Complete Guide to VOICEVOX: Free AI Text-to-Speech Features & Commercial Use

July 17, 2026

Complete Guide to VOICEVOX: Free AI Text-to-Speech Features & Commercial Use

 
 

I want to know the features and how to use VOICEVOX
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VOICEVOX is speech synthesis software that you install and use on a Windows, Mac, or Linux PC.

With the latest AI-based speech synthesis technology, you can generate narration by entering text, which is why it is widely used among video producers and content creators.

A key feature is that it can read text in the voice of "Zundamon," a character popular on YouTube and Niconico Douga.

In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the information needed for those who want to start using VOICEVOX, covering its features, installation methods for Windows, usage, and precautions for commercial use.

  • Thinking about using VOICEVOX
  • Looking for a text-to-speech method

If this sounds like you, why not use this article as a guide to find the perfect speech synthesis software or reading method?

[Free / Commercial Use OK] Recommended Latest AI Text-to-Speech Service

Ondoku

For those of you who want to create narration audio, there is a free reading service I recommend!

It is the latest AI service, "Ondoku."

"Ondoku" is a reading service that can be used for free.

It can be used in any environment, from Windows, Mac, and Linux to iPhone and Android smartphones.

It is easy to use—just enter your text!

You can use it immediately without installation, and it works comfortably regardless of your PC specs.

Furthermore, "Ondoku" is OK for commercial use for free!

Why not try making videos for free using "Ondoku's" easy-to-listen-to, realistic voices?

What is the Speech Synthesis Software VOICEVOX? Explaining AI Reading Software

First, let's briefly explain VOICEVOX.

What kind of AI reading software is VOICEVOX?

VOICEVOX

The speech synthesis software VOICEVOX is text-to-speech software that utilizes AI-driven deep learning technology.

When you enter Japanese text, it can read it aloud using character voices through AI.

VOICEVOX is free software and can be used for commercial purposes.

However, appropriate credit notation is required for commercial use.

It can be used for personal use, monetization of video posts on YouTube and Niconico Douga, or use in corporations, but you must also comply with the terms of use for characters such as "Zundamon," "Shikoku Metan," and "Kasukabe Tsumugi."

High-quality speech synthesis technology using AI

AI speech synthesis technology has been advancing very rapidly in recent years.

VOICEVOX is one of the software programs that adopts AI speech synthesis technology, allowing it to read aloud with a natural voice compared to conventional mechanical reading software.

On the operation screen, it is possible to adjust intonation on a character-by-character basis, and while the adjustment takes effort, it is possible to create highly expressive audio.

It is also equipped with an emotional expression function, allowing for the expression of changes in voice tone corresponding to joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure.

By using character voices like "Zundamon," it is possible to produce audio content that captures the listener's interest.

Multi-platform support

VOICEVOX supports three types of OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Speech synthesis software that supports Linux is particularly rare, making it one of the few choices for users producing video or audio content in a Linux environment.

What are the features of VOICEVOX?

What are the features of VOICEVOX?

Capable of reading with many character voices

One of the features of VOICEVOX is the availability of unique character voices.

The most famous character is "Zundamon."

Provided as part of the Tohoku Zunko Project, the character is characterized by a cute, high-pitched voice.

In addition to Zundamon, many characters with different voice qualities and personalities, such as "Shikoku Metan," "Kasukabe Tsumugi," and "Namine Ritsu," are included.

Each character has detailed settings, including age, height, and personality, allowing you to select characters to match the worldview of your video or content.

In VOICEVOX, characters are released in groups of several at a time, so they are categorized by release period, such as "1st Generation" or "2nd Generation."

VOICEVOX Nemo released without characters

Released in November 2023, "VOICEVOX Nemo" is a voice library with no character settings.

It was developed for use in business scenes and educational settings, featuring a calm voice quality adaptable to a wide range of situations.

Unlike the standard VOICEVOX voices with strong character traits, it is suitable for more formal purposes such as corporate presentations, educational content, and official announcements.

VOICEVOX Nemo also provides multiple voice qualities, allowing you to choose from both male and female voices.

You can choose the most suitable voice according to the content and target audience.

Equipped with emotional expression and customization functions

VOICEVOX provides a function to reflect 8 types of emotional styles in the audio.

Styles such as "Sweet," "Teary," "Scared," and "Whisper" are available, though the available styles depend on the character.

In addition, adjustments for accent, intonation, and length are possible as voice parameters, and these can be combined and adjusted.

There are also functions to change the emotion or adjust the reading for only specific parts of a sentence, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments of expression.

By registering the reading of proper nouns and technical terms in advance using the accent dictionary function, you can also reduce reading errors.

Singing voice synthesis function also debuted

In January 2024, a singing voice synthesis function was added to VOICEVOX, making it possible to have characters sing in their voices.

The "Humming" function is supported by 29 types of characters (as of June 2025).

The humming function allows for the generation of audio where characters appear to sing along to a melody.

The "Song" function currently only supports Namine Ritsu, but it allows for more full-fledged singing voice synthesis.

[Commercial Use OK!] Recommended AI Speech Synthesis Software You Can Use Right Now for Free

Ondoku

There is a reading method I recommend for those looking for speech synthesis software.

It is the AI speech synthesis web app "Ondoku"!

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

Since it is a web app used from a browser, you can easily read text from any environment, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and smartphones.

Create realistic and easy-to-hear reading voices with the latest AI

"Ondoku" is a reading service that synthesizes voice with the latest AI.

It can generate easy-to-hear, realistic audio that sounds as if a real narrator or voice actor is reading it.

There are 16 types of voices available for Japanese reading on "Ondoku."

Voices for a wide range of situations, from business use to hobby use, such as male, female, and children's voices, are available.

It can be useful for various purposes such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok videos, as well as in-store announcements.

"Ondoku" also allows you to adjust the pitch of the sound and read conversations using multiple voices!

You can generate the audio you want and create attractive video audio.

Speech synthesis service you can use right now without installation

To use VOICEVOX, you must download the software from the official website and perform installation work.

Using installed software requires knowledge about PCs such as Windows or Mac.

Also, when installing VOICEVOX for the first time, you need to download a file of about 1.5GB.

  • Using a low-performance or old PC
  • Home internet connection is slow
  • Can only use tethering

In cases like these, installing VOICEVOX can often be difficult.

In such cases, "Ondoku" is recommended!

How to use "Ondoku" is very simple.

Since "Ondoku" can be started immediately if you have a web browser, no complex setting work is required at all.

You can create audio immediately just by opening the top page, so even beginners can use it with confidence.

How to use Ondoku is very simple

Because no download is required, you can complete generating and downloading audio while you would otherwise be installing VOICEVOX.

"Ondoku" is multi-lingual. Easily create YouTube videos for foreign audiences

VOICEVOX is reading software specifically for Japanese.

Therefore, reading sentences where loanwords or English are mixed may sound unnatural.

"Ondoku" supports a total of 48 languages, including Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese!

The reading of foreign languages is natural, and it can be utilized for producing multi-language content on YouTube.

In addition, it can be used in various situations such as foreign language announcements for stores and facilities, multi-language educational content, and presentation materials for global companies.

Convenience during commercial use

When using VOICEVOX for commercial purposes, credit notation is always required.

Therefore, in cases where credit is difficult, such as in-store broadcasts, it is common to respond by reading the credit in the audio, like "This was delivered by VOICEVOX's Kasukabe Tsumugi."

However, there are also cases where displaying credit in corporate official videos or product introduction videos is inappropriate, or where credit notation is difficult due to design constraints.

In such cases, "Ondoku" is recommended!

"Ondoku" is OK for commercial use, and if you use a paid plan, credit notation becomes unnecessary.

It can be freely utilized for any commercial purpose, such as use in companies, product sales, and YouTube monetization.

Since commercial use is possible with only credit notation even on the free plan, it is also possible to try it for free first and then consider a paid plan.

Why not experience "Ondoku," which you can use for free first?

With the free AI reading service "Ondoku," large file downloads and tedious installation work are unnecessary!

When you think about wanting to create audio, you can immediately create reading audio with the latest AI.

Why don't you also experience "Ondoku's" AI text-to-speech?

Detailed Explanation of VOICEVOX Installation Method [Windows 11]

Next, we will explain the installation method and usage of VOICEVOX.

To utilize VOICEVOX, you must download and install the software from the official website.

First, we will explain the VOICEVOX installation procedure, using a Windows PC as an example.

*Windows 11 24H2 will be used for the explanation.

VOICEVOX Download and Installation Procedure

Official VOICEVOX website

First, access the official VOICEVOX website and download the installation file.

On the download screen, you can select:

  • Windows: GPU version and CPU version
  • Mac: Intel version and Apple Silicon version
  • Linux: GPU version and CPU version

This time, we will select the Windows version.

Download screen

Also, for the Windows version, you can choose between the installer version and the ZIP version, but normally you can just download the installer version.

*Depending on the security settings of Windows or your web browser, the download may be blocked. In that case, permit the download and save it.

Once downloaded, start the installation to Windows 11.

Downloaded file

Double-clicking the downloaded file will launch the setup wizard.

Setup wizard launches

Clicking "Next" will start the download of the setup files.

Downloading files

*Because a total of about 1.5GB of files will be downloaded, it may take some time depending on your connection speed.

With my home internet, the download took about 30 minutes.
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I also recommend trying "Ondoku" while it's downloading!

When the download is finished, the setup wizard will resume.

Select the installation user.

Select installation user

Select the installation destination folder.

Normally, it will be installed in the Program Files folder of Windows.

Select installation destination folder

Click "Install" to start the installation.

Start installation

Wait a while until the installation is complete.

Installation complete

Launch VOICEVOX

Launch VOICEVOX.

If you checked "Execute VOICEVOX" at the end of the installation, it will launch automatically when the installation is complete.

You can also launch it from the Windows Start menu or a shortcut on the desktop.

Launch from Start menu

VOICEVOX Initial Settings

The first time you launch VOICEVOX, you must agree to the terms of use.

Agree to terms of use

If there are no issues, click "Agree and Start Use."

The introduction screen for additional characters will open, so click "Complete."

Introduction screen for additional characters

An agreement screen for data collection of software usage status will open.

Click 'Allow' or 'Deny'

Click "Allow" or "Deny."

Initial settings are now complete.

The operation screen for entering text and reading audio will open.

Screen after setup

Basic Usage of VOICEVOX

You have now successfully installed VOICEVOX on your Windows PC.

Next, we will explain the basic usage for actually converting text into audio.

How to use basic audio generation functions

When you open the VOICEVOX screen, character icons and a text input field are displayed.

Screen upon launch

Click the text input field (the part with the green underline).

It will switch to the editing screen.

Editing screen

Enter your text.

Enter text

Press the play button at the bottom left of the screen to play the audio and check the generation result.

Clicking the "+" on the text input screen allows you to add a new text input field.

Add new text input field

Clicking the character icon opens the character selection menu.

Character selection menu

By default, "Shikoku Metan" is displayed, but you can change it to your preferred character, such as "Zundamon" or "Kasukabe Tsumugi," by clicking it.

Change to preferred character

By assigning different characters to multiple lines of text, you can also create audio in a conversation format.

Add more characters

However, to use this function effectively, it is necessary to understand the differences in voice quality for each character and select appropriate combinations.

Also, because fine adjustment work is required for the tempo of the conversation and the timing of pauses, a certain amount of time and experience is needed until you become accustomed to it.

How to use the VOICEVOX audio export function

Next, we will explain how to use the audio export function.

How to use "Export Audio Separately"

To export audio:

Select "File" → "Export Audio."

Select 'File' → 'Export Audio'

Select the export destination folder.

Select export destination folder

Then, the audio will be exported separately for each line.

How to use "Export Connected Audio"

In VOICEVOX, you can also connect and export audio.

Selecting "File" → "Export Connected Audio" will open the file save screen.

Select 'File' → 'Export Connected Audio'

Enter the file name and save.

Enter file name and save

How to use emotional styles and parameter adjustments

As an advanced usage, VOICEVOX also has a function to change expression using emotional styles.

Styles vary by character, but emotional styles such as "Normal," "Sweet," "Tsundere," "Sexy," "Whisper," "Softly," "Excited," and "Teary" are available.

Emotional styles

By changing the emotional style, you can generate audio with completely different impressions even from the same text, allowing you to use them according to the content and presentation.

To change the emotional style, hover the mouse cursor over the ">" on the right side of the character selection menu.

Options will be displayed, so click to select one.

In addition, you can individually adjust the three parameters of accent, intonation, and length.

Accent editing:

Accent editing screen

Intonation editing:

Intonation editing

Length editing:

Length editing

Each item can be switched at the bottom left of the screen.

Each can be adjusted for every single sound, allowing for reading with more realistic pronunciation.

[Important] Regarding Commercial Use of VOICEVOX: Checking Terms is Crucial

[Important] Regarding Commercial Use of VOICEVOX: Checking Terms is Crucial

Caution is needed regarding terms when using VOICEVOX for commercial purposes.

It is necessary to correctly understand the terms of use and perform appropriate credit notation.

From here, we will explain in detail the important points for using VOICEVOX for commercial purposes in the correct way.

Basic commercial use rules

When using audio generated with VOICEVOX, appropriate credit notation is required for both commercial and non-commercial use.

When notation is provided, it must be clear that VOICEVOX was used and which character was used.

For example, if you used Zundamon's voice, it should be noted as "VOICEVOX: Zundamon," and if you used Shikoku Metan's voice, as "VOICEVOX: Shikoku Metan."

When used in videos such as on YouTube, it should be stated in the description box of the video or within the video itself.

When there is no means of credit other than audio, such as in telephone audio, you should insert an audio credit within the audio, such as "We are using VOICEVOX's Kasukabe Tsumugi."

Usage restrictions by VOICEVOX character

Different terms of use are set for each VOICEVOX character.

Some characters have special restrictions.

While many characters can be used commercially with appropriate credit notation, some characters exist with restrictions on commercial use.

Characters related to the Tohoku Project (Zundamon, Tohoku Kiritan, Tohoku Itako, etc.) are basically available for commercial use, but use in political content or adult content is prohibited.

In some characters, use on affiliate sites or use as the voice of an original character may be prohibited.

If you plan for commercial use, it is important to check the individual terms of use for the character you plan to use beforehand.

If you use standing illustrations in a video, pay attention to the illustration license as well

Furthermore, if you use standing illustrations in videos for characters like "Zundamon," pay attention to the terms of use for the illustrations as well.

Terms of use separate from VOICEVOX and the characters are set for the illustrations.

It is necessary to also check the terms of use for the illustrations in advance.

Licenses are complex, so advance confirmation is extremely important

A point that requires particular caution in the commercial use of VOICEVOX is that a different license system exists for each character.

Because usage conditions differ greatly by character, when using multiple characters, it is necessary to check the terms of use for each individually.

In particular, note that terms of use differ between Tohoku Project-related characters and other original characters.

Also, when new characters are added in the future, different terms of use may be set.

When considering use in a corporation, confirmation by the legal department may be necessary, and it may take time before use can start.

Due to this complex license system, checking the terms of use becomes a significant burden if you want to use it for business purposes or commercial use like YouTube monetization.

If you want to compare text-to-speech methods more, please also see this article comparing 15 text-to-speech software programs.

Why not try reading for free with "Ondoku"?

So far, we have explained in detail the features of VOICEVOX, the installation method for Windows, and its usage.

However, downloading and installing take time, and the terms of use are complex, which can often make it difficult to use.

In such cases, the easy-to-use, multi-functional speech synthesis service "Ondoku" is recommended!

Ondoku

"Ondoku" is an online AI reading service that can be used for free.

Surprisingly, you can synthesize speech for up to 5,000 characters for free just by registering your email address!

It is available from Windows, Mac, Linux, and even smartphones, and can be used for any purpose, including business, education, and entertainment.

Since commercial use is OK, it also supports YouTube monetization!

Usage is very simple!

Since it is installation-free and can be used immediately from a browser, you can create high-quality audio as soon as you think of it!

Even those currently downloading the VOICEVOX installation file, why not experience "Ondoku" in the meantime?

High-quality AI voice allows for multi-lingual reading

The 16 types of Japanese voices in "Ondoku" are rich in variety, including male, female, and children's voices!

Of course, it also supports conversation reading using multiple voices.

"Ondoku" supports about 50 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German.

Because you can produce global content, you can increase YouTube views targeting the world.

Available right now without installation or download!

How to use "Ondoku" is very simple.

After opening the top page, just enter the text and press the read button!

A natural audio file is generated in seconds.

Since speech synthesis up to 5,000 characters can be used for free, why not experience "Ondoku" first?

Why not try creating realistic reading audio with commercial-use OK latest AI?

In this article, we explained in detail the features of VOICEVOX, the installation method for Windows, and its usage.

The biggest attraction of VOICEVOX is being able to create videos using famous characters, starting with "Zundamon."

However, there are also points where usage is difficult, such as downloads, installations, and terms of use.

If you want to read text aloud using the latest AI, the web service "Ondoku" is also recommended.

Why not try creating video audio with "Ondoku," which you can use immediately without downloading?

 

■ 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
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