You can now ask Google Gemini to read your Docs aloud

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Google is giving Docs a voice, an AI one. The company has begun rolling out a new feature that allows you to generate audio versions of your documents with the help of Gemini AI. 

The update adds another layer of accessibility and flexibility to the widely used word processor.

With the new tool, you can transform any document into spoken audio and even tweak the experience. 

Google says playback can be customized with different voices and speeds, letting listeners choose whether they prefer a steady narration or something a little faster.

Importantly, this feature isn’t just limited to the original document creator. Anyone with access to a shared file can listen in. 

Readers simply need to head to the Tools dropdown menu and select Audio > Listen to this tab. 

For authors who want to make the option even easier to find, Google has also added a way to embed an audio button directly within a document. 

By going to Insert > Audio, they can place a clickable control that launches playback instantly.

The update builds on a vision Google first teased earlier this year. Back in April, the company floated the idea of turning documents into AI-generated podcasts. 

While that sounded intriguing, the new feature feels more practical. Rather than curating a show, you can now simply listen to drafts, reports, or study notes while multitasking.

There are, however, a few limits at launch. Audio playback is only available in English for now, and only through the desktop version of Google Docs. Mobile support hasn’t been mentioned yet.

Access is also tied to certain accounts. The feature is rolling out to Google Workspace customers on business, enterprise, or education plans, as well as individual subscribers with AI Pro and Ultra tiers.

For writers, students, and professionals who spend hours poring over text, Docs’ new audio feature should be a welcome change of pace.

Will Google Docs’ new AI-powered audio feature change how you review and share documents? Do you think text-to-speech capabilities like this are becoming essential productivity tools, or are they just nice-to-have additions that most people won’t regularly use? Tell us below in the comments, or reach us via our Twitter or Facebook.