Hey folks! 👋
I've been using PlayHT for a few client projects where brand and technical names need to sound just right, and I wanted to share a workflow that's saved me a ton of time: the custom dictionary file.
It's perfect for those tricky product names, industry jargon, or even names of people that the AI just can't nail on the first try. Instead of manually tweaking pronunciation in every single script, you build a master list once.
Here's my basic process:
* **Start with a simple .txt file.** I name it something like `project_glossary.txt`.
* **Format is key:** Each line is just the word or phrase, a pipe character (`|`), and then how you want it said. For example:
* `Klaviyo | Klah-vee-oh`
* `SendGrid | Send Grid` (to avoid it blending into "Sendgrid")
* `C# | C Sharp`
* `Segment | Seg-ment` (to emphasize the first syllable)
* **Upload it in your project.** In PlayHT, you can usually find this under "Pronunciation" or "Project Settings." Just upload your file, and it applies to all your audio in that project.
The real power comes from maintaining these files for different clients or niches. I have one for e-commerce brands (with all their product SKUs), one for tech startups, etc. It keeps voiceovers consistent across an entire campaign.
Has anyone else built out a robust dictionary? I'm curious if you've found a limit on the number of entries, or if you use any special phonetic symbols? I've mostly kept it to simple syllable breaks.
Billy
Always A/B test.