> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.hoopai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Voice AI voice selection

> Choose, preview, and customize AI voices for your Voice AI agents in HoopAI, including ElevenLabs imports.

Choosing the right voice for your Voice AI agent is critical — it shapes how callers perceive your brand. HoopAI provides a library of built-in voices and supports importing custom voices from ElevenLabs for businesses that need a unique or branded sound.

## Built-in voices

HoopAI includes a curated library of natural-sounding AI voices. Each voice varies in:

* **Gender** — male and female options
* **Accent** — American English, British English, Australian, and more
* **Tone** — professional, friendly, calm, energetic
* **Speaking speed** — natural cadence that can be adjusted in settings

To browse voices, go to your Voice AI agent's settings and open the **Voice** section. Click the **Play** icon next to any voice to hear a sample.

## ElevenLabs voice imports

For businesses that need a wider selection or a custom-cloned voice, HoopAI integrates with ElevenLabs, providing access to 200+ additional voices.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect ElevenLabs">
    Go to **Settings > Integrations** and connect your ElevenLabs account using your API key.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Browse imported voices">
    Once connected, ElevenLabs voices appear alongside the built-in library in your Voice AI agent's voice selection panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select and save">
    Choose an ElevenLabs voice, preview it, and save. Your agent will use this voice for all future calls.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Previewing voices

Before assigning a voice to your agent, always preview it:

1. Open the voice selection panel in your agent's settings
2. Click the **Play** button next to any voice
3. Listen for clarity, tone, and natural pacing
4. Test with sample phrases from your typical conversations

<Tip>
  Preview voices with phrases your agent will actually say — greetings, appointment confirmations, and common Q\&A responses. Some voices handle technical terms or numbers differently.
</Tip>

## Voice characteristics

When selecting a voice, consider:

| Characteristic | Consideration                                                                                                                                           |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Tone**       | Match your brand personality — a law firm may prefer calm and measured, while a fitness studio benefits from upbeat and energetic                       |
| **Speed**      | Natural cadence matters — you can adjust speed in advanced settings, but starting with a voice that naturally matches your pace produces better results |
| **Accent**     | Choose an accent that resonates with your primary audience                                                                                              |
| **Clarity**    | Some voices perform better with technical vocabulary — test with your specific domain language                                                          |

## Custom voice cloning

With an ElevenLabs Professional plan, you can clone a real voice:

1. Record a high-quality voice sample (minimum 30 seconds, ideally 3-5 minutes)
2. Upload the recording to your ElevenLabs account
3. ElevenLabs processes and creates a cloned voice
4. The cloned voice appears in your HoopAI voice selection panel

<Warning>
  Voice cloning requires explicit consent from the voice owner. Ensure you have written permission before cloning any voice. Using someone's voice without consent may violate privacy laws.
</Warning>

## Best practices for voice selection

* **Test before going live** — make several test calls with your chosen voice to verify it sounds natural in real conversations
* **Match the use case** — an after-hours support agent may benefit from a calm, reassuring voice, while a sales follow-up agent might use a more enthusiastic tone
* **Consider your audience** — choose a voice that your typical callers will find approachable and trustworthy
* **Review periodically** — as new voices become available, evaluate whether a newer option better fits your needs