How To Connect ElevenLabs to n8n

If you're working with AI-generated voices in your automation workflows, integrating ElevenLabs with n8n can significantly enhance your projects with lifelike text-to-speech capabilities. Whether you're building chatbots, alert systems, or voice-based agents, this integration can bring your automated actions to life in real speech. In this guide, you’ll learn how to connect ElevenLabs to n8n with step-by-step instructions, use cases, and expert tips.

Why Connect ElevenLabs to n8n?

ElevenLabs offers some of the most human-like voice synthesis in the AI space. Combining it with n8n’s flexible workflow automation system opens doors to a wide variety of automated tasks such as:

• Reading emails aloud and sending voice messages
• Generating audio from content for podcasts or videos
• Creating alerts in audio format for teams or clients
• Producing voice replies in AI chat agents

Before diving into how to connect ElevenLabs to n8n, let's quickly make sure you have everything you’ll need.

Prerequisites

To follow this guide, you’ll need:

• A free or paid ElevenLabs account with an API key
• A running instance of n8n (either local or hosted)
• Familiarity with the n8n interface (or use this beginner setup guide)

Let’s get started.

Getting Your ElevenLabs API Key

First things first. You’ll need access to the ElevenLabs API key to authenticate n8n requests.

How to Get It

1. Log in to your ElevenLabs account.
2. Go to the Profile tab.
3. Under API Keys, click Generate API Key.
4. Copy the key and store it securely.

Now that you have your API key, it’s time to build the workflow in n8n.

Step-by-Step: How to Connect ElevenLabs to n8n

Integrating ElevenLabs into an n8n workflow involves using an HTTP Request node to send text and receive an audio stream in response.

Step 1: Create a New n8n Workflow

• Open your n8n instance.
• Click + New Workflow.
• Add a Manual Trigger node or the trigger of your choice (e.g. schedule, webhook).

Step 2: Add the HTTP Request Node

This node will connect to the ElevenLabs API to convert text to speech.

1. Click +Node and add an HTTP Request node.

2. Set it up as follows:

   HTTP Request Settings:

   Field	Value
   Method	POST
   URL	https://api.elevenlabs.io/v1/text-to-speech/{voice_id}
   Response Format	File
   Authentication	None

Replace {voice_id} with the actual ID of the voice you want to use. You can get it from the ElevenLabs Voice Library.

Step 3: Configure Headers

Click into the Headers field and add the following:

• xi-api-key: Your ElevenLabs API key
• Content-Type: application/json
• Accept: audio/mpeg

Step 4: Add Body Parameters

In the Body Parameters, use raw JSON and paste:

{
  "text": "Hello, this is a test message from n8n",
  "model_id": "eleven_monolingual_v1",
  "voice_settings": {
    "stability": 0.75,
    "similarity_boost": 0.75
  }
}

You can make this dynamic later using data from previous nodes like chat output or scraped content.

Step 5: Optional – Save the Audio File

To store and use the received audio, add a Write Binary File node following the HTTP Request node:

• File Path: /files/voice-test.mp3
• Binary Property: data (the property returned from the HTTP Request)

Alternatively, you can upload it directly to cloud storage, send it via email, or attach to a chatbot.

Here’s a basic flow visualization:

Manual Trigger → HTTP Request (ElevenLabs) → Write Binary File

Example Use Case: Telegram Bot That Speaks

Want to impress users with spoken replies? Connect ElevenLabs and Telegram with n8n.

• Trigger: Message received in Telegram
• Process: Send message text to ElevenLabs API
• Output: Return voice message to same Telegram chat

Pair it with n8n Telegram integration and you're good to go.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Tips

• Some voices and models may only be available on paid plans
• Use environment variables or credentials in n8n to securely handle the API key
• Keep audio durations short to avoid API limits and long conversion times

Common Errors

If you're not seeing any audio in your output, it's worth reviewing how n8n handles binary data especially when forwarding files to other services like Discord or email.

Expanding the Workflow With AI

For more advanced use cases, pair ElevenLabs with AI text generators like ChatGPT in n8n or even use it as part of a conversational agent. This creates a loop where you generate messages and respond with real-time voice synthesis.

You can even create multi-agent systems using ElevenLabs for voice output in each agent's role—think customer support personas, instructors, or narrators.

FAQ

What is ElevenLabs used for in n8n?

ElevenLabs lets you convert text into realistic speech inside your n8n workflows. It's often used in AI agents, chatbot replies, alerts, and voice content automation.

Is there a built-in node for ElevenLabs in n8n?

As of now, there’s no native ElevenLabs integration, but you can use HTTP Request nodes with the ElevenLabs API. It’s simple and flexible.

Does the ElevenLabs API support different languages?

Yes, ElevenLabs offers multilingual capabilities but some models are optimized for specific languages. Make sure to choose the right model ID as per the documentation.

Can I use ElevenLabs for voicemail or IVR systems?

Absolutely. Using n8n’s call triggers or integrating with services like Twilio and ElevenLabs, you can build powerful voice systems.

Is ElevenLabs free to use with n8n?

ElevenLabs offers limited free usage per month, which is often enough for basic testing. For larger workflows, you may need a paid plan.

With ElevenLabs and n8n connected, your automation workflows can now speak, respond, and interact in ways that feel truly human. Whether for a solo project or enterprise-scale automation, this integration gives a voice to your processes—literally.