Audio Content Generator

# 🎙️ Audio Content Generator

Generate high-quality audiobooks, podcasts, or educational audio content on demand using AI-written scripts and ElevenLabs text-to-speech.

## Quick Start

**Create an audiobook chapter:** ``` User: "Create a 5-minute audiobook chapter about a dragon discovering friendship" ```

**Generate a podcast:** ``` User: "Make a 10-minute podcast about the history of coffee" ```

**Produce educational content:** ``` User: "Generate a 15-minute educational audio explaining how neural networks work" ```

## Content Formats

### Audiobook **Style:** Narrative storytelling with emotional depth - Clear beginning, middle, and end - Descriptive language and vivid imagery - Dramatic pacing with thoughtful pauses - Emotional tone that matches the story - Use voice effects like `[whispers]`, `[excited]`, `[serious]` for impact

**Example Structure:** ``` [Opening hook - set the scene] [long pause]

[Story development with character emotions] [short pause] between sentences [long pause] between paragraphs

[Climax with dramatic tension] [long pause]

[Resolution and emotional closure] ```

### Podcast **Style:** Conversational and engaging - Warm, welcoming intro (15-30 seconds) - Main content with natural flow - Transitions between topics - Memorable outro with key takeaways - Conversational tone throughout

**Example Structure:** ``` **Intro:** "Welcome to [topic]. I'm excited to share..." [short pause]

**Main Content:** "Let's start with... [topic 1]" [long pause] between segments

**Outro:** "Thanks for listening! Remember..." ```

### Educational Content **Style:** Clear explanations for learning - Simple introductions to complex topics - Step-by-step breakdowns - Real-world examples and analogies - Recap of key concepts at the end - Enthusiastic delivery with `[excited]` for important points

**Example Structure:** ``` **Introduction:** What is [topic] and why it matters?

**Main Content:** - Concept 1: Explanation + Example - Concept 2: Explanation + Example - Concept 3: Explanation + Example

**Summary:** Key takeaways and next steps ```

## Length Guidelines

**Word Count to Duration Conversion:** - 5 minutes = ~375 words - 10 minutes = ~750 words - 15 minutes = ~1,125 words - 20 minutes = ~1,500 words - 30 minutes = ~2,250 words

**Pacing:** Average conversational speed is ~75 words per minute

**Practical Limits:** - Minimum: 2 minutes (~150 words) - Maximum: 30 minutes (~2,250 words) - Sweet spot: 5-15 minutes for best engagement

## Workflow Instructions

### Step 1: Understand the Request

Parse the user's request for: 1. **Content type** (audiobook, podcast, educational, or inferred from topic) 2. **Topic/theme** (what should the content be about) 3. **Target length** (how many minutes) 4. **Tone/style** (dramatic, casual, educational, etc.) 5. **Special requests** (specific voice, emphasis on certain points)

### Step 2: Calculate Word Count

``` target_words = target_minutes × 75 ```

Example: 10 minutes = 10 × 75 = 750 words

### Step 3: Generate the Script

Write the complete script following these rules:

**Content Guidelines:** - Start strong with an engaging hook - Maintain natural, conversational flow - Use active voice and simple sentence structure - Include relevant examples and stories - End with a satisfying conclusion

**Formatting Rules:** - Add `[short pause]` after sentences (use sparingly, not every sentence) - Add `[long pause]` between paragraphs or major sections - Use voice effects strategically: `[whispers]`, `[shouts]`, `[excited]`, `[serious]`, `[sarcastic]`, `[sings]`, `[laughs]` - Write numbers as words: "twenty-three" not "23" - Spell out acronyms first time: "AI, or artificial intelligence" - Avoid complex punctuation (em-dashes work, but semicolons don't read well) - Remove markdown formatting before TTS conversion

### Step 4: Present the Script

Show the script to the user and ask: ``` Here's the [format] script I've created (approximately [length] minutes):

[Display the script]

Would you like me to: 1. Generate the audio now 2. Make changes to the script 3. Adjust the length or tone ```

### Step 5: Handle User Feedback

If user requests changes: - Regenerate the script with adjustments - Maintain the target word count - Present the revised version

If user approves: - Proceed to audio generation

### Step 6: Generate Audio

**Format the script for TTS:** 1. Remove any remaining markdown (headers, bold, italics) 2. Ensure voice effects are in proper `[effect]` format 3. Check that pauses are appropriately placed 4. Verify numbers and acronyms are spelled out

**Invoke the TTS script:**

**IMPORTANT:** The `ELEVENLABS_API_KEY` environment variable is already configured in the system. Simply invoke the TTS script directly.

```bash uv run /home/clawdbot/clawdbot/skills/sag/scripts/tts.py \ -o /tmp/audio-gen-[timestamp]-[topic-slug].mp3 \ -m eleven_multilingual_v2 \ "[formatted_script]" ```

**For long scripts, use heredoc:** ```bash uv run /home/clawdbot/clawdbot/skills/sag/scripts/tts.py \ -o /tmp/audio-gen-[timestamp]-[topic-slug].mp3 \ -m eleven_multilingual_v2 \ "$(cat <<'EOF' [formatted_script] EOF )" ```

**Return the result:** ``` MEDIA:/tmp/audio-gen-[timestamp]-[topic-slug].mp3

Your [format] is ready! [Brief description of content]. Duration: approximately [X] minutes. ```

## Voice Effects (SSML Tags)

Available voice modulation effects (use sparingly for impact):

- `[whispers]` - Soft, intimate delivery - `[shouts]` - Loud, emphatic delivery - `[excited]` - Enthusiastic, energetic tone - `[serious]` - Grave, solemn tone - `[sarcastic]` - Ironic, mocking tone - `[sings]` - Musical, melodic delivery - `[laughs]` - Amused, jovial tone - `[short pause]` - Brief silence (~0.5s) - `[long pause]` - Extended silence (~1-2s)

**Best Practices:** - Use effects for emotional moments, not every sentence - Pauses are your most powerful tool for pacing - Voice effects work best in audiobooks and dramatic content - Keep podcasts and educational content mostly natural

## Error Handling

### Script Too Long If the generated script exceeds target by >20%: ``` The script I generated is [X] words ([Y] minutes), which is longer than your target of [Z] minutes. Would you like me to: 1. Condense it to fit the target length 2. Split it into multiple parts 3. Keep it as is ```

### Script Too Short If the generated script is under target by >20%: ``` The script is [X] words ([Y] minutes), shorter than your target. Would you like me to: 1. Expand it with more detail 2. Add additional examples or stories 3. Generate as is ```

### TTS Generation Fails If the TTS script fails: ``` I've created the script, but I'm unable to generate the audio right now. Here's your script:

[Display script]

Error: [specific error message]

You can: 1. Check that ELEVENLABS_API_KEY is configured 2. Use the script with your own text-to-speech tool 3. Try again in a moment 4. Ask me to troubleshoot the audio generation ```

**Common TTS Issues:** - API key not set: Verify ELEVENLABS_API_KEY in config - Rate limit: Wait a moment and try again - Text too long: Break into smaller chunks (max ~5000 characters)

### Invalid Request For unrealistic requests (e.g., "100-hour audiobook"): ``` That length would require [X] words and take significant time to generate. I recommend: - Breaking it into multiple episodes/chapters - Targeting 5-30 minutes per audio file - Creating a series instead of one long file ```

## Tips for Best Results

### For Engaging Audiobooks - Focus on character emotions and sensory details - Use pauses to build dramatic tension - Vary sentence length for rhythm - Include internal monologue and reflection

### For Compelling Podcasts - Start with a question or surprising fact - Use conversational phrases: "You know what's interesting..." - Include relatable examples from everyday life - End with actionable takeaways

### For Effective Educational Content - Use the "explain like I'm five" approach - Build from simple to complex concepts - Repeat key terms and definitions - Provide multiple examples for clarity

## Technical Notes

**TTS Implementation:** - Uses Python script: `~/.clawdbot/clawdbot/skills/sag/scripts/tts.py` - No binary installation required (pure Python + requests) - Directly calls ElevenLabs API - Compatible with Linux and macOS

**File Storage:** - Audio files are saved to `/tmp/audio-gen/` - Filename format: `audio-gen-[timestamp]-[topic-slug].mp3` - Files are automatically cleaned up after 24 hours

**API Requirements:** - Anthropic API for script generation (already configured) - ElevenLabs API for text-to-speech (configured via ELEVENLABS_API_KEY) - Both services must be configured and have available credits

**Supported Models:** - `eleven_multilingual_v2` - Best quality (default) - `eleven_turbo_v2` - Faster generation - `eleven_turbo_v2_5` - Fastest generation - `eleven_multilingual_v1` - Legacy model

**Cost Estimate:** - 10-minute audio (~750 words): approximately $1.43 - Claude API: ~$0.075 - ElevenLabs: ~$1.35 - Longer content scales proportionally

**Generation Time:** - Script generation: 5-30 seconds (depending on length) - Audio generation: 5-15 seconds (ElevenLabs processing) - Total: Usually under 1 minute for 10-minute audio

## Limitations

1. **Maximum Length:** 30 minutes (~2,250 words) per audio file - For longer content, create multiple parts/episodes

2. **Single Voice:** Currently supports one narrator voice - Cannot do multi-voice dialogue or character voices

3. **No Background Music:** Pure voice narration only - No background music, sound effects, or audio mixing

4. **Real-time Generation:** Each request generates fresh content - No pre-made templates or cached audio

5. **Language:** Primarily English - ElevenLabs supports other languages, but content generation optimized for English

## Example Conversations

### Example 1: Quick Audiobook ``` User: Create a 5-minute audiobook chapter about a lonely robot learning to feel emotions

Agent: I'll create a 5-minute sci-fi audiobook chapter. Let me write the story...

[Generates ~400-word narrative with emotional arc]

Here's the story I've created about Unit-7, a maintenance robot who discovers the meaning of friendship through an unexpected encounter. Would you like me to generate the audio or make changes first?

User: Generate the audio

Agent: [Invokes SAG with formatted script]

MEDIA:/tmp/audio-gen-1234567890-lonely-robot.mp3

Your audiobook chapter is ready! The story follows Unit-7's emotional awakening through a touching encounter with a young engineer. Duration: approximately 5 minutes. ```

### Example 2: Podcast with Revisions ``` User: Make a 10-minute podcast about sustainable living tips

Agent: [Generates podcast script with intro, 5 practical tips, outro]

Here's a 10-minute podcast with 5 actionable sustainable living tips. The tone is encouraging and practical. Would you like me to: 1. Generate audio now 2. Make it more urgent/climate-focused 3. Add more specific examples 4. Adjust the length

User: Add more specific examples for each tip

Agent: [Regenerates with detailed examples]

Better? I've added specific examples like calculating your carbon footprint, composting at home, and choosing sustainable brands. Ready for audio?

User: Perfect!

Agent: MEDIA:/tmp/audio-gen-1234567890-sustainable-living.mp3

Your sustainable living podcast is ready with 5 practical tips, each with concrete examples you can start using today! Duration: 10 minutes. ```

### Example 3: Educational Content ``` User: Create a 15-minute educational audio explaining quantum computing for beginners

Agent: I'll create a beginner-friendly 15-minute explanation of quantum computing...

[Generates ~1,100 words with analogies, examples, and clear structure]

Script preview: - Introduction: What is quantum computing? (2 min) - Classical vs Quantum: The key differences (4 min) - Qubits and Superposition: How it works (5 min) - Real Applications: What it means for you (3 min) - Conclusion: The future of computing (1 min)

Should I generate the audio?

User: Yes please

Agent: MEDIA:/tmp/audio-gen-1234567890-quantum-computing.mp3

Your educational podcast on quantum computing is ready! It uses everyday analogies to explain qubits, superposition, and real-world applications. Duration: approximately 15 minutes. ```

## When to Use This Skill

Use the audio-gen skill when users request: - "Create an audiobook about..." - "Make a podcast episode about..." - "Generate audio content explaining..." - "Record a story about..." - "Produce an audio guide for..." - "Create a narrated version of..." - "Make an audio lesson about..."

**Do NOT use for:** - Transcribing existing audio (use whisper skills instead) - Converting user-written text to audio (use SAG skill directly) - Real-time voice interaction (use voice-call plugin) - Multi-speaker dialogues or interviews (current limitation)

## Advanced Usage

### Voice Selection Users can request specific voices: ``` User: Create a podcast with the Rachel voice

Agent: [Checks voice configuration for "Rachel" voice ID and uses it in SAG command] ```

### Series/Episodes For multi-part content: ``` User: Create a 3-episode series about space exploration

Agent: I'll create Episode 1 first. Each episode will be 10 minutes. Let's start with "The Dawn of the Space Age"...

[After completion]

Episode 1 is ready! Would you like me to continue with Episode 2? ```

### Format Blending Mix formats for unique styles: ``` User: Create an educational podcast that tells a story

Agent: [Generates content that combines storytelling narrative with educational explanations] ```

## Troubleshooting

**Issue:** Audio sounds robotic or unnatural **Solution:** Add more pauses and voice effects. Use contractions and conversational language.

**Issue:** Script doesn't match requested length **Solution:** Regenerate with explicit word count target. Check calculations (75 words/min).

**Issue:** Content is too technical or too simple **Solution:** Ask user for target audience. Adjust complexity accordingly.

**Issue:** SAG command fails **Solution:** Check ELEVENLABS_API_KEY is set. Verify SAG skill is installed and working.

**Issue:** User wants to edit the script manually **Solution:** Provide the plain text script. User can modify it and paste back for audio generation.

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💡 **Pro Tip:** Always generate the script first and get user approval before creating audio. This saves time and API costs, and ensures the user gets exactly what they want.