Soft
Shimmer offers the most intimate and personal tone in the OpenAI TTS lineup. This soft, gentle voice is perfect for personal content, bedtime stories, and quiet moments where a whisper-like quality creates connection. Shimmer's delicate delivery makes listeners feel like they're being spoken to directly.
The intimacy of Shimmer creates a sense of privacy and personal attention that other voices cannot replicate. Journaling apps, personal affirmation tools, and therapeutic content frequently choose Shimmer because it feels like a trusted friend rather than a public broadcast. This personal quality encourages vulnerability and engagement.
For ASMR content and relaxation audio, Shimmer's soft delivery triggers the calming responses that listeners seek. The voice's gentle quality works with ambient soundscapes and music to create immersive relaxation experiences. Content creators report that Shimmer-voiced relaxation tracks generate longer listening sessions and more positive feedback.
Bedtime story applications particularly benefit from Shimmer's soothing qualities. The voice helps children (and adults) transition into a restful state, making sleep easier to achieve. Parents using Shimmer-narrated stories report that children fall asleep faster and resist bedtime less, making it a practical choice for family applications.
Detailed analysis of Shimmer's unique vocal qualities.
Soft and intimate, whisper-like quality
Higher range, delicate presence
Gentle and flowing, tender delivery
Airy and light, subtle breathiness
Personal and caring, privately warm
Listen to Shimmer across different sample types, models, and speeds.
Shimmer is particularly well-suited for these applications.
Best practices for getting the most out of Shimmer in your projects.
Reserve Shimmer for intimate, personal content where a soft touch creates meaningful connection
Use Shimmer for bedtime stories, personal affirmations, and therapeutic audio content
Shimmer works beautifully with ambient soundscapes and gentle background music
Write scripts with shorter sentences for Shimmer - its delicate delivery suits understated language
Consider Shimmer for ASMR content and relaxation audio where a whisper-like quality is desired
Explore how Shimmer compares to other OpenAI TTS voices.
Balanced default voice. Works across most use cases without drawing attention.
Approachable and friendly. Good for chatbots and casual interactions.
Clean and polished. Suited for business, education, and formal content.
Low and authoritative. Natural fit for narration and documentary content.
Energetic character. Works for audiobooks and personality-driven reads.
Strong presence. Good for announcements and high-impact messaging.
Upbeat without overdoing it. Works for apps, tutorials, and customer-facing use.
Steady pacing, no rush. Fits meditation, education, and instructional guides.