Voice cloning
Also called voice clone, AI voice cloning
What is voice cloning?
Voice cloning is the use of AI to create a synthetic copy of a specific person's voice from recordings of them speaking. Once cloned, the voice can read any new text, in the same tone and accent. Some tools need only a short sample, while higher-quality clones use longer, cleaner recordings.
Cloning is a feature of many AI voice generators. Legitimate uses include a founder narrating every product video without recording each one, translating a creator's videos into other languages in their own voice, and restoring speech for people who have lost it.
It is also the technology behind audio deepfakes and voice scams. Reputable services ask for proof of consent, and laws in several places restrict using someone's voice without permission, especially in ads.
Why voice cloning matters
A cloned voice lets a recognizable person, such as an owner or spokesperson, appear in more content without more studio time. That can build familiarity and trust with an audience.
The risks are legal and reputational. Use only voices you have clear written permission for, keep the voice files secure and be open with your audience when a voice is synthetic.
How to clone a voice responsibly
- Get written consent from the person, covering how and where the voice will be used.
- Record clean audio in a quiet room, following the tool's guidance on length.
- Test the clone on a few scripts and check names and numbers.
- Store access to the clone securely and limit who can generate with it.
- Disclose AI voice use where platforms or laws require it.
Voice cloning FAQ
Is voice cloning legal?
Cloning your own voice, or someone's voice with their consent, is generally legal. Using a person's voice without permission can break right-of-publicity, fraud or consumer protection laws, and some places have specific rules on AI voices.
How much audio do you need to clone a voice?
Some tools work from under a minute of speech. Better clones usually come from longer, clean recordings, often 30 minutes or more for professional quality.
Related terms
An AI voice generator turns written text into natural-sounding speech, often with a choice of voices, accents, languages and speaking styles.
A deepfake is AI-generated or AI-altered video, audio or images that realistically show a real person saying or doing something they did not.
Synthetic media is any image, video, audio or text created or substantially changed by AI, from AI voiceovers to generated photos and avatars.
A voiceover is narration recorded separately from the picture and laid over a video to explain, tell a story or guide the viewer.
An AI avatar is a computer-generated person or character that can speak a script on video, with lip movements synced to an AI or recorded voice.