In today’s fast-paced digital environment, customers expect quick, efficient, and inclusive support experiences. Live chat has become a primary channel for real-time communication—but even chat interfaces can evolve further with the help of conversational technologies.
One such advancement is Text-to-Speech (TTS), a feature that transforms written chat messages into natural-sounding audio.
When combined with a powerful communication platform like JivoChat, TTS can completely transform how brands engage with customers. From improving accessibility to enhancing productivity, a seamless integration powered by a Text to Speech API can redefine your support operations.
In this blog, we break down how businesses can integrate TTS into JivoChat and explore how this combination elevates customer experience, boosts agent efficiency, and creates more engaging support workflows.
Why Add Text-to-Speech to Live Chat?
Before diving into the integration process, it’s essential to understand why TTS matters.
1. Enhances Accessibility
Customers with visual impairments, reading difficulties, or language barriers can benefit immensely from audio support. TTS ensures your live chat is accessible to all, supporting inclusivity without additional operational effort.
2. Faster Information Absorption
Some customers prefer listening over reading. TTS allows them to absorb information quickly—even while multitasking.
3. Human-like Interaction
Modern TTS solutions generate highly natural audio, making customer support feel personalized and conversational.
4. Increased Global Reach
Brands serving multilingual audiences can use a Text to Speech API to convert responses into multiple languages and voices, enriching the global experience.
Why JivoChat is the Perfect Platform for TTS Integration
JivoChat is already a robust platform that helps businesses manage customer communication across channels—live chat, email, WhatsApp, Apple Business Chat, and more. Adding TTS enhances:
- Real-time engagement by offering audio responses instantly
- Multichannel support by converting chat text for voice-based platforms
- Agent productivity through hands-free or assisted communication
- User experience by providing flexible communication options
Whether you run an eCommerce store, SaaS business, healthcare platform, or service-based company, integrating TTS into JivoChat helps you stand out in customer experience.
How Text-to-Speech Integration Works
Integrating TTS into JivoChat involves using a Text to Speech API to convert the live chat’s text messages into speech files and deliver them to the customer.
The process typically follows these steps:
Step 1: Capture Chat Message
The customer’s incoming or outgoing chat message is accessed through JivoChat’s webhook or API event.
Step 2: Send Text to TTS Engine
The captured text is forwarded to your selected TTS engine (such as Murf’s Voice API). The API request includes:
- The text message
- Selected voice
- Language
- Output format (MP3, WAV, etc.)
Step 3: Receive Audio Output
The TTS engine returns an audio file of the spoken text.
Step 4: Deliver Audio to Customer
You can send the audio file directly within the chatbox or play it through an embedded audio player.
Step 5: Save for Logs or Analysis
The audio can be stored for quality checks, personalization, or analytics.
How to Integrate TTS into JivoChat: A Step-by-Step Guide
Integrating TTS into JivoChat is easier than it sounds. Here’s a simplified step-by-step breakdown:
1. Create Your JivoChat Webhook
JivoChat allows you to set up webhooks for actions like:
- New messages
- Agent responses
- Conversation updates
This webhook will send data from live chat to your server in real time.
Steps:
- Log in to JivoChat
- Navigate to Developers → Webhooks
- Add your webhook endpoint
- Select events such as "Incoming Message" or "Message Sent by Operator"
2. Set Up Your Text to Speech API
Choose a TTS provider that supports:
- Natural-sounding AI voices
- Multiple languages
- Real-time synthesis
- Easy API calls
Murf’s Voice API is a great example with enterprise-grade TTS quality.
Create an API key and review the API documentation for proper implementation.
3. Write a Script to Convert Chat Text to Audio
Your server will receive the chat message via webhook → process it → call the TTS API.
Here’s a simplified pseudo-example:
app.post('/jivochat-webhook', async (req, res) => {
const text = req.body.message;
const ttsResponse = await fetch('https://api.ttsprovider.com/convert', {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'Authorization': `Bearer YOUR_API_KEY`,
'Content-Type': 'application/json'
},
body: JSON.stringify({
text: text,
voice_id: 'en-US-voice1',
format: 'mp3'
})
});
const audioResult = await ttsResponse.json();
const audioURL = audioResult.audio_url;
// Optional: respond back to JivoChat bot with audio message
});
This script:
- Receives text
- Sends it to the TTS engine
- Retrieves audio
- Prepares it for sending back into JivoChat
4. Create an Audio Reply in the Chat
You can embed the audio in JivoChat using:
- A clickable link
- An inline audio player
- Automated responses
This gives customers the flexibility to listen to the chat messages instead of reading them.
5. Automate the Experience
You can further enhance the integration by:
- Auto-converting FAQs and bot replies to speech
- Allowing customers to switch between text and audio mode
- Adding multilingual voices for international customers
- Using TTS for proactive messaging (welcome messages, updates, etc.)
This transforms JivoChat into a hybrid chat + audio support ecosystem.
What Are the Benefits of JivoChat + TTS Integration?
The combination of JivoChat and a powerful Text to Speech API unlocks several advantages:
1. More Accessible Support
TTS makes your customer service usable for:
- Visually impaired users
- People with language comprehension issues
- Customers who prefer auditory learning
This fosters inclusivity and aligns with global accessibility standards.
2. Enhanced Engagement
Audio adds a new dimension to chat communication. Customers can:
- Listen to product details
- Follow complex instructions easily
- Engage even while multitasking
3. Faster and More Accurate Responses
With automated speech generation:
- Agents don’t need to manually record audio
- Customers receive instant audio replies
- Misinterpretation of written messages reduces significantly
4. Personalization at Scale
Choose from hundreds of voices to match your brand tone—friendly, professional, warm, or conversational.
5. Global Reach Through Multilingual TTS
Using TTS, you can offer support in multiple languages without hiring multilingual agents. This allows you to expand internationally with ease.
6. Improved Agent Productivity
Agents can:
- Focus on problem-solving instead of typing long messages
- Use preset templates that instantly convert to audio
- Cater to more customers in less time
7. Seamless Omnichannel Experience
The same TTS content can be reused across:
- Chat
- Call centers
- Social media messages
- IVR systems
This ensures a consistent voice across all support channels.
Use Cases of TTS in Live Chat
Here are practical scenarios where businesses use TTS in JivoChat:
✔ Healthcare platforms
To convert medical advice text into clear, easy-to-follow audio for patients.
✔ E-commerce
To assist customers with order tracking, product demos, and return instructions.
✔ Education & EdTech
To support learners through audio-based guidance and doubt clearing.
✔ Banks & FinTech
To offer secure, informative audio messages on savings, loans, and transactions.
✔ Hospitality & Travel
To provide booking confirmations and travel updates in multiple languages.
