How to Use AI for Text-to-Speech in React Native? (Code + GitHub Inside)

By Atit Purani

August 11, 2025

What if your app could speak like a human?

We’re not talking about robotic voices from the 2020s.

We mean lifelike, expressive, multilingual voices powered by AI. In 2025, AI text-to-speech in React Native is expected.

From meditation apps to voice-based productivity tools, users want more natural interaction. That’s where React Native TTS (Text-to-Speech) excels.

When combined with AI, it allows developers to build apps that talk back, improving accessibility, engagement, and UX.

And with mobile usage at an all-time high, allowing real-time speech in your cross-platform React Native app gives your product a competitive advantage.

If you are trying to use AI for Text to Speech in React Native, then you are at the right place.

Here you have the complete GitHub code for React Native TTS with AI and a guide for it.

What Is AI Text-to-Speech (TTS)? And Why Not Native TTS?

Text-to-Speech with AI goes beyond just reading words aloud.

Unlike traditional or native TTS, which sounds robotic and monotone, AI-based speech synthesis in React Native uses deep learning models to create lifelike speech that adjusts pitch, emotion, and rhythm, just like a real human.

Here’s the difference:

Feature Native TTS AI TTS (e.g., Google, OpenAI, Amazon Polly)
Voice Quality Robotic, flat Human-like, natural
Language Support Limited 50+ languages, multiple accents
Emotion & Tone Not available Yes (happy, sad, excited, etc.)
Custom Voice Creation No Yes (in some APIs)

Use Cases:

  • Voice assistants
  • Language learning apps
  • Accessibility tools
  • Chatbots with voice output
  • Educational apps for kids

So if you want your app to communicate with clarity, emotion, and accuracy, AI TTS is the way forward.

Why Use React Native for AI Text-to-Speech Integration?

React Native is already known for its cross-platform power, and it’s a natural fit for integrating AI TTS features. Here’s why:

  • One codebase for iOS and Android.
  • Fast development cycles with access to native APIs.
  • Easy integration with AI services like Google Cloud, OpenAI, or Amazon Polly.

With tools like react-native-tts, expo-speech, or direct API access, developers can build apps that talk to users in real-time, which is perfect for:

  • Productivity tools that read out tasks.
  • Accessibility apps for visually impaired users.
  • AI chatbots that speak in responses.
  • Voice-based surveys or guides.

Choosing the Right AI TTS Provider: Google, OpenAI, or Amazon Polly?

If you’re adding AI TTS APIs to React Native, choosing the right provider is crucial. Let’s compare the top options:

Provider Voice Quality Pricing Real-Time Speed Features
Google Cloud TTS Very high (WaveNet) Pay-as-you-go Fast Multiple languages, SSML, emotion
Amazon Polly High Free tier + pay Fast Neural TTS, real-time, caching
OpenAI(via Whisper + TTS APIs) Very high Custom pricing Moderate to fast Human-like voices, expressive tones

For most mobile apps, Google Cloud Text-to-Speech is a go-to option due to its realistic WaveNet voices, speed, and wide support.

Use these AI TTS APIs for React Native to build apps that truly connect with users, especially when spoken communication matters.

Step-by-Step: Set Up Your React Native Project for TTS

Before we write a single line of code, let’s set up your environment for integrating AI Text-to-Speech in React Native.

Here you can see the exact setup needed to follow along with the React Native text to speech code example and fork our TTS GitHub demo.

Tools Required:

  • Node.js ≥ 18.x
  • React Native CLI (or Expo for quick setup)
  • Android Studio / Xcode (for testing)
  • Google Cloud account (for API key)
  • Git (to clone or fork the GitHub repo)

Project Structure Overview

Here’s what your folder structure will look like:

my-tts-app/

├── App.js
├── components/
│ └── TextToSpeech.js
├── utils/
│ └── googleTTS.js
├── assets/
├── package.json
└── .env

We’ll keep it modular, separating logic, UI, and API calls, so it’s easy to extend or plug into your project.

Install Required Dependencies

Run the following commands to install the dependencies:

        
            npm install react-native-dotenv
            npm install expo-av
            npm install axios
        
        

If you’re using bare React Native CLI (not Expo), use react-native-sound instead of expo-av.

Also, enable .env support by editing your babel.config.js:

        
           module.exports = {
              presets: ['babel-preset-expo'],
              plugins: [['module:react-native-dotenv']],
            };
        
        

Full Code: Integrate AI Text-to-Speech in React Native (With GitHub)

Here’s a complete, working example of step-by-step AI TTS integration using React Native + Google Cloud TTS.

Input-to-Voice: Complete Code Example

App.js

        
            import React, { useState } from 'react';
            import { View, TextInput, Button, StyleSheet, Text } from 'react-native';
            import { playAudioFromBase64 } from './utils/googleTTS';
            
            export default function App() {
              const [text, setText] = useState('');
            
              const handleSpeak = async () => {
              if (text.trim()) {
                await playAudioFromBase64(text);
              }
              };
            
              return (
              < View style={styles.container}>
                <Text style={styles.title}>AI Text-to-Speech Demo</Text>
                <TextInput
                  style={styles.input}
                  placeholder="Enter text here..."
                  value={text}
                  onChangeText={setText}
                />
                <Button title="Speak" onPress={handleSpeak} />
              </View>
              );
            }
            
            const styles = StyleSheet.create({
              container: { flex: 1, padding: 20, justifyContent: 'center' },
              title: { fontSize: 24, marginBottom: 20, textAlign: 'center' },
              input: {
              borderWidth: 1, borderColor: '#ccc', padding: 10, marginBottom: 20,
              borderRadius: 5
              }
            });
        
        

utils/googleTTS.js

        
            import { Audio } from 'expo-av';
            import axios from 'axios';
            import { GOOGLE_TTS_API_KEY } from '@env';
            
            export async function playAudioFromBase64(text) {
              try {
              const response = await axios.post(
                  `https://texttospeech.googleapis.com/v1/text:synthesize?key=${GOOGLE_TTS_API_KEY}`,
                {
                  input: { text },
                  voice: {
                    languageCode: 'en-US',
                    name: 'en-US-Wavenet-D'
                  },
                  audioConfig: {
                    audioEncoding: 'MP3',
                    pitch: 0,
                    speakingRate: 1.0
                  }
                }
              );
            
              const { audioContent } = response.data;
              const soundObject = new Audio.Sound();
              const base64Sound = `data:audio/mp3;base64,${audioContent}`;
            
              await soundObject.loadAsync({ uri: base64Sound });
              await soundObject.playAsync();
              } catch (err) {
              console.error('Error using Google TTS API:', err.message);
              }
            }
        
        

.env

        
            GOOGLE_TTS_API_KEY=your_google_tts_api_key_here
        
        

Code Logic Breakdown

  • User types text in the input box.
  • On button click, the text is sent to the Google Cloud TTS API.
  • The API returns a base64-encoded MP3 audio.
  • expo-av plays the audio in real-time.
  • Fully cross-platform with just a few lines!

Fork this TTS GitHub demo and add voice input next!

What Makes Seven Square the Go-To Team for AI TTS in React Native?

AI-TTS-in-React-Native

At Seven Square, we create intelligent mobile apps that speak to your users.

Our team has deep expertise in AI-based speech synthesis in React Native, helping startups and enterprises add natural, multilingual voice capabilities to their apps using tools like Google Cloud TTS, Amazon Polly, and OpenAI Whisper.

  • Production-Ready AI TTS Integration: We go beyond tutorials; our developers deliver real-world, scalable solutions that plug AI TTS into your React Native stack without compromising performance or UX.
  • Multi-Platform, Multi-Language Support: From English to Arabic, Hindi to French, we build apps that speak your users’ language on iOS and Android, all from a single codebase.
  • Custom Voice & Smart Features: We’ve built voice-enabled tools for productivity apps, language tutors, fitness apps, and accessibility-first platforms.

Want a Customized AI Chatbot? Contact Us Now!

What Are the Advanced Features You Can Add? (Optional Improvements)

Advanced-Features-You-Can-Add

Once the basic TTS is in place, go a step further with these AI-based improvements:

  • Dynamic Language Switching: Detect and switch between languages on the fly.
  • Voice Customization: Adjust pitch, speed, and tone for different personas.
  • Speech ↔ Text: Combine with transcription to create two-way voice apps.
  • Offline Support: Cache voices or add a local fallback when the internet is unavailable.

These features boost the user experience, especially for global, educational, or accessibility-first apps.

Let Your App Speak with AI

In 2025, users expect smart apps, not just silent screens.

By integrating AI text-to-speech in React Native, you’re giving your app a human-like voice that engages, explains, and guides users.

From language apps to smart assistants, the use cases are endless, and your opportunity is now.

FAQs

  • To add AI text-to-speech in React Native, use cloud APIs like Google Cloud TTS or Amazon Polly.
  • Send user text to the API, get audio output, and play it using libraries like expo-av or react-native-sound.

  • AI TTS offers more natural and expressive voices compared to native TTS in React Native.
  • It supports multiple languages, emotional tones, and better pronunciation to make it ideal for global and accessibility-focused apps.

  • Top AI TTS APIs for React Native include Google Cloud Text-to-Speech, Amazon Polly, and OpenAI’s Whisper.
  • Google offers lifelike voices with WaveNet and supports many languages with emotional expressions.

  • Yes. Google Cloud offers a generous free tier for Text-to-Speech, including WaveNet voices.
  • Amazon Polly also includes a 12-month free tier. These are great for testing or building MVPs in React Native.

Get in Touch

Got a project idea? Let's discuss it over a cup of coffee.

    Get in Touch

    Got a project idea? Let's discuss it over a cup of coffee.

      COLLABORATION

      Got a project? Let’s talk.

      We’re a team of creative tech-enthus who are always ready to help business to unlock their digital potential. Contact us for more information.