How to implement text to speech

Add text-to-speech to your app in a few steps. Here is the path.

REST API with Python and TypeScript SDKs
Authenticate with SPEECHIFY_API_KEY
Synthesize or stream audio
Add SSML and speech marks as needed

Definition

Implementing text-to-speech means wiring a synthesis API into your app so it can turn text into audio on demand. The path is short: authenticate, choose a voice, send text, handle the audio. The choices that matter are which SDK you use, whether you synthesize files or stream, and which extras (SSML, speech marks) you need.

The steps

Get an API key and set it as SPEECHIFY_API_KEY. Install the SDK for your language: Python (speechify-api) or TypeScript (@speechify/api), or call the REST API directly. Pick a voice ID from the catalog. Call the synthesis endpoint with your text and voice, and handle the returned audio.

File VS streaming

Choose file synthesis when you want a finished clip, such as an audiobook chapter or a fixed IVR prompt. Choose streaming when playback must start at once, such as a voice agent turn or a read-aloud feature. Streaming returns the first audio in under 300ms, which keeps live experiences responsive.

Adding control

Layer in SSML to control pacing, pauses, and emphasis. Request speech marks when you need word-level timing for synced captions or read-along highlighting. Both are additions to the same synthesis call, not separate integrations. See the API reference for endpoint details.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I implement text-to-speech?

Get an API key, install the SDK for your language, pick a voice ID, and call the synthesis endpoint with your text. You receive audio back. For real-time playback use the streaming endpoint, which returns the first audio in under 300ms. Add SSML for pacing and speech marks for captions when you need them.

Which languages have SDKs?

There are official SDKs for Python (speechify-api) and TypeScript (@speechify/api), and a REST API you can call from any language. Authenticate with a SPEECHIFY_API_KEY environment variable.

Should I use file synthesis or streaming?

Use file synthesis when you need a complete audio file, such as an audiobook chapter or a pre-rendered prompt. Use streaming when playback must start immediately, such as a voice agent reply or a read-aloud button, where sub-300ms first-byte latency matters.

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Start building

Add text-to-speech to your app in a few steps. Here is the path.

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