Meta Rolls Out AI Voice Translation for Reels Globally
Meta has rolled out its AI-powered voice translation feature for videos on Instagram and Facebook globally. The tool not only translates your voice into another language but can also lip-sync your video so it looks and sounds natural. Right now, the feature works in English and Spanish, with more languages coming soon.
What’s the Meta AI Voice Translation Feature?
This free tool uses your voice and tone to automatically dub your reels on Facebook and Instagram in another language. The ultimate goal? Helping creators reach audiences beyond their native language and expand their reach.
The AI adjusts your mouth movements to match the new language, so viewers barely notice it’s been translated. And creators remain in full control. You can turn off translations or remove them anytime.
Until now, the feature was limited to select creators in the US and Latin America. With this global roll-out, it’s becoming available worldwide (though with a few exceptions — more on that later).
How to Use Meta AI Translations
Getting started is easy:
- Before publishing your reel, click “Translate your voice with Meta AI.”
- Toggle the button to turn on translations, and decide if you want lip-syncing enabled.
- Click “Share now.”
Your reel is now available in English and Spanish.
You can also review translations before they go live. Enable the review toggle, and you’ll get a notification (or check the Professional Dashboard) to approve the translation. Meta reassures:
“Accepting or rejecting the translation will not impact your original, non-translated reel.”
How Will Translated Reels Appear?
Translated reels are shown to viewers in their preferred language, with a note that Meta AI did the translation.
Viewers can control what they see by selecting “Don’t translate” in the audio and language section within the three-dot menu.
Want a sneak peek at Meta AI voice translations in action? Check out Instagram head Adam Mosseri speaking in Spanish:
Who is Eligible?
The feature is available to:
- Facebook creators (with a Page or professional mode turned on) with at least 1,000 followers
- All Instagram public accounts.
Where Is Meta AI Translations Available?
In theory, Meta AI translations should be available anywhere Meta AI is offered. But if you check the eligibility page closely, there are some exceptions.
Even though Meta AI is live in the European Union, the translations feature is not available in the EU.
You also won’t find it in the UK, South Korea, Brazil, Australia, Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria, and two states in the US: Texas, and Illinois.
4 Tips to Get the Most Out of Meta AI Translations
Meta suggests some best practices when it comes to AI translations:
- Face the camera: Speak clearly and avoid covering your mouth. Translations work best when your lips are visible.
- Two speakers max: On Facebook, the tool supports up to two speakers. If more than one person is talking, avoid overlapping dialogue for better accuracy.
- Reduce background noise: Minimise loud music or other distractions so the AI can focus on your voice.
- Be consistent: You’re building a new audience in a new language. Give them time to get to know your content and your style.
Facebook creators can now upload up to 20 of their own dubbed audio tracks to a reel, making it easier to reach audiences beyond English- or Spanish-speaking markets. You’ll find this in the “Closed captions and translations” section of the Meta Business Suite.
You can add these translations before or after publishing.
Even though Meta AI has faced backlash since its launch and rapid growth (mainly because it can’t really be turned off), it does come with some exciting features, like the AI voice translations. What’s your take: a powerful reach boost or a bit scary? Share your thoughts in the comments.
