What is a voice SMS?

A voice SMS is a text message that a service converts into audio using text-to-speech technology.

To send a voice message, the sender first types it out like a standard SMS, then sends it to the end user as a traditional phone call.

Are voice messages audio recordings?

Many people mistakenly think these are voice recordings, like those offered by communication apps such as Viber, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. In reality, those are short audio clips transmitted via an internet connection or a broadband mobile network.

A voice message is not an audio recording of the sender; it is a completely different service that delivers an audio message over the mobile network.

What is the difference between a voice message and voice-to-text?

Voice-to-text is another service often confused with voice messaging, but they are complete opposites. Voice-to-text, also known as dictation, converts speech into text using voice recognition software to create a written message. Consequently, the recipient receives a text message.

A voice message, on the other hand, works in reverse: the sender types the message, and the recipient receives a voice message generated by a speech synthesizer.

What is the difference between a voice SMS and a phone call?

Voice SMS are not phone calls because they are strictly one-way: the recipient of the call cannot respond.

Furthermore, a message is billed per unit rather than per second, as is the case with a phone call.

What are the benefits of voice SMS for users?

Voice messages help people with reading difficulties better understand the information you are sending them. Text-to-speech technology can also benefit those who are visually impaired or illiterate.

For those who often multitask, listening to a message allows them to perform physical tasks simultaneously. By pairing their Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, they can cook, clean, exercise, or even drive while listening to your voice message.

Voice SMS: A solution for business mobile communication

Businesses also have a strong incentive to use voice messages to communicate with their customers and employees.

Global reach: Like SMS, voice messages can be sent to people all over the world.

Improved user experience: Using audio can minimize employee workload while allowing you to offer personalized services, reduce operational costs, and increase sales.

Save time and money: Businesses can save time and money, as voice messaging solutions are easy to set up and require little maintenance. They are an ideal option for developers when building Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems.

Audio recordings require each message to be recorded by a human voice. In contrast, a voice message can be dynamically generated from text. This method reduces production time and eliminates the need to have audio files recorded by voice actors.

Increased productivity: E-learning professionals and HR departments can prepare training modules to teach employees how to use tools and equipment from anywhere, at any time, all while multitasking.

Why use voice messaging instead of traditional SMS?

Audio with a human voice creates an emotional connection between the sender and the recipient.

Customers who are unable to check their phones and read text messages can listen to your voice message using a hands-free kit.

Visually impaired customers also prefer receiving calls over written messages.

Voice messaging provides notification of an incoming message, allowing businesses to achieve a 100% receipt rate. Audio messages are most often used for transactional purposes.

Audio calls offer greater privacy, a significant advantage that prevents others from looking over your shoulder.

Why use voice messaging instead of audio recordings?

Audio recordings require significant setup effort. You need a high-quality microphone and a soundproof space to record. Not to mention the need for a professional voice-over artist, whereas a voice SMS can be created from any computer with an internet connection.

Audio recordings are usually transmitted via an internet connection. To receive these messages, the recipient must be connected to the internet.

The recipient's device keeps a record of received audio recordings. This means the information they contain is vulnerable and can be downloaded. In contrast, a voice SMS is unique, and once the recipient hangs up, the message is not saved.