Home Getting Started Converting Content into Audio

Converting Content into Audio

Last updated on Jun 23, 2026

Listening.com makes it easy to turn documents, web pages, emails, and other content into natural-sounding audio so you can listen instead of read.

Getting Started

On Mobile (iOS & Android)

  1. Open the Listening app.

  2. Tap the + button at the bottom of the screen.

  3. Choose how you'd like to add content.

On Web

  1. Sign in to your Listening account.

  2. From your library or dashboard, choose how you'd like to add content.

Ways to Add Content

Upload PDF

Upload a PDF file from your device and convert it into audio.

  1. Select Upload PDF.

  2. Choose a PDF file from your device.

  3. Wait for the document to finish processing.

  4. Once ready, it will appear in your library and can be played like any other audio.

Best for: Research papers, articles, ebooks, reports, and class materials.

Link to Web Page or PDF

Convert an online article, website, or PDF into audio.

  1. Select Link to Web Page or PDF.

  2. Paste the URL of the webpage or online PDF.

  3. Submit the link.

  4. Listening.com will process the content and add it to your library.

Best for: News articles, blog posts, online research, and publicly accessible PDFs.

Paste Text

Convert copied text directly into audio.

  1. Select Paste Text.

  2. Paste the text you'd like to listen to.

  3. Create the audio version.

  4. The content will be added to your library once processing is complete.

Best for: Notes, emails, article excerpts, summaries, and written drafts.

Scan Pages

Use your device's camera to turn physical pages into audio.

Available on mobile devices only.

  1. Select Scan Pages.

  2. Take clear photos of the pages you want to listen to.

  3. Review the scanned pages if prompted.

  4. Listening.com will extract the text and create an audio version.

Best for: Printed books, handouts, study materials, and documents that aren't available digitally.

Tip: For the best results, make sure the pages are well-lit and the text is clearly visible.

Forward an Email

Turn emails and newsletters into audio automatically.

  1. Select Forward an Email.

  2. Copy your unique Listening email address.

  3. Forward emails or newsletters to that address.

  4. The content will be processed and added to your library.

Best for: Newsletters, long emails, industry updates, and reading lists.

Import from Zotero

Import PDFs and documents directly from your Zotero library.

  1. Select Zotero.

  2. Connect your Zotero account if prompted.

  3. Choose the documents you'd like to import.

  4. Listening.com will process the selected documents and add them to your library.

Best for: Researchers, students, and anyone managing academic papers in Zotero.

After Importing Content

Once your content has finished processing, you can:

  • Listen using your preferred voice

  • Adjust playback speed

  • Skip forward or backward

  • Continue listening across devices

  • Organize content in your library

Processing Time

Most content is ready within a few minutes. Larger documents or more complex content may take longer to process.

Troubleshooting

My content is still processing

  • Check your internet connection.

  • Refresh the app or webpage.

  • Wait a few additional minutes for larger documents.

My content failed to process

This may happen if:

  • The file is corrupted.

  • The document is password-protected.

  • The webpage is inaccessible.

  • The content contains limited readable text.

Try importing the content again or using a different source.

Need More Help?

If you're having trouble converting content into audio, contact our support team and include:

  • The type of content you're importing (PDF, webpage, email, etc.)

  • Any error messages you received

  • A screenshot, if available

This helps us investigate and resolve the issue more quickly.