Can You Monetize Text-to-Speech Videos on YouTube?

Using text-to-speech (TTS) software to make a voiceover for a video is becoming more popular with ever-improving AI technology.

And it is quite logical.

We already have AI writing tools that can create video scripts in a minute (Jasper, Rytr), we also have AI-powered tools that can transform the written text into an engaging video (inVideo, Pictory), so the next step is adding AI to create a human-like voice over.

So, where is the problem?

Why you are reading this article? Let’s create a video completely with AI!

To be honest, the question, of whether you can monetize text-to-speech videos on YouTube, is a little more complex than it may sound.

If you’re expecting a simple answer, yes or no, then I cannot get it to you.

This is because there is no simple answer.

What is Text-to-Speech Software?

Text-to-speech is the process of converting text into spoken words. Common uses of text-to-speech are in assistive technology, computers, and mobile phones. The most well-known example is Siri, which is a speech recognition software for Apple iPhone devices.

This can be done manually or through the use of advanced AI technology. If we’re talking about voiceovers for YouTube videos, we’re talking about using AI technology like Murf or inVideo. (Read my detailed Murf AI review)

What are YouTube Monetization rules?

YouTube has a variety of monetization rules that are unique to the platform. These rules can be found in YouTube Partner Program Policies.

YouTube monetization rules are not straightforward and can be quite confusing for both content creators and advertisers.

This is because YouTube has different types of ad formats, which means that content creators need to understand what type of ads they should upload to make money on YouTube.

There are three types of ads on YouTube: non-skippable, pre-roll, and mid-roll. Non-skippable ads are the most popular type with over 80% of impressions on YouTube coming from these ads. Pre-roll ads are only shown before a video starts playing while the mid-rolls show at the beginning and end of a video.

Here are the most important rules and policies you have to follow to get monetized:

• Community Guidelines
• Terms of Service
• Copyright
• Google AdSense program policies

Is Text-to-Speech Allowed on YouTube?

Does YouTube allow text-to-speech software use in videos? To be honest, in any of these policies and guidelines, YouTube has not made a direct statement on disallowing monetization for channels with text-to-speech videos.

However, YouTube has issued guidelines on the type of content that violates its policies.

Here’s a list that seems to apply to the usage of text-to-speech voices.

1. “Content that exclusively features readings of other materials you did not originally create, like text from websites or news feeds.
2. Songs modified to change the pitch or speed, but are otherwise identical to the original.
3. Similar repetitive content, or mindless content with low educational value, commentary, or narrative.
4. Templated, mass-produced, or programmatically generated content.
5. Image slideshows or scrolling text with minimal or no narrative, commentary, or educational value.“

Which Criteria Are Important to the YouTube Review Team

While there are minimum requirements you need to meet, to get accepted into the YouTube Partner Program, your channel will be reviewed by a YouTube team.

If your YouTube channel is high quality, you might be accepted into the YouTube Partner program in a matter of days.

However, if you are using any AI tools, you are wondering what criteria this platform emphasizes for successful adoption.

They review and focus on a few things about your channel like:

• Main theme
• The biggest proportion of watch time
• Most viewed videos
• Newest videos
• Video metadata (thumbnails, including titles and descriptions)

However, these aren’t the only things the YouTube team can review. They might review other things about your channel as well.

Can You Monetize Text To Speech Videos On YouTube

Let’s get back to the main question. Some people are saying that using text-to-speech voices is not allowed on YouTube and will not get accepted into their partner program.

However, there are still tons of channels that are running ads and using other features that only monetized channels can.

Here are some examples:

• Luca Roblox
• IT Magic
• Top Compared

In my opinion, you can use AI-generated voice overs, but you have to add value to your content.

In the past, many creators have used simple and robotic voices for their videos, but what they did wrong is that they used text from Wikipedia articles, Reddit posts, or blog articles and added robotic voices to create spammy content.

I have recently started two faceless YouTube channels with the use of AI voiceovers, but I’m making highly engaging videos from my scripts.

This is important because I’m adding value. So shortly, I’ll see if it works or not.

What Text-to-Speech Does YouTubers Use?

Text-to-speech is a tool that reads text aloud with a voice synthesizer. Some people use it for accessibility purposes, but YouTubers have found it to be very useful in creating videos. They can use it to create videos that are entirely audio-based without having to rely on hiring actors or narrators.

This method is used to save time and money.

Tons of YouTube channels are using this technology to narrate the video and here are the best text-to-speech AI generators that are available even for you.

inVideo – This is a complex AI-powered software that can convert written text into an engaging video with AI voiceover. And the result is quite good. So, if you are looking for an all-in-one tool, you should check inVideo software.

Murf – This is one of the best online tools on the market. It offers studio-quality AI voices that you can use for podcasts, videos, and professional presentations. Their realistic voice generator can help you turn your text into professional voiceovers. And the pricing to get access to all the tools in Murf is also reasonable.

WellSaid – This is the most expensive AI tool with high-quality voice overs on the market, but it is worth every penny.

Conclusion

Using text-to-speech voices for your videos doesn’t mean you cannot get accepted into YouTube. Even people on YouTube don’t give you a straightforward answer.

In my opinion, to avoid complications with your channel, you should create engaging video content from your scripts.

If you use text-to-speech voices in your original video and the vocalizations will help to enhance its educational value, then it is highly unlikely YouTube will penalize you for using TTS voices.