2026 VOICEROID Complete Guide: History, Characters, and Usage

I want to know more about VOICEROID!

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

The main attraction is the ability to read text using popular characters such as Yuzuki Yukari and Kotonoha Akane/Aoi.

It is used for a wide range of purposes, including YouTube commentary videos, game play videos, announcements, and narrations.

In this article, we provide a detailed explanation of VOICEROID, covering its characters, how to use it, pricing, Voiro culture, and even terms like "Voi-Chevi" and "Software Talk."

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

[Free] Recommended speech synthesis software for your first AI voiceover

If you are looking for a way to read YouTube video narrations, we recommend Ondoku.

Ondoku is an AI speech synthesis software that can be used for free.

Using the latest AI, it can read text in a very realistic and clear voice, much like a professional voice actor or narrator.

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

The paid plans are also affordable, allowing you to generate speech at a much lower price than VOICEROID.

It can be used without registration or login, so why not experience Ondoku for free right now?

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? Unique features compared to other 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.

Both the English notation "VOICEROID" and the Japanese notation "ボイスロイド" are correct.

Officially, the English notation "VOICEROID" is used, but the nickname "Voiro" 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 will synthesize the voice of the selected character.

You can finely adjust the reading speed, pitch, and intonation of the voice.

By adjusting these settings well, you can read the same text with a completely different impression.

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

VOICEROID can generate extremely natural and human-like voices.

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

VOICEROID is a character-driven speech synthesis software

The greatest feature of VOICEROID is that it is character-driven speech synthesis software.

Each character has a detailed profile, and they can read text in a voice quality that matches their personality and setting.

For example, a bright and energetic character will read in a lively voice, while a more mature character will read in a calm voice.

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

Numerous derivative works such as fan-made illustrations, videos, and novels have been created, and these characters continue to be loved.

On YouTube and Niconico Douga, gameplay videos and commentary videos featuring VOICEROID characters have become established as a popular genre.

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

It is a reading software that is 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 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 independent brand launched by AI Inc., which developed the speech synthesis engine for VOICEROID.

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

We explain the A.I.VOICE series in this article.

Please take a look.

A.I.VOICE2 Complete Guide! Detailed explanation of VOICEROID's successor software features, installation, and usage

Explaining the features and usage of A.I.VOICE2, which allows you to use characters familiar from VOICEROID videos like Kotonoha Akane/Aoi and Yuzuki Yukari. Detailed introduction from installation to audio export.

Brief history of VOICEROID

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

VOICEROID debuted in 2009

VOICEROID debuted in 2009.

The first releases were "Tsukuyomi Ai" and "Tsukuyomi Shota."

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

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

As the name VOICEROID suggests, it is a 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 appeared one after another

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

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

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

Much like VOCALOID, VOICEROID evolved beyond simple reading software and developed into a character culture.

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

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

From VOICEROID to VOICEROID2

VOICEROID2 appeared in 2017.

In VOICEROID2, the operation screen was completely redesigned, allowing multiple characters to read on a single screen.

The popular character Kizuna Akari also debuted with VOICEROID2.

It became possible to synthesize speech more conveniently 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, various VOICEROID characters are sold as A.I.VOICE2.

The Voiro culture built over a long time will likely continue to expand in the future.

Explaining VOICEROID genres (Broad Voiro and Narrow Voiro)

Why are softwares other than VOICEROID also called "Voiro"?

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

Next, we will explain Voiro culture, as well as "Voi-Chevi" and "Software Talk."

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

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

These are all reading softwares that use the AITalk engine from AI Inc.

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

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

What is Voiro (VOICEROID-type) in a broad sense?

Voiro in a broad sense is a community term referring to character-driven reading software in general.

Sometimes, speech synthesis software other than VOICEROID is also called VOICEROID (Voiro).

For example:

• CeVIO series
• VOICEPEAK
• VOICEVOX

These are often treated as Voiro in the broad sense.

Among fans, they are affectionately known as "Voiro," transcending differences in speech synthesis engines and manufacturers.

On Niconico Douga and YouTube, it is not uncommon to see videos where characters from different software appear together.

What are "Voi-Chevi" and "Software Talk"?

The term "Voi-Chevi" is also used to describe this speech synthesis culture.

Voi-Chevi refers to "VOICEROID" and "CeVIO."

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

Additionally, the term "Software Talk" is sometimes used.

Software Talk is a term that refers to speech synthesis characters in general, transcending manufacturer and software differences.

In the fan community for text-to-speech software, VOICEROID, CeVIO, and other softwares are loved without boundaries.

Therefore, terms like "Voi-Chevi" and "Software Talk" are used when handling VOICEROID in a broad sense.

Speech synthesis software related to Voiro culture

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

The CeVIO series is a reading software that uses its own unique speech synthesis engine and is widely used in Voiro culture.

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

What is CeVIO AI? Detailed explanation of speech synthesis software features, usage, and commercial use

A complete guide to the AI singing synthesis software CeVIO AI. We explain the features of popular characters like Sato Sasara and Suzuki Tsudumi, how to purchase, and points to note regarding commercial use for beginners.

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

Here too, characters developed in VOICEROID or CeVIO are available as products using VOICEPEAK's unique voice engine.

What is the speech synthesis software VOICEPEAK? Detailed explanation of features and commercial use

A detailed explanation of the features of the speech synthesis software "VOICEPEAK." We also introduce commercial use terms, which often vary by character.

In addition, the free-to-use speech synthesis softwares VOICEVOX and COEIROINK are also treated as part of Voiro culture.

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

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

Explaining popular VOICEROID characters

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

(Prices are current as of 2026)

Yuzuki Yukari | A popular character with a calm female voice

Yuzuki Yukari is a particularly popular character among VOICEROID.

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

She is active in all genres, including gameplay videos, commentary videos, and chat videos.

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

On YouTube and Niconico Douga, countless videos of Yuzuki Yukari have been posted.

Beyond interactions with other characters, her calm voice quality makes it possible to create natural narrations that are 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 like "A.I.VOICE," VOICEROID2, and VOICEROID+ are also sold concurrently on official e-commerce sites.

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 a single package, you can use both Akane, who speaks in the Kansai dialect, and Aoi, who speaks in standard Japanese.

Since you can enjoy two people's voices with one package, it allows for speech synthesis at an affordable price.

A popular point is the ability to use characters differently, such as Akane playing the "tsukkomi" (straight man) and Aoi playing the "boke" (funny man), or vice versa.

In gameplay 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.

An A.I.VOICE2 version of Kotonoha Akane/Aoi has also been released.

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

Older products like "A.I.VOICE," VOICEROID2, and VOICEROID+ are also being sold concurrently.

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 a brightness that makes you feel energetic just by listening.

She boasts high popularity in gameplay 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 at age 10, and "Kizuna Akari Moe," which reproduces her voice at age 5.

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

Older products are also sold concurrently.

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 promoting the charms of the Tohoku region.

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

As of 2026, she is developed in paid software such as CeVIO and VOICEPEAK.

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

The terms of use for Tohoku Zunko Project characters differ significantly from other VOICEROID characters.

It is recommended to check the terms before use, especially for commercial purposes.

• 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 that 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 available

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

Furthermore, even more characters exist in the broad sense of "Voiro" (Voi-Chevi, Software Talk).

Why not try making commentary videos or gameplay videos using your favorite character?

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

What should I do to read text with VOICEROID characters?

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

If you want to use VOICEROID characters, A.I.VOICE2 is recommended

As of 2026, if you want to perform speech synthesis with VOICEROID characters, A.I.VOICE2 is recommended.

A.I.VOICE2 is 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 available.

A.I.VOICE2 is also characterized by being compatible with 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 and pricing for A.I.VOICE2

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

The package version can be purchased at electronics retailers, while the download version is available on official websites, Amazon, etc.

The price varies by character.

• Download version price is around 13,000 to 15,000 yen
• Package version price is around 16,000 to 18,000 yen

Price-wise, it is higher compared to free reading software, but high-quality reading with popular characters is possible.

Free trial version available

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

The trial version is free to use, but in exchange, exported audio files will have "This is a demo voice" recorded over them.

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

The free trial version of A.I.VOICE2 can be used for 14 days.

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

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

Open the download page from the "Download trial version here" button on the official site.

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 installation is complete, launch A.I.VOICE2.

Upon launching, "There are unauthenticated characters. Would you like to activate?" will be displayed.

If you purchased the product version, pressing "Yes" allows you to activate.

Speech synthesis with the A.I.VOICE2 trial version

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

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

The read audio can be exported from:

• "Batch Export"
• "Line" → "Export"

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

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

While you cannot export audio to use in videos with the free trial version, you can check what kind of speech synthesis is possible with VOICEROID characters.

If you want to read text and synthesize speech for free, it is also recommended to use free speech synthesis software.

There is free speech synthesis software that can be used easily without installation, so you can freely create gameplay videos and commentary videos.

[Free] Recommended speech synthesis software that can be used without installation

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

I wonder if there is any speech synthesis software that can be used for free...

For such a person, the free speech synthesis software Ondoku is recommended!

Ondoku is a speech synthesis software that can be used immediately without installation.

With high-performance latest AI, it can create realistic and easy-to-hear voices just like paid speech synthesis software such as VOICEROID.

Easy reading with female, male, and child voices

Ondoku's Japanese voices are very diverse, including female, male, and child voices.

Every voice can synthesize speech with intonations and rhythms that sound as if a real person is speaking.

Free listening trial of 16 types of Ondoku text-to-speech software voices. Change impressions with pitch variations

Ondoku has 16 types of Japanese voices. Of course, both male and female voices are available. We have made it possible to trial listen to 8 commonly used Japanese voices and the voices when the pitch of each voice is adjusted.

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

Moreover, Ondoku supports foreign languages.

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

[Ondoku] Listen to voice types and sample audio for supported languages

Here we introduce the supported languages and sample voices of Ondoku.

Experience the latest AI voice for free!

Furthermore, Ondoku can be used for free!

Since commercial use is also free, you can use it with peace of mind for monetization or corporate use.

(Please also see this article for commercial use)

What you can do with Ondoku. Commercial use (business use) and prohibited matters.

Commercial use (business use) is possible with Ondoku. Regardless of whether you are an individual or a corporation, use for the purpose of obtaining direct or indirect profits such as money is commercial use. However, please note that prohibited acts are established in Ondoku. This time, what you can and cannot do with Ondoku...

Ondoku can be used without registration or login.

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

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

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

Although it is paid software, even for personal use, a commercial license may be required depending on the application.

Also, when used by a corporation, it is necessary to prepare a corporate license.

Briefly, we explain points to note when using VOICEROID characters.

Confirmation of terms of use is necessary when using VOICEROID

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

Pay special attention when using for commercial purposes.

In speech synthesis software where VOICEROID characters can be used, such as 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 and can be used as is.

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

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

Licenses for personal non-profit use, personal commercial use, and corporate use are also established for other paid speech synthesis software such as CeVIO and VOICEPEAK.

It is recommended to check before you start using speech synthesis software.

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

Be careful with licenses for each character as well

Also, when using paid speech synthesis software like VOICEROID, in addition to 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-type characters may have special terms of use.

If you plan to use them commercially, let's check the terms of use for the character you plan to use in detail.

Furthermore, when crediting the character used, crediting the name of the voice actress who provided the voice may be prohibited.

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

As described, licenses are extremely important when using paid speech synthesis software.

Be careful with the license details of the software itself and the characters so as not to violate the terms of use.

Why not enjoy VOICEROID and Voiro culture?

Voiro culture, which started with VOICEROID, is indispensable to video sites like YouTube and Niconico Douga.

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

Utilizing speech synthesis software is recommended for future video production.

Why don't you also challenge yourself to create video content using free or paid speech synthesis software?