What ElevenLabs is
ElevenLabs generates speech from text, with a large voice library and voice cloning. For video teams it is the standard way to produce voiceover and dubbed audio that does not sound obviously synthetic.
- Text to speech across many languages and voice types.
- Voice cloning with consent.
- Control over pacing, stability and expressiveness depending on model and settings.
- Dubbing workflows that translate and re-voice existing video.
What it is good at
| Use | Fit |
|---|---|
| Explainer and tutorial voiceover | Excellent |
| Dubbing existing video | Strong |
| Consistent brand voice at scale | Excellent |
| Emotional dramatic performance | Weak |
| Singing | Specialised and variable |
Choosing or cloning a voice
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Decide library or clone
Library voices need no clearance. Clones are on-brand but require written consent.
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Match voice to content
A voice suited to a documentary reads wrong in a product ad.
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Test emotional range
Check how the voice handles excitement, seriousness and emphasis before committing.
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Test with your real script
Numbers, product names and technical terms expose pronunciation problems.
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Lock and save the setting
So voice does not drift between episodes or campaigns.
Voice clearance is separate: clearing someone’s image does not clear their voice. Get explicit written consent for cloning, naming the specific use.
Writing for the voice
- Write for the ear — short sentences, plain words.
- Read aloud before generating; this catches most problems.
- Spell out numbers and unusual terms as you want them spoken.
- Leave pauses. Natural speech is not continuous.
- Avoid long subordinate clauses, which synthetic delivery handles poorly.
Timing to picture
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Lock the picture first where possible
Timing audio to a locked cut is far easier than the reverse.
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Generate in sections matching your shots
So you can adjust each section independently.
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Adjust pacing rather than rushing delivery
If it does not fit, cut words rather than speeding up speech.
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Leave handles at start and end
Trim room makes editing much easier.
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Check on real speakers, not headphones
Most viewers watch on phone speakers.
Dubbing workflow
- Start from clean source audio; background noise degrades everything downstream.
- Review the translation, especially numbers, names and technical terms.
- Match length to the original so delivery is not rushed.
- Keep the original audio track for viewers who prefer it.
- Ship subtitles as a separate track so viewers can choose.
Consent and disclosure
- Written consent naming the specific use, platforms and term for any cloned voice.
- Voice clearance separate from image clearance.
- Disclosure of synthetic voice where your market or platform requires it.
- Retain consent records with the project files.