> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.percify.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cloned voice sounds wrong in Percify: fixes that work

> Fix a Percify voice clone that sounds unlike you, mispronounces words or won't record: sample tips, language limits and the errors you might see.

A Percify voice clone copies the voice in the sample you record or upload, so a noisy, very short or music-filled sample gives a weaker match. Record 5 to 60 seconds of your own clear speech in a quiet room, then generate again. Scripts in languages other than English can be mispronounced, because cloned voices in **Voices** read every script with English pronunciation.

## How voice cloning works in Percify

In **Voices** at [app.percify.io/home/voices](https://app.percify.io/home/voices), press **Create or Clone a Voice**. Record with **Tap to record** (a 5 to 60 second sample of your voice) or press **Upload** to add an audio file. Write the script and press **Generate**. Percify cleans up background noise in your sample, then reads your script in the cloned voice.

You're charged only when the audio is ready, so a failed generation costs nothing.

## The clone doesn't sound like me

**Why:** the clone can only copy what's in the sample. Room echo, background noise, music, other people talking or a very short take all make the match weaker.

**Fix:**

1. **Record somewhere quiet** with soft furnishings, not a bare room, and keep the microphone at a steady distance.
2. **Speak naturally** in the tone you want in the result. A flat reading gives a flat clone.
3. **Use a longer sample.** Recordings need at least 5 seconds, and the recorder stops at 60. Use more of that range when you can.
4. **Only your voice.** No music, no second speaker, no TV in the background.
5. **Generate again.** Each generation is a new take, so a second run can sound different.

<Tip>
  Want your exact voice in a talking video? Record the script yourself in [Clone Yourself](https://app.percify.io/home/cloneYourself). That video uses your real recording, not a clone. See [Lip-sync problems](/troubleshooting/lip-sync-errors).
</Tip>

## Words are mispronounced

**Scripts not in English:** cloned voices in Voices read scripts with English pronunciation, so text in other languages can come out wrong or with a strong accent. For those scripts, record the audio yourself in that language and use it in [Clone Yourself](https://app.percify.io/home/cloneYourself).

**Names, acronyms and numbers:** voice models guess how to say these. Write them the way they sound:

* Spell a name phonetically, such as "Nee-am" for Niamh.
* Write numbers as words, such as "twenty twenty-six".
* Use punctuation for pauses. Commas and full stops change the pacing.

## Recording or upload problems

| Message                                     | Fix                                                                         |
| ------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Could not access microphone**             | Allow microphone access for app.percify.io in your browser, then try again. |
| **Record at least 5s**                      | Record a longer sample.                                                     |
| **Please upload an audio file**             | The file you picked isn't audio. Choose an MP3, WAV or M4A file.            |
| **File size must be less than 10 MB**       | Trim or compress the sample.                                                |
| **Failed to upload audio**                  | Check your connection and try again.                                        |
| **Select a voice or record your own first** | Record or upload a sample, or pick a library voice.                         |
| **Write something for the voice to say**    | Add a script before you press **Generate**.                                 |
| **Insufficient credits**                    | See [Not enough credits](/troubleshooting/not-enough-credits).              |

## When to contact support

If a clean sample of at least 5 seconds still gives a voice that sounds nothing like the recording, email [support@percify.io](mailto:support@percify.io). Include the sample, the generated clip and the script.

<Warning>
  Only clone your own voice, or a voice you have clear permission to use. Percify's [Terms](https://percify.io/terms) forbid impersonation and content that violates anyone's rights.
</Warning>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Clone your voice" href="/percify/voice-cloning">
    Step-by-step voice cloning in Percify.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Lip-sync problems" href="/troubleshooting/lip-sync-errors">
    Fix talking videos made from your audio.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upload failed" href="/troubleshooting/upload-failed">
    Audio size limits and formats.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dub a video" href="/create/dubbing">
    Put speech in another language on a video.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>