Reading has changed a lot in the digital age, especially with Amazon’s Kindle leading this transformation since 2007. The fact that Kindle is able to convert the written text to speech through its text-to-speech (TTS) feature sets it apart from generic ebook readers. It means you can use Kindle to have an amazing audiobook experience.

Whether you’re a busy professional, have some visual impairments, or simply prefer listening while multitasking, you should learn how to use text-to-speech on Kindle to enhance your book reading and listening experience.

Let’s explore this in detail, starting with some basics:

What is Kindle Text to Speech?

One of the most common questions about Kindle is, “Can Kindle read to you?” The answer is a resounding yes. Most importantly, setting up Kindle TTS is much easier than you might think.

Kindle text-to-speech (TTS) is an accessibility feature. It reads your e-books aloud using synthesized speech. This technology is used to convert written text into spoken words. Hence, you can enjoy your favorite books without having to look at the screen.

With traditional audiobooks, you have to make separate purchases or might even have to hire professional narration services. Kindle’s TTS feature, however, works with the majority of the e-books in your library. Hence, it is a highly cost-effective way of listening to your favorite books.

Also Read: How to Make an Audiobook Online?

Different Types of Kindle Models and TTS Compatibility

Before discussing the actual process of enabling Kindle text-to-speech, let’s see which Kindle devices support this functionality:

Entry-Level Kindle

  • 6-inch glare-free display
  • Basic TTS functionality via VoiceView
  • 16 GB storage with 6 weeks of battery life

Kindle Paperwhite

  • 6.8-inch display
  • Advanced TTS with better audio quality than the entry-level Kindle
  • 8GB or 16GB storage options with up to 10 weeks of battery life

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

  • All Paperwhite features plus wireless charging
  • Premium TTS experience
  • 32GB storage

Kindle Kids Edition

  • Child-friendly interface with TTS support
  • Enhanced accessibility features
  • Parental controls for audio settings

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Enable Kindle Text-to-Speech Feature?

Here’s how you can use the text-to-speech feature on physical Kindle e-book readers:

1. Swipe down from the top of your Kindle home screen and tap the Settings icon.

2. Open the Accessibility options.

3. You’ll see the VoiceView Screen Reader or option under the Accessibility settings. Tap on it to access further options.

Enable VoiceView Toggle

4. Make sure the VoiceView toggle is enabled.

5. You can adjust the Reading Speed here and also configure other things, such as speech volume, punctuation level, etc.

Kindle VoiceView TTS Settings

Once the VoiceView option is enabled and configured, you can use the text-to-speech feature on your Kindle and enjoy listening to your books.

Benefits of Using Kindle Text-to-Speech

Kindle’s Text-to-Speech (TTS) functionality is a great way to make book reading easier and more enjoyable. It bridges the gap between traditional reading and modern audiobook listening. Hence, it opens up a new world for readers of all kinds.

Here are the key benefits of using TTS on Kindle:

1. High Accessibility

Individuals with eye-related issues usually do not enjoy book reading. But with Kindle’s read-aloud feature, they can keep listening to books. Such individuals don’t have to strain their eyes. Instead, a smooth and hands-free listening experience can be obtained from Kindle. Overall, Kindle text-to-speech makes reading possible for people who may have otherwise stopped reading books altogether.

2. Ideal for Multitasking

You don’t always have to rely on digital screens or paper to read. With the text-to-speech feature on Kindle, you can keep listening to your favorite books while doing any other task, such as cooking or exercising.

Overall, using the text-to-speech feature on Kindle allows you to keep up with your reading list while doing daily chores.

3. Useful for Language Learners

Text-to-Speech offers a major advantage for people learning new languages. Hearing the book read aloud by a fluent voice can improve pronunciation and content comprehension. Moreover, pairing listening with visual reading can also help improve your vocabulary retention and sentence structure.

4. Proofreading

Writer and editors can also use the Kindle text-to-speech feature to proofread their own work in audio format. You can find many awkward phrases, missing words, or poor sentence structure while listening to it instead of silent reading. Hence, TTS is a powerful tool for editing and revision.

5. Reduce Eye Fatigue

If your day already involves using a screen, such as for work or study, you might not want to read from Kindle’s digital screen. You can turn on the TTS feature in this case and let your eyes rest while listening to your book.

6. Improve Focus for Auditory Learners

Many people retain information better through sound instead of simple reading. Kindle’s read-aloud feature is useful for auditory learners as it converts books into spoken word. It can significantly help you improve focus and retain the content. This approach becomes even more useful for academic content or any content that requires strong comprehension.

Converting Content to Voice Beyond E-Books

Kindle’s text-to-speech functionality is limited to converting e-books in the Kindle library into audio. WebsiteVoice takes this concept further by helping you convert any website content, such as articles and blog posts, into high-quality audio.

Advanced algorithms and voice synthesis technology are behind WebsiteVoice to help you integrate it into your digital ecosystem via user-friendly APIs and a WordPress plugin.

Overall, WebsiteVoice offers the same convenience you experience with Kindle TTS but extends it across your entire web presence. Simple integration options and customizable voice settings of WebsiteVoice are great to convert any written content into professional-quality audio and enhance engagement.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that learning how to use text-to-speech on Kindle can be beneficial for readers in many different ways. Whether you want better accessibility, higher productivity, or simply a new way to enjoy literature, Kindle’s TTS feature is a great tool to improve your book-reading experience.

As voice technology continues to evolve, we can expect even better TTS experiences in future Kindle updates. In the meantime, you should combine Kindle’s TTS with other voice technology solutions to create a comprehensive audio reading ecosystem.

FAQs

Does Kindle have the ability to read books out loud?

Yes! Kindle is capable of reading out loud to you. Physical Kindles use the VoiceView screen reader option. Kindle Apps also have the Speak Screen or TTS Output options to convert written text into voice.

Can I modify the voice settings in Kindle’s audio feature?

Yes. But Kindle provides limited text-to-speech voice customization features. You need more advanced TTS solutions for options like changing voice accents, languages, and types.

How can I activate text-to-speech on my Kindle?

You can easily activate text-to-speech on your Kindle by opening the accessibility settings and enabling the VoiceView screen reader.