Play.ht Key Insights
Basic Details | Availability |
---|---|
Starting Price | $19 |
Pricing Model | Monthly and Annual |
Free Tier | Yes |
Special Discount | 20% Off on annual subscription |
What is Play.ht?

Play.ht is an AI-powered text-to-speech platform that turns written text into realistic human-like speech. It was started in 2016 as a Chrome extension for listening to Medium articles but has grown into a complete voice generation service.
Play.ht uses Large Language Speech Models to create highly expressive and emotional speech that sounds natural. The technology can clone voices with just 10 minutes of recordings and offers over 900 voices in 142+ languages. The platform helps create voiceovers, audiobooks, and voice content without hiring voice actors.
Key Features of Play.ht
- Ultra-Realistic Text to Speech (TTS) Voices: Play.ht offers a wide range of ultra-realistic AI voices that sound natural and human-like. These voices are designed to convey emotions and expressions, making them perfect for various applications like voiceovers and audiobooks. With over 900 voices available, users can choose the perfect tone for their content.
- Voice Cloning: Play.ht allows users to create custom voice clones that mimic any voice, including their own. This feature is useful for creating personalized voiceovers or maintaining brand consistency. The cloning process is quick and can be done with minimal audio samples.
- Customizable Speech Parameters: Users can adjust the speed, pitch, and emphasis of the voices to tailor the audio output to specific requirements. This customization helps create more engaging and natural-sounding voiceovers that match the intended audience and context.
- Multi-Language Support: Play.ht supports text-to-speech synthesis in multiple languages and accents, making it ideal for global content creators. This feature allows users to reach a broader audience by creating content in various languages without language barriers.
- API and Integration: Play.ht provides an API that allows developers to integrate its text-to-speech functionality into custom applications. This enables seamless integration with other platforms and tools, enhancing workflow efficiency and flexibility.
- Audio Format Flexibility: Users can generate audio in various formats such as MP3, Linear16, and Ogg Opus. This flexibility makes it easy to use the generated audio across different platforms and devices.
- Emotional and Expressive Speech: Play.ht's AI voices can convey emotions and expressions, adding depth to the audio content. Users can choose from various speaking styles, including happy, sad, and conversational tones, to match the context of their content.
- SEO-Friendly Audio Widgets: Play.ht allows users to embed audio widgets on websites, enhancing accessibility and engagement. This feature is particularly useful for improving user experience and search engine optimization.
- Audiobook Narration and Podcast Creation: Play.ht is designed to produce high-quality audiobooks and podcasts quickly. Users can select from a variety of voices and customize them to fit their narrative style, making it ideal for authors and podcasters.
- Conversational Assistants and E-Learning Materials: The platform supports the development of conversational assistants and educational content with accurate pronunciations. This makes it suitable for creating interactive learning materials and customer service systems.
How to Use Play.ht? A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Visit Website
Visit the official website of Play.ht.
Step 2: Sign Up/ Login to Play.ht
Log in to your Play.ht account or create one if you don't have an account already.
- Step 3: Click “Create Audio”
After logging in, click on the “Create Audio” button to start the text-to-speech synthesis process.
- Step 4: Choose Your AI Voice Type
Play.ht offers two options for AI voices: Standard & Realistic Voices and Ultra-Realistic Voices. Choose the option that suits your project requirements.
- Step 5: Type Your Text
On the text-input screen, customize your preferences by adding a title to your project, establishing a consistent file-naming system, and selecting your preferred AI voice from various options based on gender, age, type, use cases, and supported voice styles. Additionally, set the audio file type to MP3 or WAV, choose the sampling rate (8 kHz, 16 kHz, 24 kHz, or 48 kHz), and adjust the speech rate anywhere between 20% to 200%.
- Step 6: Generate Previews
Click “Generate audio previews” to prepare your audio files for export.
- Step 7: Export Your Project
Export your TTS output as a single audio file or download each paragraph's audio separately. Save the resulting audio files on your computer for use in presentations, narrations, or other projects.
Play.Ht Product Demo
Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
---|---|---|
Free Plan | $0 | $0 |
Creator Plan | $19/mo | $31.20/mo |
Unlimited Plan | $99/mo | $49/mo |
Enterprise Plan | Contact Sales | Contact Sales |
Play.Ht Alternatives
1. Murf.ai
Murf.ai specializes in creating studio-quality voiceovers with natural-sounding AI voices. It offers advanced customization like pitch, speed, and emphasis control, making it ideal for e-learning, marketing, and video content. Murf also includes a voice changer feature that converts recordings into polished AI voiceovers.
2. LOVO.ai
LOVO.ai is an AI voice platform designed for marketing, corporate training, audiobooks, and gaming. It provides ultra-realistic voices with emotional expression and supports multiple languages. LOVO is user-friendly and great for creating engaging audio content quickly.
3. ElevenLabs
ElevenLabs focuses on delivering highly realistic voices with advanced intonation and contextual understanding. It’s perfect for storytelling, audiobooks, and podcasts. Its deep learning model ensures smooth delivery across longer texts with human-like emotion.
Feature/Platform | Play.ht | Murf.ai | LOVO.ai | ElevenLabs |
---|---|---|---|---|
Voice Quality | Ultra-realistic AI voices | Studio-quality natural voices | Emotional and expressive voices | Highly realistic with emotion |
Customization | Speed, pitch, emphasis | Advanced pitch, speed, emphasis | Basic adjustments | Context-aware intonation |
Languages | 142+ languages | Multiple global languages | Multiple languages | Limited but growing |
Use Cases | Audiobooks, e-learning | Marketing, e-learning | Corporate training, gaming | Storytelling, podcasts |
Unique Features | Voice cloning & API support | Voice changer & drag-and-drop editing | Emotional voices | Context-aware delivery |
- Ultra-realistic AI voices
- Extensive language support
- Voice cloning available
- User-friendly interface
- Customization options galore
- API access for developers
- Limited free plan
- Potentially expensive pricing
- Non-English voice limitations
- Processing can be slow
- Not replacing voice actors
- Higher-tier plans costly