How the Voices for ChatGPT Were Chosen: An Inside Look

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how the voices for ChatGPT were selected? OpenAI’s journey to find the perfect voices involved a meticulous process that included partnering with industry-leading casting directors and producers. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of how these voices were chosen and what makes them unique.

Background

OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a conversational AI model that has revolutionized human-AI interactions. To enhance user experience, OpenAI decided to introduce voice capabilities to ChatGPT. This required finding voices that were not only pleasant but also trustworthy and engaging.

Selection Process

In early 2023, OpenAI partnered with award-winning casting directors and producers to identify potential voice actors. The criteria for selection included:

• Actors from diverse backgrounds or those who could speak multiple languages.
• A voice that feels timeless.
• An approachable voice that inspires trust.
• A warm, engaging, confidence-inspiring, charismatic voice with rich tone.
• Natural and easy to listen to.

Submissions and Auditions

The casting agency issued a call for talent on May 10, 2023, and received over 400 submissions from voice and screen actors within a week. Actors were given a script of ChatGPT responses and were asked to record them. These samples ranged from answering questions about mindfulness to brainstorming travel plans.

Final Selection

After reviewing the submissions, the casting team hand-selected an initial list of 14 actors. They further refined their list before presenting their top voices for the project to OpenAI. The final five voices chosen were Breeze, Cove, Ember, Juniper, and Sky.

Recording Sessions

The selected actors flew to San Francisco for recording sessions and in-person meetings with the OpenAI product and research teams. Their voices were launched into ChatGPT on September 25, 2023.

Interesting Facts and Use Cases

One interesting fact is that Scarlett Johansson was approached as a potential sixth voice actor but politely declined through her agent. Additionally, OpenAI continues to collaborate with the actors for additional work on audio research and new voice capabilities in GPT-4o.

Future Developments

OpenAI plans to introduce a new Voice Mode for GPT-4o in alpha for ChatGPT Plus users. This new mode will handle interruptions smoothly, manage group conversations effectively, filter out background noise, and adapt to tone.

Conclusion

The selection process for ChatGPT’s voices was meticulous and involved extensive coordination with industry professionals. The chosen voices aim to provide users with a more natural and engaging interaction experience.

For more details on how the voices for ChatGPT were chosen, visit OpenAI’s official page. Share your thoughts on the latest developments in AI voice technology in the comments below!