Summary of recommended text reading software. 7 selections that can be used for commercial purposes…
[2025 Edition] The Complete Guide to VOICEROID! A detailed explanation of the history, characters, usage, and VOICEROID culture
July 14, 2025
![[2025 Edition] The Complete Guide to VOICEROID! A detailed explanation of the history, characters, usage, and VOICEROID culture](https://storage.googleapis.com/ondoku3/image/voiceroid_tmb_930.webp)
I want to know more about VOICEROID!
VOICEROID is a speech synthesis software that reads text aloud in a natural voice.
The appeal of this app is that it can be read aloud using popular characters such as Yuzuki Yukari, Kotonoha Akane, and Aoi .
It is used for a wide range of purposes, including YouTube instructional videos, game play videos, announcements, and narration.
This article provides detailed information about VOICEROID , including its characters, how to use it, price, voiceroid culture , "voice chat" and "software talk."
We will also introduce a simple and free way to have AI read text aloud, so if you are thinking about trying VOICEROID or are looking for text-to-speech software, please read on.
[Free] Recommended speech synthesis software for beginners who want to use AI to read aloud
If you're looking for a way to read out the narration of YouTube videos, we recommend "Ondoku."
"Ondoku" is a free AI voice synthesis software.
Using the latest AI , it can read aloud in a very realistic and easy-to-listen voice , just like a professional voice actor or narrator .
Commercial use is also allowed, making it perfect for YouTube monetization and corporate use (more information on commercial use here) .
The paid plans are also reasonably priced , and you can get text-to-speech at a much lower price than VOICEROID.
You can use it without registering or logging in , so why not try out "Ondoku" for free first?
What is VOICEROID? Introducing its features and functions
First, we will explain what kind of voice synthesis software VOICEROID is, its features and functions, and how it differs from other text-to-speech software.
What kind of speech synthesis software is VOICEROID? What are its features that set it apart from other text-to-speech software?
VOICEROID is a voice synthesis software sold by AHS Co., Ltd.
We use a speech synthesis technology called the AITalk engine developed by AI Corporation .
A major difference between VOICEROID and general text-to-speech software is that each voice in VOICEROID has its own character and character image .
Characters with cute illustrations and profiles will read your text aloud in a natural voice.
It is not wrong to use either the spelling VOICEROID or Voiceroid.
The official English name is "VOICEROID," but the term "Voiro" has also become popular among fans.
What are the basic functions of VOICEROID?
The basic functions of VOICEROID are very simple.
When you enter text into the dedicated software , it will synthesize it into voice using the voice of the character you selected .
The reading voice can be finely adjusted for speaking speed, pitch, intonation, etc.
By adjusting it properly, the same text can be read aloud with a completely different impression.
You can also save the content you create as an audio file .
VOICEROID is capable of generating extremely natural, human-like voices.
Unlike previous text-to-speech software, this software is not mechanical, but rather provides a natural sound that sounds as if a real person is speaking.
VOICEROID is a character-driven voice synthesis software
The biggest feature of VOICEROID is that it is a voice synthesis software with a unique character .
Each character has a detailed profile and can be read in a voice that matches their personality and setting.
For example, lively and cheerful characters will read aloud in a lively voice, while mature characters will read aloud in a calm voice.
Another feature of VOICEROID is its high affinity with the culture of secondary creation.
The characters continue to be loved, with many fan-created derivative works such as illustrations, videos, and novels being created.
On YouTube and Niconico Video, live commentary and explanatory videos by Voiceroid characters have become a popular genre.
There are free text-to-speech software programs available, but VOICEROID's appeal lies in its charming characters that have been loved for many years.
This is a text-to-speech software that is highly rated by professional video producers.
[2025 Edition] The AIVOICE series is recommended for using VOICEROID characters
However, please note that if you want to use VOICEROID characters to read aloud from now on, you will need to purchase software with a different name .
As of 2025, characters from the Voiceroid series are being developed as the "AIVOICE" series .
The AIVOICE series is a proprietary brand launched by AI Corporation, the company that developed the VOICEROID voice synthesis engine .
You can use popular VOICEROID characters to have text read aloud using the newer speech synthesis engine.
The AIVOICE series is explained in this article.
Please take a look.
A brief history of VOICEROID
Next, we will explain the history of VOICEROID and how it came about as a voice synthesis software.
VOICEROID was released in 2009
VOICEROID was released in 2009.
The first releases were "Tsukuyomi Ai" and "Tsukuyomi Shota."
It became a hot topic because it spoke much more naturally than previous speech synthesis software.
The publisher, AHS Co., Ltd., also developed the singing software VOCALOID.
As the name VOICEROID suggests, this software is closely related to VOCALOID, which allows you to make characters such as Hatsune Miku sing.
Soon, videos using VOICEROID began to be posted on Nico Nico Douga, where VOCALOID was gaining popularity.
Popular characters appear one after another
In addition, popular characters such as Tamiyasu Tomoe (Tsurumu Maki), Yuzuki Yukari, Kotonoha Akane and Aoi appear every year.
Additionally, characters such as Tohoku Zunko and Tohoku Kiritan have been developed as part of the Tohoku Zunko Project (Tohoku Zunko/Zundamon Project) as part of the reconstruction support project for the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Not only the characters but also the software itself was updated to VOICEROID+ and VOICEROID+EX.
Like VOCALOID, VOICEROID has evolved beyond being just a reading software to become a part of character culture.
Videos using VOICEROID , such as game commentary, instructional videos, and casual conversation videos, became a huge hit on YouTube and Nico Nico Douga.
A lot of fan art and derivative works were created, and Voiceroid culture became even more widely loved.
From VOICEROID to VOICEROID2
VOICEROID2 was released in 2017.
The operation screen of VOICEROID2 has been completely redesigned, and it is now possible to read aloud using multiple characters on a single screen.
The popular character Akari Tsubasa also appears in VOICEROID2.
It is now even more convenient to synthesize voices using the unique voices of characters.
From the VOICEROID series to AIVOICE and AIVOICE2
As we entered the 2020s, the environment surrounding VOICEROID underwent major changes.
The developer, AI Corporation, has launched its own brand, "AIVOICE," and existing VOICEROID characters are now being developed under the AIVOICE brand .
As of 2025, each VOICEROID character is sold as AIVOICE2.
The Voiceroid culture that has been built up over a long period of time will continue to spread in the future.
Explaining the VOICEROID genre (broad and narrow definitions of VOICEROID)
Why are software other than VOICEROID also called "Voiceroid"?
The voiceroid culture that began with VOICEROID has now grown to include other voice synthesis software.
Next, we will explain about voiceroid culture , "voice chatter" and "software talk."
The broader meaning of Voiceroid culture includes software other than "VOICEROID"
VOICEROID in the original sense refers to products under the "VOICEROID" brand officially released by AHS Co., Ltd.
All of these are reading aloud software that uses AI Corporation's AITalk engine.
Products that officially bear the name "VOICEROID" are VOICEROID in the narrow sense.
However, in the Voiceroid culture that was born from videos on Nico Nico Douga and YouTube , products and characters other than VOICEROID are sometimes treated as part of "Voiceroid."
What is Voiceroid (Voiceroid type) in a broad sense?
In a broad sense, Voiceroid is a community term that refers to all character-based reading software.
Voice synthesis software other than VOICEROID is sometimes referred to as VOICEROID (Voiceroid, Voicero).
for example
- CeVIO series
- VOICEPEAK
- VOICEVOX
These are also often treated as voiceroids in a broad sense .
Among fans, it is affectionately known as "Voiceroid," transcending differences in voice synthesis engines and manufacturers.
On Nico Nico Douga and YouTube, it is not uncommon to see videos featuring characters from different software appearing together.
What are "Voice Chevy" and "Software Talk"?
The term "voice synthesis" is used to describe this type of voice synthesis culture.
VoiceCeVio refers to "VOICEROID" and "CeVIO" .
Both are long-standing paid text-to-speech software, and the words were born naturally among fans.
The term "software talk" is also sometimes used.
Software Talk is a term that refers to voice synthesis characters in general, regardless of manufacturer or software.
In the text-to-speech software fan community, all software, including VOICEROID and CeVIO, is loved equally.
Therefore, when discussing VOICEROID in a broad sense, terms such as "Voicebi" and "software talk" are sometimes used.
What is the voice synthesis software related to Voiceroid culture?
In the voiceroid culture, many other text-to-speech software programs are used in addition to VOICEROID.
The CeVIO series is a text-to-speech software that uses a unique speech synthesis engine, and is widely used in voiceroid culture.
Characters originally developed for VOICEROID, such as Yuzuki Yukari, are also being developed as products using CeVIO's voice synthesis engine.
VOICEPEAK is also a speech synthesis software that can read aloud in a character's voice.
Here too, characters developed for VOICEROID and CeVIO are being developed as products using VOICEPEAK's own voice engine, separate from those.
In addition, free voice synthesis software such as VOICEVOX and COEIROINK are also considered part of the voiceroid culture.
In this way , "Voiceroid" is a culture that broadly includes voice synthesis software other than Voiceroid.
There are also deep relationships between voice synthesis software, and some characters are developed using multiple software programs.
Explaining popular VOICEROID characters
Next, we will briefly explain the popular characters featured in the VOICEROID series.
(Prices are current as of 2025)
Yuzuki Yukari | A popular character with a calm female voice
Yuzuki Yukari is a particularly popular character among VOICEROID characters.
It is based on the voice of voice actress Chihiro Ishiguro.
He is active in a wide range of genres, including live commentary videos, explanatory videos, and chat videos.
It is also available as a VOCALOID, and its appeal is that you can enjoy both singing and speaking voices.
There are countless videos of Yuzuki Yukari posted on YouTube and Nico Nico Douga.
Not only is it great for dialogue with other characters, but the calm voice quality also allows you to create natural narration that is easy to listen to.
As of 2025, AIVOICE 2 version is on sale.
The AIVOICE2 version also includes "Yuzuki Yukari Shizuku," which is based on her voice at age 13, and "Yuzuki Yukari Nagi," which reads in a calm tone.
Additional styles have been developed to recreate different ages and emotions.
- AIVOICE2 package version price: 17,380 yen
- AIVOICE2 download version price: 14,080 yen
Kotonoha Akane and Aoi | Popular twin characters who are also popular in commentary videos
Kotonoha Akane and Aoi are popular characters who are twin sisters .
It is based on the voice of voice actress Yui Sakakibara.
By purchasing one package, you can use both Akane, who speaks in Kansai dialect, and Aoi, who speaks standard Japanese.
One package allows you to enjoy reading for two people, so you can synthesize speech at a great price.
Another reason for its popularity is that the characters can be used in different ways, such as Akane playing the tsukkomi role and Aoi playing the boke role, or vice versa.
Many of the play-by-play videos are in the form of conversations between Akane and Aoi.
It is also widely used in instructional videos on YouTube and Niconico Video.
AIVOICE2 versions of Kotonoha Akane and Aoi are also available.
- AIVOICE2 package version price: 18,480 yen
- AIVOICE2 download version price: 14,740 yen
Akari Tsubasa | A popular character with a bright voice
Kizuna Akari is a VOICEROID character designed as a bright and energetic girl.
It is based on the voice of voice actress Madoka Yonezawa.
Its charm lies in its cheerfulness, which will make you feel energized just by listening to it.
He is also highly popular for his gameplay videos and chat content .
As of 2025, it is sold as AIVOICE2.
The AIVOICE2 version also includes "Tsubomi Akari," which recreates her voice from when she was 10 years old, and "Tsubomi Akari Moe," which recreates her voice from when she was 5 years old.
- AIVOICE2 package version price: 16,280 yen
- AIVOICE2 download version price: 12,980 yen
Tohoku Zunko: A female character supporting the Tohoku region
Tohoku Zunko is a character created as part of a reconstruction support project following the Great East Japan Earthquake.
It is based on the voice of voice actress Satomi Sato.
In the VOICEROID series, it was released as VOICEROID+ in 2012.
It also plays a role in promoting the appeal of the Tohoku region.
This reading character has a bright and cheerful voice that will cheer you up just by listening to him.
As of 2025, paid software is available on CeVIO and VOICEPEAK .
The Tohoku Zunko Project (Tohoku Zunko/Zundamon Project) has also produced other popular characters such as Zundamon and Tohoku Kiritan .
The terms of use for characters in the Tohoku Zunko Project are significantly different from those for other Voiceroid characters.
If you are planning to use it for commercial purposes, we recommend that you check the terms and conditions before using it.
- 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 Edition Price: 13,800 yen
Kyomachi Seika: A female character born from town revitalization
Kyomachi Seika is a character that was created to promote the revitalization of Seika Town, Kyoto Prefecture .
The Voiceroid series was released as VOICEROID+EX in 2016.
It is based on the voice of voice actress Rika Tachibana.
Although it is a local character, it is a popular character loved nationwide.
- VOICEPEAK Kyomachi Seika Packaged Edition 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 available
The Voiceroid series has also featured many other popular characters.
In addition, in the broader sense of the word "Voiceroid" (Voice Chevy, Software Talk), there are many more characters .
Why not create an instructional or play-by-play video using your favorite characters?
[Latest in 2025] How to synthesize voice using VOICEROID characters?
How do I get a VOICEROID character to read aloud?
From here, we will briefly explain how to synthesize voice using popular Voiceroid characters!
If you want to use VOICEROID characters, we recommend AIVOICE2
As of 2025, if you want to synthesize voice with VOICEROID characters, we recommend AIVOICE2 .
AIVOICE2 is a voice synthesis software developed by AI Corporation.
Equipped with the latest speech synthesis engine, "AITalk6," it allows for more natural reading than ever before.
Characters originally developed for VOICEROID include Kotonoha Akane and Aoi, Yuzuki Yukari, Tsubasa Akari, and Iori Yumizuru .
Another feature of AIVOICE2 is that it is compatible with both Windows and MacOS .
Previous VOICEROID series models were not compatible with Mac, but with AIVOICE2, Mac users can now synthesize voice using VOICEROID characters.
How to purchase AIVOICE2 and its price
AIVOICE2 is available in both packaged and downloadable versions .
The packaged version can be purchased at electronics retailers, while the downloadable version can be purchased from the official website or Amazon.
The price varies depending on the character.
- The download version costs around 13,000 to 15,000 yen.
- The price of the packaged version is around 16,000 to 18,000 yen.
It is as follows.
Although it is more expensive than free reading aloud software, it provides high-quality reading aloud using popular characters.
Free trial version available
A free trial version of AIVOICE2 is available.
The trial version is free to use, but the words "This is a demo audio" will be recorded over the exported audio file .
Since this is paid software, you cannot export the audio and use it in videos, etc. for free.
The free trial version of AIVOICE2 can be used for 14 days .
How to install the AIVOICE2 free trial version
The free trial version of AIVOICE2 can be downloaded from the official website.
Click the "Download the trial version here" button on the official website to open the download page.
Select the VOICEROID character you want to use and download the ZIP file.
Once the download is complete, extract the ZIP file and launch the installer.
Follow the installer's instructions to install.
Once the installation is complete, launch AIVOICE2.
When you start the app, you will see the message "There is an unauthenticated character. Do you want to activate it?"
If you have purchased the retail version, you can activate it by pressing "Yes".
Voice synthesis with the AIVOICE2 trial version
When you open the editing screen, you can enter text and have it read aloud.
If you add other characters, you can have it read aloud like a conversation.
The voice reading
- Bulk Export
- "Dialogue" → "Export"
It can be written from.
However, in the free trial version, the message "This is a demo audio" will be recorded over the exported audio.
As such, the trial version of AIVOICE2 can be used for free.
The free trial version does not allow you to export audio and use it in videos , but it does allow you to check how voices can be synthesized using VOICEROID characters.
If you want to read text aloud and synthesize speech for free , we recommend using free speech synthesis software .
There is also free voice synthesis software that is easy to use and does not require installation , so you can easily create play-by-play or explanatory videos.
[Free] Recommended speech synthesis software that can be used without installation
Voice synthesis software that can use VOICEROID characters is quite expensive.
Is there any free speech synthesis software?
If you are such a person, we recommend the free voice synthesis software "Ondoku" !
"Ondoku" is a voice synthesis software that can be used immediately without installation.
With its high-performance, cutting-edge AI , it can create voices that are just as realistic and easy to understand as those made by paid voice synthesis software such as VOICEROID.
Easy reading with female, male and child voices
The Japanese voices in "Ondoku" are very diverse, including female, male, and child voices .
Each voice can be synthesized with intonation and rhythm that sounds like a real person speaking .
Like VOICEROID, it is also possible to use multiple voices to read aloud like a conversation .
What's more, "Ondoku" also supports foreign languages.
It supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, French, and German, so you can easily create YouTube videos for foreign audiences .
![[Ondoku] Listen to the voices and sample audio for supported languages | Text-to-Speech Software Ondoku](https://storage.googleapis.com/ondoku3/image/%E5%A4%9A%E6%A7%98%E6%80%A7_930.webp)
[Ondoku] Listen to the voices and sample audio for supported languages | Text-to-Speech Software Ondoku
Here we will introduce Ondoku's supported languages and sample audio.
Experience the latest AI voice for free!
What's more, "Ondoku" is free!
It's free for commercial use , so you can rest assured even if you want to monetize or use it for your company.
(See this article for information on commercial use.)
"Ondoku" can be used without registration or login .
If you're looking for a free way to synthesize voice, why not try out Ondoku 's free AI voice synthesis?
[Commercial use] What should you be careful of when using VOICEROID?
![[Commercial use] What should you be careful of when using VOICEROID?](https://storage.googleapis.com/ondoku3/image/voiceroid-image_002_930.webp)
When using VOICEROID characters to synthesize voice, you need to be careful about the terms of use and commercial use .
It is paid software, but even for personal use, a commercial license may be required depending on the purpose.
If you are using it for a corporation, you will need to obtain a corporate license.
We will briefly explain the points to be careful about when using VOICEROID characters.
When using VOICEROID, you must check the terms of use.
When using paid voice synthesis software, such as VOICEROID, it is important to check the terms of use .
You should be especially careful if you are using it for commercial purposes .
Voice synthesis software that can use VOICEROID characters, such as AIVOICE2, may require a license for commercial use depending on the intended use .
For example, with AIVOICE2, YouTube monetization, memberships, and Super Chats are all considered personal, non-commercial use, so they can be used as is.
However, a personal commercial license is required for paid distribution of videos, music, etc.
In addition, a corporate license is required for business use by companies and other corporations .
Other paid speech synthesis software, such as CeVIO and VOICEPEAK, also have licenses for personal non-commercial use, personal commercial use, and corporate use.
It is recommended that you check this before starting to use the text-to-speech software.
Of course, if you create a video using multiple voice synthesis software, you will need to comply with the licenses of all of the software.
Be careful about the licenses for each character
Also, when using paid voice synthesis software such as VOICEROID, in addition to the license for the software itself, you must also abide by the licenses and terms of use for each character.
Each VOICEROID character has its own individual terms of use.
Additionally, characters from the Tohoku Project may have special terms of use.
If you plan to use the character for commercial purposes, be sure to check the terms of use for the character you plan to use in detail.
Also, when crediting the characters used, it may not be permitted to credit the name of the voice actor who provided the sound .
It is also recommended to check this before using paid voice synthesis software such as VOICEROID.
As such, licensing is extremely important when using paid speech synthesis software.
Be sure to pay attention to the license details of the software and characters to avoid violating the terms of use.
Why not enjoy VOICEROID and voiceroid culture?
The voiceroid culture that began with VOICEROID has become an indispensable part of video sites such as YouTube and Nico Nico Douga.
It has produced popular characters such as Yuzuki Yukari, Kotonoha Akane, and Aoi, and has been loved by many creators.
For future video production, we recommend using voice synthesis software.
Why not try your hand at creating video content using free and paid voice synthesis 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.
Text-to-speech software "Ondoku" can read out 5000 characters every month with AI voice for free.
You can easily download MP3s and commercial use is also possible.
If you sign up for free, you can convert up to 5,000 characters per month for free from text to speech.
Try Ondoku now.
HP:
ondoku3.com
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com
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