What is dubbing AI

Dubbing is one of the most time-consuming and the most efficient video translating technologies. The dubbing definition declares it’s part of a post-production editing process when the soundtrack is rerecorded from scratch in another language. Voiceover actors not only fully imitate the nuances and intonations of the initial audio, but also make sure the text is synchronized with the lips movements.

Modern technologies allow performing this task without human labor and just in several clicks. Of course, AI-generated dubbing needs thorough revision, as such programs are still imperfect. Still, it may well be used for creating multilingual soundtracks for technical or educational videos, cooperative recordings, and other non-artistic visual content.

Artificial intelligence - dubbing AI

How AI dubbing works and where it is applicable

AI video dubbing started as TTS (text-to-speech) tools, which transform a written text into a voiceover. Such tools provide a wide range of various voices, accents, pitches, and intonations.

But creating voiceover is not enough: dubbing tools should also be able to translate the given text and, what is no less important, to mimic the initial pace, intonation, and other audio characteristics. That’s where machine learning enters the game: before creating high-quality dubbing, the system should learn on great volumes of already created voiceovers in various languages.

As for the application, in the first instance, AI voice dubbing is handy for vloggers who want to make their recordings accessible to audiences in different countries. Also, this technology helps to dub inner companies’ videos, such as onboarding or information ones.

AI dubbing is not fully suitable (yet) for feature films, TV shows, or complicated texts with puns, jokes, or highly figurative language.

AI dubbing vs. traditional dubbing

AI dubbing features several significant advantages that make video makers choose it over traditional approaches.

  • Cost efficiency. Even if you use costly software, it’s a one-time investment, while traditional dubbing requires hiring voiceover actors, renting a studio, and purchasing audio equipment.
  • Fast project execution. Traditionally, the whole dubbing process used to take up to several months of hard work. AI dubbing can be performed in days or even hours.
  • Scalability. If you need several voiceovers in different languages, with the traditional approach you have to hire a separate team of voiceover actors for each track. AI programs can generate as many automatic voiceovers as you need, you’ll just have to revise and edit them, if it's necessary.
  • Availability. AI doesn’t have sick leaves or days off, it doesn’t sleep or burn out after long working hours.
  • Versatility. With the help of AI, you can generate any voice you need, while looking for a person with the needed pitch may be very tiresome. In some cases, AI is the only solution to get what you need, for example, a baby’s voice (real babies can’t read).
Traditional dubbing vs AI dubbing

Types of AI dubbing

There is no generally accepted AI dubbing typology, as various interpretations and definitions are possible. Nevertheless, we can mention several general ones:

  1. TTS (Text-to-speech) dubbing. A written text is read out loud by a generated voice.
  2. Voice cloning. The technology mimics the initial speaker’s voice with all its intonations, emotions, and other unique characteristics.
  3. Real-time dubbing. This technology implies simultaneous translation of the speech.
  4. Lip Sync. This complex technology makes the dubbing look as natural as possible.

AI dubbing challenges

But not everything in the garden is rosy. The most common challenges include:

  • Accuracy. The algorithm may not be aware of puns, fixed collocations, cultural peculiarities, etc. AI may translate the text too literally, missing nuances and subtexts.
  • Mispronunciation. Artificial voices still may mispronounce rarely used or loaned words.
  • Lack of creativity. Generative AI is not capable of improvisation or spontaneous actions, which add a voiceover personal touch and make it truly unique.
  • Ethical issues. One of the most poignant questions: "Is dubbing AI safe?". It may lead to job cuts, as voiceover actors can be easily replaced with cheaper solutions.
AI dubbing replacement issues

FAQs

Are subtitles and dubs can be used interchangeably?

No, subtitles translate spoken words and are displayed as text on screen, while dubs replace the audio track with a new language voiced by actors.

Can AI dubbing be spotted?

A brief answer: yes. More detailed explanation: it depends on the tool in use, but overall the artificial voice still may have unnatural intonations and wrong word pronunciation. But this technology is evolving in leaps and bounds, so it is very likely that shortly one will not be able to tell an artificial voice from a voiceover actor.

Is voice cloning the same thing as AI dubbing?

Voice cloning is one of the AI dubbing techniques.

Final thoughts

AI dubbing, as well as other generative AI technologies, is a promising and rapidly evolving sphere. While it eases video production significantly and reduces its costs, this technology also provokes ethical issues and can’t reach the level of a real voiceover actor.