【2026 Edition】VOICEROID Complete Guide! Detailed explanation of history, characters, usage, and Boiro culture

VOICEROID is a speech synthesis software that reads text in a natural voice.

Its charm lies in the ability to read text using popular characters such as Yuzuki Yukari and Kotonoha Akane/Aoi.

It is used in a wide range of applications, including YouTube commentary videos, game play videos, announcements, and narration.

In this article, we will explain VOICEROID in detail, covering its characters, usage, price, Boiro culture, and even terms like "Boichevi" and "Software Talk."

We will also introduce ways to easily read text using AI for free, so if you are thinking about using VOICEROID or are looking for reading software, please use this as a reference.

[Free] Recommended Speech Synthesis Software for Your First AI Reading

If you are looking for a way to read narration for YouTube videos, "Ondoku" is highly recommended.

"Ondoku" is a free AI speech synthesis software.

Using the latest AI, it can read aloud in a very realistic and easy-to-hear voice, just like a professional voice actor or narrator.

Commercial use is also OK, so it is perfect for YouTube monetization or corporate use (click here for details on commercial use).

Paid plans are also affordable, allowing you to read text at a much lower price than VOICEROID.

Since it can be used without registration or login, why not experience "Ondoku" for free first?

What is VOICEROID? Introducing Features and Functions

First, we will explain what kind of speech synthesis software VOICEROID is, its features and functions, and how it differs from other reading software.

What kind of speech synthesis software is VOICEROID? Characteristics that differ from other reading software

VOICEROID is a speech synthesis software sold by AHS Co., Ltd.

It uses a speech synthesis technology called the AITalk engine developed by AI Inc.

A major difference from general reading software is that VOICEROID has characters and standing illustrations set for each voice.

Characters with cute illustrations and profiles will read your text in a natural voice.

There is no mistake in using either the English notation "VOICEROID" or the Katakana notation "ボイスロイド."

While the official version uses the English "VOICEROID," the nickname "Boiro" has also become established among fans.

What are the basic functions of VOICEROID?

The basic functions of VOICEROID are very simple.

By entering text into the dedicated software, it performs speech synthesis in the selected character's voice.

For the voice being read, you can finely adjust the speaking speed, pitch, and intonation.

By making careful adjustments, you can make the same text sound completely different.

Additionally, the created content can be saved as an audio file.

VOICEROID can generate extremely natural, human-like speech.

Unlike previous reading software, it achieves a naturalness that feels as if a person is actually speaking, rather than sounding mechanical.

VOICEROID is a speech synthesis software with personality

The greatest feature of VOICEROID is that it is speech synthesis software with personality/character.

Detailed profiles are set for each character, and they can read text in a voice quality that matches their personality and setting.

For example, an energetic and cheerful character reads in an active voice, while a mature character reads in a calm voice.

Furthermore, VOICEROID is characterized by its high affinity with derivative work culture.

Numerous fan-made illustrations, videos, and novels have been created, and the characters continue to be loved by fans.

On YouTube and Niconico Douga, play-by-play videos and commentary videos by VOICEROID characters have become established as a popular genre.

While there are reading softwares available for free, VOICEROID's appeal lies in its charming characters that have been loved for many years.

It is a reading software highly evaluated even by professional video creators.

[2026 Edition] To use VOICEROID characters, the A.I.VOICE series is recommended

However, if you want to use VOICEROID characters to read text from now on, please note that you may need to buy software with a different name.

As of 2026, characters from the VOICEROID series are being developed under the "A.I.VOICE" series.

The A.I.VOICE series is an original brand launched by AI Inc., the company that developed the speech synthesis engine for VOICEROID.

You can use VOICEROID's popular characters to read text with a newer, updated speech synthesis engine.

The A.I.VOICE series is explained in this article.

Please take a look.

Brief Explanation of VOICEROID's History

Next, we will explain the history of VOICEROID and how this speech synthesis software was born.

VOICEROID appeared in 2009

VOICEROID appeared in 2009.

As the first installment, "Tsukuyomi Ai" and "Tsukuyomi Shota" were released.

They became a hot topic because they could speak much more naturally than previous speech synthesis software.

The publisher, AHS Co., Ltd., was also developing the singing software VOCALOID.

As the name VOICEROID suggests, it is software closely related to VOCALOID, which allows characters like Hatsune Miku to sing.

Soon, videos using VOICEROID began to be posted on Niconico Douga, where VOCALOID was gaining popularity.

Popular characters appearing one after another

Since then, popular characters such as Tomoe Tamiyasu (Maki Tsurumaki), Yuzuki Yukari, and Kotonoha Akane/Aoi have appeared almost every year.

Additionally, characters from the Tohoku Zunko Project (Tohoku Zunko, Zundamon Project) such as Tohoku Zunko and Tohoku Kiritan began to be developed from the Great East Japan Earthquake reconstruction support project.

Not only the characters but also the software itself was updated to VOICEROID+ and VOICEROID+EX.

Just like VOCALOID, VOICEROID went beyond being a simple reading software and developed as a character culture.

Videos using VOICEROID, such as game play, commentary, and chat videos, became a huge boom on YouTube and Niconico Douga.

Numerous fan arts and derivative works were born, and VOICEROID culture (Boiro culture) became even more widely loved.

From VOICEROID to VOICEROID2

VOICEROID2 appeared in 2017.

In VOICEROID2, the operation screen was completely redesigned, making it possible to use multiple characters for reading on a single screen.

Popular character Kizuna Akari also appeared in VOICEROID2.

It became more convenient to perform speech synthesis using the voices of unique characters.

From the VOICEROID series to A.I.VOICE and A.I.VOICE2

Entering the 2020s, a major change occurred in the environment surrounding VOICEROID.

The developer, AI Inc., launched its own brand "A.I.VOICE," and existing VOICEROID characters began to be developed under the A.I.VOICE brand.

As of 2026, each VOICEROID character is sold as A.I.VOICE2.

The Boiro culture that has been built over a long period will likely continue to expand in the future.

Explaining the VOICEROID Genre (Broad Boiro and Narrow Boiro)

The Boiro culture that started with VOICEROID has now become a culture that includes other speech synthesis software as well.

Next, we will explain Boiro culture as well as "Boichevi" and "Software Talk."

Boiro culture in a broad sense includes software other than "VOICEROID"

VOICEROID in its original sense refers to products of the "VOICEROID" brand officially released by AHS Co., Ltd.

These are all reading softwares using AI Inc.'s AITalk engine.

Products that officially bear the name "VOICEROID" are VOICEROID in a narrow sense.

However, in the Boiro culture born from videos on Niconico Douga and YouTube, products and characters other than VOICEROID are sometimes treated as part of "Boiro."

What is Boiro (VOICEROID-style) in a broad sense?

Boiro in a broad sense is a community term referring to all reading software with character personality.

Sometimes, it is called VOICEROID (Boiro) including speech synthesis software other than VOICEROID.

For example,

• CeVIO series
• VOICEPEAK
• VOICEVOX

are often treated as Boiro in a broad sense.

Among fans, it is fondly referred to as "Boiro" regardless of differences in speech synthesis engines or manufacturers.

On Niconico Douga and YouTube, videos where characters from different softwares appear together are not uncommon.

What are "Boichevi" and "Software Talk"?

There is also the term "Boichevi" to describe this speech synthesis culture.

Boichevi refers to "VOICEROID" and "CeVIO."

Both are long-standing paid reading softwares, and the word was born naturally among fans.

The term "Software Talk" is also used.

Software Talk is a term that refers to all speech synthesis characters regardless of differences in manufacturer or software.

In the text-to-speech fan community, both VOICEROID and CeVIO, among others, are loved without barriers.

Therefore, words like "Boichevi" and "Software Talk" are sometimes used when dealing with VOICEROID in a broad sense.

What speech synthesis softwares are related to Boiro culture?

In Boiro culture, many text-to-speech softwares are used in addition to VOICEROID.

The CeVIO series is a reading software using its own unique speech synthesis engine and is widely used in Boiro culture.

Characters originating from VOICEROID, such as Yuzuki Yukari, are also developed as products using the CeVIO speech synthesis engine.

VOICEPEAK is also a speech synthesis software that can read text with character voices.

Characters developed in VOICEROID and CeVIO are also developed as separate products using VOICEPEAK's own voice engine.

In addition, free speech synthesis softwares VOICEVOX and COEIROINK are also treated as part of the Boiro culture.

In this way, "Boiro" is a culture that broadly includes speech synthesis softwares other than VOICEROID.

The relationship between speech synthesis softwares is also deep, and there are characters developed across multiple softwares.

Explaining VOICEROID's Popular Characters

Next, we will briefly explain the popular characters developed in the VOICEROID series.

(Prices are as of 2026)

Yuzuki Yukari | A popular character with a calm female voice

Yuzuki Yukari is a particularly popular character within VOICEROID.

She was created based on the voice of voice actress Chihiro Ishiguro.

She is active in all genres, including play-by-play videos, commentary videos, and chat videos.

She is also developed as a VOCALOID, and the appeal lies in being able to enjoy both her singing and speaking voices.

Countless Yuzuki Yukari videos have been posted on YouTube and Niconico Douga.

Not only for interactions with other characters, but her calm voice quality allows for the creation of natural narration that is not tiring to listen to.

As of 2026, the A.I.VOICE2 version is on sale.

The A.I.VOICE2 version includes "Yuzuki Yukari Shizuku," modeled after her voice at age 13, and "Yuzuki Yukari Nagi," which can read in a calm tone.

In addition, styles that can reproduce various ages and emotions are being additionally developed.

• A.I.VOICE2 Package Version Price: 17,380 yen
• A.I.VOICE2 Download Version Price: 14,080 yen

Also, older products such as "A.I.VOICE," VOICEROID2, and VOICEROID+ are still being sold on official online stores.

Kotonoha Akane/Aoi | Popular twin characters also popular in commentary videos

Kotonoha Akane/Aoi are popular twin sister characters.

They were created based on the voice of voice actress Yui Sakakibara.

By purchasing just one package, you can use both Akane, who speaks in the Kansai dialect, and Aoi, who speaks in standard Japanese.

Since you can enjoy the reading voices of two people in one package, you can perform speech synthesis at an affordable price.

A popular point is the ability to use characters differently, such as Akane playing the straight man and Aoi the funny one, or vice-versa.

In play-by-play videos, many works are created in a dialogue format between Akane and Aoi.

They are also widely used in commentary videos on YouTube and Niconico Douga.

Kotonoha Akane/Aoi are also available in an A.I.VOICE2 version.

• A.I.VOICE2 Package Version Price: 18,480 yen
• A.I.VOICE2 Download Version Price: 14,740 yen

Older products such as "A.I.VOICE," VOICEROID2, and VOICEROID+ are also being sold here.

Kizuna Akari | A popular character with a bright voice

Kizuna Akari is a VOICEROID set as a bright and energetic girl character.

She was produced based on the voice of voice actress Madoka Yonezawa.

Her charm lies in her brightness, which makes you feel energetic just by listening.

She boasts high popularity in game play videos and chat-based content.

As of 2026, she is sold as A.I.VOICE2.

The A.I.VOICE2 version also includes "Kizuna Akari Tsubomi," which reproduces her voice around age 10, and "Kizuna Akari Moe," which reproduces her voice around age 5.

• A.I.VOICE2 Package Version Price: 16,280 yen
• A.I.VOICE2 Download Version Price: 12,980 yen

Older products are also being sold here as well.

Tohoku Zunko | A female character supporting the Tohoku region

Tohoku Zunko is a character born from the Great East Japan Earthquake reconstruction support project.

She was produced based on the voice of voice actress Satomi Sato.

In the VOICEROID series, she was released as VOICEROID+ in 2012.

She also plays a role in transmitting the charms of the Tohoku region.

With a bright and cheerful voice quality, she is a reading character who makes you feel energetic just by listening.

As of 2026, she is developed in paid softwares CeVIO and VOICEPEAK.

From the Tohoku Zunko Project (Tohoku Zunko, Zundamon Project), other popular characters like Zundamon and Tohoku Kiritan have also been born.

Tohoku Zunko Project characters have significantly different terms of use compared to other Boiro characters.

Especially for commercial use, it is recommended to check the terms before using.

• CeVIO AI Tohoku Zunko Song Starter Pack Download Version Price: 19,800 yen
• VOICEPEAK Tohoku Zunko Download Version Price: 10,800 yen
• VOICEPEAK Tohoku Zunko Package Version Price: 13,800 yen

Kyomachi Seika | A female character born from town revitalization

Kyomachi Seika is a character who appeared for the town revitalization of Seika Town, Kyoto Prefecture.

In the VOICEROID series, she was released as VOICEROID+EX in 2016.

She was produced based on the voice of voice actress Rika Tachibana.

Despite being a local character, she is a popular character loved nationwide.

• VOICEPEAK Kyomachi Seika Package Version Price: 13,800 yen
• VOICEPEAK Kyomachi Seika Download Version Price: 10,800 yen
• VOICEROID+ Kyomachi Seika EX Download Version Price: 7,980 yen

Many other popular characters are also being developed

In the VOICEROID series, many other popular characters have been developed besides these.

Furthermore, in the broad sense of "Boiro" (Boichevi, Software Talk), even more characters exist.

Why not try making commentary or play-by-play videos using your favorite character?

[2026 Latest] How to synthesize speech with VOICEROID characters?

From here, we will briefly explain how to synthesize speech with popular VOICEROID characters!

A.I.VOICE2 is recommended for using VOICEROID characters

As of 2026, A.I.VOICE2 is recommended for speech synthesis with VOICEROID characters.

A.I.VOICE2 is a speech synthesis software developed by AI Inc.

Equipped with the latest speech synthesis engine "AITalk6," it enables more natural reading than before.

Characters originating from VOICEROID such as Kotonoha Akane/Aoi, Yuzuki Yukari, Kizuna Akari, and Iori Yuzuru are being developed.

A.I.VOICE2 is also characterized by its support for both Windows and MacOS.

Previous VOICEROID series did not support Mac, but with A.I.VOICE2, Mac users can now perform speech synthesis with VOICEROID characters.

How to Purchase / Price of A.I.VOICE2

A.I.VOICE2 is sold in package versions and download versions.

Package versions can be purchased at electronics retailers, and download versions are available on official websites, Amazon, etc.

Prices vary depending on the character.

• Download version prices are around 13,000 to 15,000 yen
• Package version prices are around 16,000 to 18,000 yen

Although the price is high compared to free reading software, high-quality reading with popular characters is possible.

Free trial version available

A free trial version of A.I.VOICE2 has been released.

While the trial version is free, the exported audio file will have "This is a demo voice" recorded over it.

Since it is a paid software, you cannot export the audio and use it in videos for free.

The free trial version of A.I.VOICE2 is available for 14 days.

How to install the A.I.VOICE2 free trial version

The free trial version of A.I.VOICE2 can be downloaded from the official website.

Open the download page from the "Download Trial Version Here" button on the official website.

Select the VOICEROID character you want to use and download the ZIP file.

Once the download is complete, unzip the ZIP file and start the installer.

Follow the installer instructions to perform the installation.

Once the installation is complete, start A.I.VOICE2.

When started, "There is an unauthenticated character. Do you want to activate?" will be displayed.

If you have purchased the product version, pressing "Yes" will allow you to activate it.

Speech synthesis with the A.I.VOICE2 trial version

When you open the editing screen, you can enter text and read it aloud.

By adding other characters, you can also read text like a conversation.

The read voice can be exported from

• "Batch Export"
• "Line" → "Export"

However, in the free trial version, "This is a demo voice" is recorded over the exported audio.

In this way, the trial version of A.I.VOICE2 can be used for free.

Although you cannot export the audio and use it in videos with the free trial version, you can check how speech synthesis works with VOICEROID characters.

If you want to read text for free and perform speech synthesis, using a free speech synthesis software is also recommended.

There are free speech synthesis softwares that can be easily used without installation, so you can casually create play-by-play or commentary videos.

[Free] Recommended Speech Synthesis Software You Can Use Without Installation

Speech synthesis software that allows you to use VOICEROID characters is expensive.

For you, the free speech synthesis software "Ondoku" is recommended!

"Ondoku" is a speech synthesis software you can use right now without installation.

With high-performance latest AI, you can create realistic and easy-to-hear audio similar to paid speech synthesis software like VOICEROID.

Easy reading with female, male, and child voices

The Japanese voices of "Ondoku" are very diverse, including female, male, and child voices.

Every voice can perform speech synthesis with intonation and rhythm that sounds like a person is actually speaking.

Like VOICEROID, it is also possible to read text like a conversation using multiple voices.

Furthermore, "Ondoku" supports foreign languages.

Since it supports multiple languages such as English, Chinese, Korean, French, and German, you can easily create YouTube videos for foreign audiences.

Experience the latest AI voices for free!

Moreover, the price of "Ondoku" is free!

It is also free for commercial use, so you can use it with peace of mind for monetization or in companies.

(Please also see this article about commercial use)

"Ondoku" can be used without registration or login.

If you are looking for a way to perform speech synthesis for free, why not experience "Ondoku"'s free AI speech synthesis first?

[Commercial Use] What to be careful about when using VOICEROID?

When using VOICEROID characters for speech synthesis, attention to terms of use and commercial use is necessary.

Although it is paid software, a commercial license may be required depending on the use even when used by individuals.

Also, when used by corporations, a corporate license must be prepared.

We will briefly explain the precautions when using VOICEROID characters.

Checking the terms of use is necessary when using VOICEROID

When using paid speech synthesis software, including VOICEROID, checking the terms of use is important.

What you want to be especially careful about is when using it commercially.

For speech synthesis software that can use VOICEROID characters, including A.I.VOICE2, a license for commercial use is required depending on the application.

For example, in A.I.VOICE2, YouTube monetization, memberships, and Super Chats are considered personal non-profit purposes, so they can be used as is.

However, a personal commercial license is required for the paid distribution of videos, music, etc.

Also, a corporate license is required for business use in companies and other corporations.

Other paid speech synthesis softwares like CeVIO and VOICEPEAK also have licenses established for personal non-profit use, personal commercial use, and corporate use.

It is recommended to check before starting to use the speech synthesis software.

Of course, if you create a video using multiple speech synthesis softwares, you must follow the licenses of all the softwares.

Pay attention to licenses for each character as well

Furthermore, when using paid speech synthesis software such as VOICEROID, besides the license for the software itself, you must also follow the license and terms of use for each character.

Terms of use are set individually for each VOICEROID character.

Also, Tohoku project characters may have special terms of use.

If you plan on commercial use, check the terms of use for the character you plan to use in detail.

Additionally, when crediting the used character, there are cases where crediting the name of the voice actor who provided the base voice is prohibited.

It is also recommended to check this before using paid speech synthesis software like VOICEROID.

As you can see, licenses are very important when using paid speech synthesis software.

Pay attention to the license content of the software itself and the characters so as not to violate the terms of use.

Why not enjoy VOICEROID and Boiro culture?

The Boiro culture that started with VOICEROID is indispensable to video sites like YouTube and Niconico Douga.

It has produced popular characters like Yuzuki Yukari and Kotonoha Akane/Aoi and has been loved and used by many creators.

For future video production, utilizing speech synthesis software is recommended.

Why don't you take on the challenge of video content production using speech synthesis software available for a fee or for free?

■ 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.