more easily when receiving information through both audio and visuals rather than visual information alone.

Moreover, narration allows viewers to "background-watch" the video.

Because they can understand the content through audio while doing housework or other tasks, there is a higher probability they will watch until the end without dropping off.

Increases subscriber count through higher video quality

By including high-quality narration, you can create videos that look professional and well-polished.

Video quality is crucial not only for corporate promotional videos or branding videos but also for individual YouTube channels.

Videos with solid narration give viewers the impression that the video was "properly made," which increases the likelihood of them subscribing to the channel.

Conversely, if narration is difficult to hear or has poor audio quality, it might lower the impression of your YouTube channel or the company/brand you represent...

By using AI text-to-speech apps or software, you can add narration for free to improve video quality and differentiate yourself from other channels and competitors.

Enhance YouTube video production value with narration!

Another reason why narration is recommended is that it can enhance the production value of the video.

The overall atmosphere of a video changes significantly depending on the voice quality, tone, and placement of the narration.

For example, a calm male voice can convey trust and expertise, while a bright female voice can project friendliness and softness.

By utilizing narration, you can leave a strong impression on the viewer through "voice" in addition to visuals.

By editing narration in combination with sound effects and BGM, you can further increase the appeal of your video!

3 Ways to Add Narration Audio to YouTube Videos

There are three main methods for adding narration to YouTube or social media videos:

• Add narration with an AI text-to-speech app
• Hire a professional narrator or voice actor for narration recording
• Record narration audio yourself

Each method has its own characteristics, so it is important to understand the pros and choose the one that fits your needs.

【Recommended/Free】Add Narration Audio with an AI Text-to-Speech App

When adding narration to YouTube, social media, or short videos, using an AI text-to-speech app is highly recommended.

An AI text-to-speech app is an app that allows anyone to easily create high-quality narration audio via AI simply by entering text.

This is currently the most popular way to add video narration.

The greatest appeal of AI text-to-speech apps is that you can easily create clear narration audio that sounds as if a professional narrator is speaking!

Since you can create narration for free that would normally cost tens of thousands of yen per video when hiring a professional, you can make attractive videos and increase your views and subscribers.

AI text-to-speech apps generate audio from text instantly!

The ability to create narration in a short time is also a major feature.

With the latest speech synthesis AI, narration is completed in less than a minute after inputting script text.

When hiring a professional narrator, it takes several days from the request to the completion of the audio, but with an AI text-to-speech app, you can create narration audio immediately whenever you need it.

The hassle of booking a recording studio or having advance meetings is entirely unnecessary!

Easy Retakes! Zero Additional Cost

AI text-to-speech apps also have the advantage of allowing easy retakes as many times as you like!

When you hire a narrator or voice actor to record, additional fees are incurred for every retake.

Of course, you also need to spend a long time recording all over again each time you retake.

With AI text-to-speech apps, additional costs for retakes are zero!

If you feel you want a retake, simply input the script text and new audio is completed immediately.

Because you can create YouTube and social media video narration from text for free and easily 24 hours a day, the latest AI web app Ondoku is highly recommended for YouTube narration creation!

Request Narration Audio Recording from a Professional Narrator/Voice Actor

You can also hire a professional narrator or voice actor for the narration of YouTube videos or social media short videos.

The benefit of hiring a professional is their expressive power.

They feature voice tones, emotional acting, and pacing that can only be achieved by professional narrators with years of experience.

The downsides of hiring professional narrators or voice actors are the high costs and the time required for recording.

Even for reading a short text of 500 characters, a fee of about 12,000 to 25,000 yen may occur.

Additional charges may apply if corrections or additional recordings are required.

And unlike AI text-to-speech apps, it takes at least a few days for delivery.

In fact, the latest AI text-to-speech apps are also capable of reading narration with professional-level emotion!

Before hiring a professional narrator or voice actor, it is recommended to first try an AI text-to-speech app and compare.

Recording Narration Audio Yourself

On YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, there are many uploaded videos where the creators have added their own narration.

The biggest advantage of recording narration yourself is the ability to create a unique video.

In genres such as Vlogs, game commentary, and product reviews, you can produce highly original videos depending on your acting skills.

However, there are downsides.

First, recording and editing take a long time.

It is normal for it to take over an hour to edit 10 minutes of narration into a clear, easy-to-hear format.

The cost of gathering equipment for high-quality recording can also be expensive.

Unlike cameras for filming, recording equipment exists in a world where performance is difficult to compare, so there can be no end once you start becoming particular about it...

If you are not confident in your own voice or if you need a formal impression for a company's official video, you don't have to force yourself to record it yourself.

In such cases, using an AI text-to-speech app is recommended.

【Cost, Pros, Cons】Comparison of Methods to Add Narration Audio to YouTube Videos

Let's compare the three methods of adding narration audio to YouTube videos or short videos, including cost, pros, and cons.

	Cost	Pros	Cons
AI Text-to-Speech App	Free	Created automatically and easily High quality Low cost Easy to hear Created in a short time	None
Narrator/Voice Actor	From 12,000 yen per 500 chars	Professional acting skills	Cost is very high
Self-Recording	Free Equipment costs required	Interesting videos based on acting skills	Acting skills required Takes time Equipment costs apply

As you can see, for making narration audio for YouTube videos or short videos, an AI text-to-speech app that can create audio easily in a short time is recommended!

You can create narration audio with less cost than hiring a professional narrator/voice actor or recording it yourself.

Please choose the best way to add narration based on the purpose of your video.

【Free】Recommended AI Apps/Software for Creating Video Narration Audio

『Ondoku』 Recommended AI App for Free Narration Audio Creation

Recommended for	Those who want to create narration for free Those who want something easy to use Those who want high-quality narration
Features	Free All-purpose AI app No installation required
Cost/Price	Free Paid plans: From 1,000 yen per month
Commercial Use	Allowed (Details here)

Ondoku is a recommended app that can create easy-to-hear audio with the latest AI speech synthesis engine.

If you are going to create narration for YouTube videos or short videos, Ondoku is the recommended choice!

Ondoku is a web app that can be used via a browser with no installation required.

The operation is very simple; just paste your script text and press the read button.

You can download the created audio file in MP3 format and use it in your video editing software immediately.

A versatile, feature-rich AI text-to-speech app for any situation

The greatest feature of Ondoku is that it is a text-to-speech app that can be used in any situation.

Voices with strong character personas might be difficult to use depending on the video genre.

When used for business purposes in a company, some apps or software might pose issues with terms of service.

In that regard, Ondoku allows you to create narration from text with all-purpose voices that fit any video content!

Since commercial use is also allowed, you don't have to worry about audio licensing.

It supports multilingual support for over 48 languages, including Japanese, so you can also create videos for foreign viewers.

If you want to appeal to a wide range of viewers and increase views and subscribers, Ondoku is the ideal choice!

Ondoku is an AI Text-to-Speech App You Can Use for Free

Plus, Ondoku is free!

• With registration: 5,000 characters
• Without registration: 1,000 characters

Because you can use it for free, you can make several videos at no cost.

Paid plans are also clearly priced and are the same for both individual and corporate use, providing peace of mind.

If you are confused about how to add narration to your videos, it is recommended to try the latest AI narration first.

Why don't you try creating video narration with Ondoku today?

3 Recommended Video Editing Software for Adding Narration

Typical video editing software includes the following:

1. Adobe Premiere Pro
2. DaVinci Resolve
3. AviUtl

1. Adobe Premiere Pro: Professional Video Editing Software with Monthly Subscription

Adobe Premiere Pro is a video editing software provided by Adobe, famous for graphic software like Photoshop and Illustrator.

It is a software used by professionals in their work and features very standard operability.

Use requires a monthly subscription contract.

• Single App: 3,280 yen/month
• Creative Cloud Standard: 6,480 yen/month
• Creative Cloud Pro: 9,080 yen/month

These plans are available (prices as of 2026).

The Ondoku management staff uses Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, and as a standard paid software, it is highly functional and easy to use.

2. DaVinci Resolve: Professional Video Editing Software Available for Free

DaVinci Resolve is a video editing software provided by Blackmagic Design, a professional video camera manufacturer.

Like Adobe Premiere Pro, this is also a software favored by professionals, and the two split the market share.

The feature of DaVinci Resolve is that it can be used for free.

Despite being free software, it includes all the features professionals demand, allowing for high-level video editing.

There is also a paid version that offers even more advanced AI-driven features.

The Ondoku management staff has favored Adobe Premiere Pro until now but is also considering switching to DaVinci Resolve.

3. AviUtl: Free Video Editing Software with an Active User Community

AviUtl is a free video editing software produced and released individually by Japanese developer "KEN-kun".

It is a free tool beloved by the Japanese video editing community, particularly used widely on Niconico Douga.

It is characterized by its ability to offer a wide range of expressions through various user-created plugins, forming a unique ecosystem by users.

In 2025, it made headlines with the release of AviUtl2, the first update since 2019.

It is a particularly convenient free software for creating videos for Japanese anime and gaming enthusiast communities, such as Yukkuri videos, Zundamon videos, and game commentary.

【Costs Included】How to Record Narration Yourself? Explaining Recommended Equipment

Finally, for those who want to record narration with their own voice, we will briefly explain recording methods and equipment.

Equipment is crucial when recording narration yourself

When recording narration yourself, the recording equipment is vital.

While recording is possible with inexpensive gear, to record clear, noise-free narration audio, you need to invest a certain amount of money in equipment.

Specifically, the following equipment is recommended:

1. SONY ECM-PCV80U
2. SHURE SM58
3. YAMAHA AG03・AG03MK2
4. BEHRINGER 302USB XENYX
5. Microphone Arm
6. Pop Guard

1. SONY ECM-PCV80U: A Staple Low-Price Microphone for Beginners

Features	A staple low-price USB microphone
Price	Approx. 5,000 yen

The SONY ECM-PCV80U is an absolute staple among low-price microphones that connect to a PC via USB.

It comes as a set consisting of the condenser microphone "ECM-PCV80U" and the "UAB-80" USB interface for PC connection.

A simple microphone stand is also included, so it can be used for recording immediately.

The Ondoku management staff has also used this gear, and it can record with audio quality that poses no issues for practical use.

However, it does have the flaw of picking up small amounts of noise.

The issue with this product is that if you want to step up to better equipment, you will need to replace everything.

The microphone itself is a "condenser microphone" type, and its terminal shape is the same as a regular microphone, but it uses a unique standard that is incompatible with the "+48V phantom power" generally used for condenser microphones.

It is a recommended product when you want to start recording with simple equipment for now.

2. SHURE SM58: The Standard of Standards Dynamic Microphone

Features	A standard dynamic microphone also used by professionals
Price	Approx. 15,000 yen

The SHURE SM58 is the definitive standard dynamic microphone.

It is characterized by its sturdiness and the fact that as a famous product, it can be repaired and used for a long time.

As it is professional-grade gear, it can record in high quality.

The Ondoku management staff was once surprised by how it could record clear sound without noise.

As a dynamic microphone, it is easier for beginners to handle compared to condenser microphones.

However, the microphone cannot be used on its own; an additional piece of gear called an audio interface is required to connect it to a PC.

This is recommended when you want a professional-grade microphone that will last a long time.

3. YAMAHA AG03・AG03MK2: Standard Audio Interface

Features	A best-selling standard audio interface
Price	Approx. 20,000 yen

The YAMAHA AG03 and AG03MK2 are also absolute staples among audio interfaces.

The YAMAHA AG03 was a model that sold incredibly well as a standard during the period when the number of people starting video production surged, so there is a plentiful supply of used units.

The successor model YAMAHA AG03MK2 uses a Type-C terminal for connection, making it even easier to use.

As it is a standard model, another recommended point is the wealth of information available on how to use it.

4. BEHRINGER 302USB XENYX: High-Performance, Low-Price Audio Interface

Features	A hidden gem of an audio interface
Price	Approx. 10,000 yen

The BEHRINGER 302USB XENYX is a hidden gem of an audio interface that can be purchased for half the price of the YAMAHA AG03 series.

BEHRINGER is a manufacturer famous for low-priced audio equipment, but this model can record with audio quality comparable to or better than the YAMAHA AG03 series.

It has full-scale features, so it is also recommended for those interested in music production as well as video production.

5. Microphone Arm: Essential for Convenient Video Narration Recording

Price

Approx. 1,000–2,000 yen

If you want to record video narration conveniently, introducing a microphone arm is recommended.

Using a microphone arm allows you to place the microphone in the ideal position in front of your mouth.

Since you don't need to place a microphone stand in front of your body, it is also very convenient if you want to do live streaming as well as videos.

Inexpensive Chinese-made products can be purchased for about 1,000 to 2,000 yen.

A key point when setting up a microphone arm is to fix it to a different location than your desk, such as a side shelf.

If fixed to the desk with a clamp, it will pick up sounds from placing objects down or typing on a keyboard.

6. Pop Guard: Also Essential for High-Quality Recording

Price

Approx. 1,000 yen

This is another item you should definitely buy if you want to record high-quality narration.

A pop guard is a tool like a thin cloth screen placed in front of the microphone.

It prevents the microphone from picking up breath sounds when pronouncing "plosive" sounds (like the "p" sound).

Inexpensive Chinese-made products can be purchased for about 1,000 yen.

They are sometimes sold as a set with microphone arms.

What is the total cost/expense for recording yourself?

So, how much does it cost if you record the narration yourself?

Low-Price Course: For SONY ECM-PCV80U

• SONY ECM-PCV80U unit: Approx. 5,000 yen
• Microphone arm: Approx. 2,000 yen
• Pop guard: Approx. 1,000 yen

Total: Approx. 8,000 yen

Full-Scale Course: For SHURE SM58

• SHURE SM58: Approx. 15,000 yen
• YAMAHA AG03MK2: Approx. 20,000 yen
• Microphone arm: Approx. 2,000 yen
• Pop guard: Approx. 1,000 yen

Total: Approx. 38,000 yen

*If the audio interface is switched to the BEHRINGER 302USB XENYX, the total is approx. 28,000 yen.

As you can see, gathering equipment to record high-quality narration yourself can cost between 8,000 and 38,000 yen.

Of course, beyond gathering equipment, you must also spend time recording the narration yourself.

In contrast, Ondoku, which can create narration with AI, can be used for free!

Furthermore, audio generation is completed immediately just by entering your script.

To create video narration smoothly and easily, Ondoku is recommended.

Since it can be used for free without any cost, why not try creating narration with Ondoku?

Experience the New Way to Add Video Narration Right Now

To easily create videos for YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, we recommend utilizing AI text-to-speech services.

With Ondoku, which is available for free, you can create high-quality, easy-to-hear narration right away.

Why not experience the new way of adding video narration for free today?

■ 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.