Send a Voice Broadcast

How do I send a voice broadcast?

Voice broadcasts deliver automated phone calls to your contact lists using pre-recorded or text-to-speech messages. You can create these broadcasts from your Text-Em-All web dashboard in four steps: configure settings, choose recipients, create your message, and submit for delivery.

Voice messages are charged in 30-second increments up to a 120-second maximum length. You can send immediately or schedule for future delivery, and record audio using your phone, computer microphone, or text-to-speech conversion.

Before you begin

Set up your contact lists before sending your first broadcast. You can add contacts individually or upload files directly from the broadcast creation page, but having organized contact groups saves time for regular messaging.

For guidance on contact management, see Adding, Editing, and Deleting Contacts and Upload a File to Contacts.

Step 1: Configure broadcast settings

The settings page establishes the foundation for your voice broadcast, including message type, delivery timing, and caller identification. These choices affect both cost and deliverability, so select options that match your communication goals.

1. Select Voice Only as your message type
2. Choose Announcement for standard voice messages, or select alternative broadcast types:
   • Survey - Collect responses using keypad input
   • Live Transfer - Connect recipients to a live person
3. Set your delivery timing:
   • Immediately - Begins delivery as soon as you complete setup
   • Schedule for the future - Choose specific date and time for delivery
   • Schedule repeating - Set up recurring broadcasts
4. Name your broadcast for internal organization (recipients will not see this name)
5. Confirm the caller ID number that will appear on recipient phones
6. Click Continue

Step 2: Choose recipients

Select who receives your voice broadcast using your existing contact lists or by adding numbers specifically for this campaign. The recipient selection affects your credit usage, so verify your list before proceeding to avoid unexpected costs.

1. Choose your recipient source:
   • Add from Contacts - Select from your saved contact groups
   • Paste from Clipboard - Copy and paste phone numbers directly
   • Upload a File - Import numbers from a CSV or Excel file
   • Add Individually - Enter numbers manually using the provided form
2. Review your selected recipients and remove any duplicates or incorrect numbers
3. Click Continue

Step 3: Create your message

Choose how to create your voice message content. Each method has different setup requirements and timing considerations, so select the option that best fits your workflow and technical capabilities.

Recording options

• Call in to record - Record using your phone after completing Step 4 (most common method)
• Record with microphone - Record directly from your computer or device using a microphone
• Text to speech - Type your message and select an automated voice for delivery

Existing audio options

• Upload a message - Upload an audio file directly from your computer (see audio file specifications)
• Select from message library - Choose previously saved audio from your account's message library

Click Continue after selecting your audio method.

Step 4: Review and submit

Verify all broadcast details before submission to ensure accurate delivery and avoid costly mistakes. This final review prevents common issues like incorrect timing, wrong recipient lists, or missing audio content.

1. Review all broadcast settings, recipients, and message details
2. Choose your submission option:
   • Click Send Broadcast if you've already attached or uploaded audio
   • Click Get Recording Instructions if you're recording new audio

Alternative sending methods

You can also create voice broadcasts using alternative methods that don't require web access:

• Launch voice broadcasts by phone - Complete the entire process using only your phone
• Mobile site voice broadcasts - Use the mobile-optimized version of the platform

Troubleshooting common issues

If you encounter problems during voice broadcast creation:

• Audio quality issues - Ensure your microphone is working and positioned correctly, or try the phone recording method
• Missing recording instructions - Check your email and account notifications for recording details after clicking "Get Recording Instructions"
• Delivery delays - Voice broadcasts begin immediately but may take time to complete for large recipient lists
• Credit calculation questions - Voice messages are charged in 30-second increments regardless of actual message length

For additional help with voice broadcast setup and delivery, review Understanding Voice Broadcast Results to track performance and troubleshoot delivery issues.