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

# Voice Cloning

> Clone voices instantly using the Instant Voice Cloning (IVC) feature

## Overview

Instant Voice Cloning (IVC) allows you to create a custom voice clone from audio samples. This feature requires an API key and enables you to generate voices that match the characteristics of your provided samples.

## Basic Voice Cloning

Create a voice clone with multiple audio samples:

```python theme={null}
from elevenlabs.client import ElevenLabs

client = ElevenLabs(
    api_key="YOUR_API_KEY"
)

voice = client.voices.ivc.create(
    name="Alex",
    description="An old American male voice with a slight hoarseness in his throat. Perfect for news",
    files=["./sample_0.mp3", "./sample_1.mp3", "./sample_2.mp3"]
)

print(f"Voice created with ID: {voice.voice_id}")
```

## Parameters

<ParamField path="name" type="string" required>
  The name that identifies this voice. This will be displayed in the dropdown of the website.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="files" type="List[File]" required>
  List of audio file paths to use for voice cloning. Multiple samples improve quality.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="description" type="string">
  A description of the voice to help identify it later.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="remove_background_noise" type="boolean">
  If set, will remove background noise from voice samples using the audio isolation model. If the samples do not include background noise, it can make the quality worse.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="labels" type="dict">
  Labels for the voice. Keys can be language, accent, gender, or age.
</ParamField>

## With Background Noise Removal

Use the audio isolation model to clean up samples:

```python theme={null}
voice = client.voices.ivc.create(
    name="Sarah",
    description="Professional female voice",
    files=["./recording1.mp3", "./recording2.mp3"],
    remove_background_noise=True
)
```

## With Voice Labels

Add metadata labels to organize your voices:

```python theme={null}
voice = client.voices.ivc.create(
    name="Marcus",
    description="British narrator",
    files=["./voice_sample.mp3"],
    labels={
        "accent": "british",
        "gender": "male",
        "age": "middle_aged",
        "language": "english"
    }
)
```

## Using the Cloned Voice

Once created, use the voice ID for text-to-speech:

```python theme={null}
from elevenlabs.client import ElevenLabs
from elevenlabs.play import play

client = ElevenLabs(api_key="YOUR_API_KEY")

# Clone the voice
voice = client.voices.ivc.create(
    name="Custom Voice",
    files=["./sample.mp3"]
)

# Use it for TTS
audio = client.text_to_speech.convert(
    text="Hello, this is my cloned voice speaking.",
    voice_id=voice.voice_id,
    model_id="eleven_multilingual_v2"
)

play(audio)
```

## Async Voice Cloning

For async operations:

```python theme={null}
import asyncio
from elevenlabs.client import AsyncElevenLabs

async def clone_voice():
    client = AsyncElevenLabs(api_key="YOUR_API_KEY")
    
    voice = await client.voices.ivc.create(
        name="Async Clone",
        description="Voice created asynchronously",
        files=["./sample1.mp3", "./sample2.mp3"]
    )
    
    return voice.voice_id

voice_id = asyncio.run(clone_voice())
print(f"Voice ID: {voice_id}")
```

## Best Practices

<Tip>
  For best results:

  * Provide 3-5 high-quality audio samples
  * Each sample should be 30 seconds to 2 minutes long
  * Use clear audio with minimal background noise
  * Samples should contain varied speech patterns
  * Ensure consistent audio quality across samples
</Tip>

<Warning>
  Only use audio from speakers who have given explicit consent for voice cloning.
</Warning>

## Response Object

The `create` method returns an `AddVoiceIvcResponseModel` with:

* `voice_id` - The unique identifier for the cloned voice
* Other voice metadata

## Error Handling

```python theme={null}
try:
    voice = client.voices.ivc.create(
        name="Test Voice",
        files=["./sample.mp3"]
    )
    print(f"Success! Voice ID: {voice.voice_id}")
except Exception as e:
    print(f"Error creating voice: {e}")
```

## Related Features

* [Audio Isolation](/advanced/audio-isolation) - Clean audio samples before cloning
* [Speech to Speech](/advanced/speech-to-speech) - Use cloned voices for voice conversion
* [Text to Speech](/core/text-to-speech) - Generate speech with cloned voices