ElevenLabs now let’s you create a custom voice from a text prompt — here’s why that’s exciting

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Sights and sounds.

ElevenLabs logo on phone sitting on top of keyboard
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

In just a few short months we've seen all kinds of generative AI possibilities emerge from text prompts. Whether it's music with lyrics, new video tools, or a combination of the two with music videos, generative AI is expanding swiftly.

Still, dialogue (outside of more robotic text-to-speech options and dedicated chatbots) can be difficult to achieve. ElevenLabs has one of the best synthetic voice models, including cloning real voices (with permission and licensing agreements in place). Its latest project takes things a step further and allows you to design a voice from scratch.

Why this is important

If you've ever spent time playing Dungeons and Dragons, you'll know that the right voice can make all the difference when it comes to setting the scene.

The Voice Design tool should help players create their own deep backstories and lore, but it also democratizes the technology for indie developers who are working solo on ambitious new projects.

Tying it in with AI video generation tools like ElevenLabs own could mean film students are able to create a world, characters, and interactions all within the same project, all working by themselves.

ElevenLabs' examples show the more detailed prompt the better, with "an old British male with a rasper, deep voice. Professional, relaxed and assertive" a good example of the power on offer. I'm not sure anyone British calls someone "old bean" anymore, mind, so stereotypes abound.

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Lloyd Coombes
Lloyd Coombes
Contributing writer

Lloyd Coombes is a freelance tech and fitness writer. He's an expert in all things Apple as well as in computer and gaming tech, with previous works published on TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Live Science and more. You'll find him regularly testing the latest MacBook or iPhone, but he spends most of his time writing about video games as Gaming Editor for the Daily Star. He also covers board games and virtual reality, just to round out the nerdy pursuits.

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