Parlato converts WordPress posts into audio, either as a straightforward read-aloud clip or as an AI-scripted podcast monologue. It suits site owners who want to offer visitors an audio version of their content without embedding third-party players or tracking scripts, since every generated file is saved directly in the Media Library and played back through a simple HTML5 player.
The plugin works on a bring-your-own-key basis: you connect your own OpenAI and/or ElevenLabs account by entering an API key in the settings, and usage is billed by that provider rather than through a Parlato subscription.
Text-to-speech conversion happens through OpenAI or ElevenLabs voice models, while the optional Narrator podcast format first uses an OpenAI GPT model to write a spoken-style script before the chosen voice reads it aloud. Generation happens from the post list in wp-admin, and the resulting audio player appears on the post automatically.
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Key Features of Parlato
Two generation styles. Choose plain read-aloud text-to-speech, which reads the post text directly, or the Narrator format, which has an AI write an audiobook-style script before converting it to speech in one voice.
OpenAI and ElevenLabs voices. Pick from thirteen OpenAI voices or load your full ElevenLabs voice library, including any cloned or custom voices already in your account, and preview a voice right from the settings page.
Configurable script writing. For Narrator podcasts, the script-writing step uses a selectable GPT model with adjustable reasoning effort, giving you control over how the spoken script is drafted before it becomes audio.
Files stay in your Media Library. Every generated MP3 is saved as a standard attachment linked to the post, so you can manage, download, or delete it like any other media file rather than relying on external hosting.
Flexible player placement. The lightweight HTML5 player can appear automatically before or after post content, or be placed manually anywhere using the parlato shortcode.
Works across post types with a listing badge. Audio generation is available for posts by default and can be extended to pages and other public custom post types, with an optional microphone icon that flags posts with audio in listing pages.
How to Install Parlato
Step 1: Install the plugin. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New Plugin, search for Parlato, then click Install Now followed by Activate.
Step 2: Connect a provider. Go to Parlato > Provider, choose OpenAI or ElevenLabs, and enter the corresponding API key.
Step 3: Set a voice and model. Pick a voice and model, choose a script model under Podcast AI if you plan to use Narrator, then save your settings.
Step 4: Generate audio. Open Posts, hover over any post, and click Generate in the row actions; the player then appears on the post automatically.
Step 5: Place the player manually if needed. Set Player position to Manual under Parlato > Player and insert the parlato shortcode wherever you want the player to appear.
Good to Know About Parlato
The developer notes that Parlato is free and open-source, with no subscription of its own; costs come only from API usage billed directly by OpenAI or ElevenLabs. An OpenAI key requires billing enabled on that account, while an ElevenLabs key should be scoped to text-to-speech and voice reading permissions.
API keys can also be defined in wp-config.php rather than the settings page. Post text sent for read-aloud audio is limited by each provider’s per-request capacity, with longer posts truncated at a sentence boundary, while Narrator podcast scripts are generated from roughly the first 1,500 words of a post.
Download Parlato on WordPress.org