Why use Pika Speech for short videos?
“For narration and character reads, Pika Speech is the fastest, most cost-efficient text-to-speech model on the market.”
- Speed and cost suit short-form, where you test many hooks and versions.
- Lots of voices: Pika’s app page says “over 50 voice presets”; its API catalog lists 76 bundled presets.
- Character reads: presets range from “bright peppy vlogger” to “smooth hype unboxer” and “deep night storyteller.”
- Your own voice: Pika says you can “say it yourself by uploading a sample of your voice.”
New to Pika’s voice tools? Start with our Pika Speech and Speech Studio beginner’s guide. For longer videos, see video voiceovers.
Sources: Pika Speech and Pika API catalog.
How many words fit a short video?
Short-form voiceovers usually run faster than narration: about 2.5 to 3 words per second.
| Video | Words | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 6 seconds | 12–18 | One-line hook, POV, reaction |
| 15 seconds | 35–45 | Product reveal, quick tip |
| 30 seconds | 75–90 | List of tips, recipe, story |
| 60 seconds | 150–180 | Mini tutorial, explainer, storytime |
Hook formulas for the first two seconds
| Formula | Example |
|---|---|
| Call out the viewer | “If you [PROBLEM], watch this.” |
| Number promise | “Three things I wish I knew about [TOPIC].” |
| Surprise | “This [OBJECT] cost me two dollars.” |
| Mistake | “You’re [DOING THING] wrong.” |
| Story drop-in | “So this happened on my flight today…” |
| Result first | “Here’s how this video got made from one sentence.” |
Eight short-video scripts to copy
Our own templates. Replace the [BRACKETS]; the suggested preset is a starting point.
Hook + 3 tips
Stop scrolling if your [PROBLEM]. Three quick fixes. One: [TIP ONE]. Two: [TIP TWO]. Three: [TIP THREE]. Save this for later.
Tip: Numbers keep viewers watching to the end.
POV
POV: you finally [ACHIEVEMENT]… and nobody told you it would feel this good.
Tip: Short, first-person, emotional. Pair with a single slow shot.
Product unboxing
Okay, look at this. [PRODUCT]. [FEATURE ONE]. [FEATURE TWO]. And the best part? [SURPRISE]. Link’s in my bio.
Tip: Name the product in the first three seconds.
Before and after
This was my [THING] a month ago. This is it now. The only thing I changed? [ONE CHANGE].
Tip: Time the cut to the word “now.”
Quick recipe
Five minutes, three ingredients. [INGREDIENT ONE], [INGREDIENT TWO], [INGREDIENT THREE]. Mix, [METHOD], and done. You’re welcome.
Tip: Keep each step to one shot.
Travel moment
Nobody tells you about [PLACE] at [TIME OF DAY]. No crowds. Just [DETAIL]. Add it to your list.
Tip: Pairs well with a slow push-in from a travel photo.
Myth vs fact
Myth: [COMMON BELIEF]. Fact: [TRUTH]. Here’s why: [ONE-LINE REASON]. Follow for more.
Tip: Put “Myth” and “Fact” on screen as captions too.
Story hook
At 3 a.m., my phone lit up with a message from a number I didn’t know. It said: “[MESSAGE].” And that’s when [TWIST].
Tip: End on a cliffhanger for part two.
Picking a voice by niche
| Niche | Presets to try |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle and vlogs | bright_peppy_vlogger, sunny_morning_host, soft_cozy_aesthetic |
| Beauty and fashion | chatty_beauty_bestie, bored_chic_trendsetter, breathy_luxe_diva |
| Tech and reviews | fast_nerdy_reviewer, smooth_hype_unboxer, articulate_tech_lead |
| Food | joyful_food_fanatic, fiery_passionate_cook |
| Fitness | hyped_gym_motivator, roaring_locker_room_coach |
| Travel | mellow_road_tripper, commanding_safari_guide |
| Business and startups | crisp_founder_pitch, polished_news_anchor |
| Storytime and mystery | deep_night_storyteller, smoky_noir_monotone, calm_documentary_narrator |
| Trailers and hype | deep_trailer_bass, booming_epic_showman, unhinged_arena_hype |
| Comedy and characters | deadpan_ironic_fry, hammy_pirate_captain, theatrical_scheming_villain |
| ASMR and calm | feather_whisper_asmr, gentle_hushed_librarian |
Keep one voice per series so followers recognise it.
Script to posted video in six steps
- Write the script to the word count above, hook first.
- Generate the voice in Pika Speech; test two presets on the hook line.
- Make 9:16 clips in Video Studio, one per line or beat.
- Add a quiet music bed with Pika Music and accents with Pika SFX.
- Add burned-in captions; many viewers watch muted.
- Export vertical and post. Platform guides: Reels · Shorts.
Pacing tips for short-form voiceovers
- No slow intros. Delete “Hi guys” and start on the hook.
- One idea per sentence, and cut on the sentence breaks.
- Use full stops, not commas, for punchy delivery.
- Trim silences in your editor so the read feels tight.
- Loop the ending: a last line that leads back into the first keeps people rewatching.
- Close with one action: follow, save, comment or link in bio.
Using your own voice
Pika says you can “say it yourself by uploading a sample of your voice.” On the API, cloning uses a
voice_consent_attested field: “Set true to attest that you have the rights and
permissions needed to clone the voice in reference_audio.”
- Only clone your own voice, or one you have clear permission to use.
- Record the sample in a quiet room, at a steady distance, with no music.
- Pika’s Acceptable Use Policy prohibits content that “impersonates any person without authorization, consent, and legal right.”
- Follow platform rules on labelling AI voices.
Making many versions with the API
If you produce dozens of shorts, the Pika API can generate voiceovers in bulk. From Pika’s catalog:
| Endpoint | POST /v1/media/pika/pika-audio/pika-speech |
|---|---|
| Price | $0.01 per minute of output |
| Script length | Up to 15,000 characters |
| Voices | 76 presets (voice_preset) or a reference recording |
| Other fields | seed for repeatable reads |
At that rate, a month of 100 thirty-second voiceovers is about $0.50 in usage (our arithmetic), plus the API Club’s $10 membership. See API Club pricing.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Read is too slow for a short | Cut words; choose a faster preset such as fast_talking_wiseguy |
| Hook sounds flat | Make it a question or exclamation; try an energetic preset |
| Brand name mispronounced | Spell it phonetically in the script |
| Voice clashes with trending audio | Lower the music under speech, or use a voice-only version |
| Different read each time | Reuse the same preset and, on the API, the same seed |
FAQs
How many voices does Pika Speech have?
Pika’s app page says “over 50 voice presets”; its API catalog lists 76 bundled presets.
What’s the best voice for TikTok and Reels?
Energetic, conversational presets such as bright_peppy_vlogger or chatty_beauty_bestie suit most lifestyle content; match the niche using the table above.
Can I use my own voice?
Yes, by uploading a sample of your voice. Only use a voice you have the rights to.
How much does it cost?
In the Pika app, check the credit cost shown before generating. On the API, Pika Speech is listed at $0.01 per minute.
Is this the official Pika website?
No. pikaais.com is an independent informational guide.
Record a hook in two voices
Copy script 01, generate it with two presets, and keep the one that grabs you in two seconds.
Open Pika Speech ↗Next: Pika Speech basics · Video voiceovers · YouTube Shorts
Sources: Pika Speech, Pika API catalog: Pika Speech, Pika homepage and Pika Acceptable Use Policy, checked September 24, 2026. Image: Pika. Scripts, timings and tips are our own.