How to Play a Voice-Over While Screen Recording in Clipchamp
Question details
The user needs a way to listen to a prerecorded text-to-speech (TTS) voice-over for timing purposes while actively recording their screen.

- Product
- Clipchamp
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating screen-capture tutorials that require precise timing and synchronization with a prerecorded audio narration.
- Observed behavior
- Clipchamp currently does not support playing an audio track or TTS voice-over from the timeline simultaneously while the screen recording feature is active.
Export your completed text-to-speech narration as a separate audio file (.mp3 or .wav) to your computer before starting your screen recording session.
Use an External Media Player and Headphones
Bypass Clipchamp's timeline limitation by playing your voice-over in a separate application while using the Clipchamp screen recorder.
Because Clipchamp currently pauses timeline playback when the screen recorder is active, you must decouple the audio playback from the video recording process to listen to your timing cues.
In your Clipchamp project, generate your text-to-speech audio on the timeline, mute or delete any video tracks, and then export the project as an audio file to your local drive.
Locate the exported audio file on your computer and open it with your default media player, such as Windows Media Player, QuickTime, or VLC.
Plug in a pair of headphones. This ensures you can hear the narration clearly without your microphone picking up the sound, which would create an echo in your recording.
Start the Clipchamp screen recording tool. Press play on your external media player, and perform your on-screen tutorial actions in sync with the audio you hear.

Create Seamless Tutorial Presentations with WPS Office
If you find Microsoft Clipchamp's screen recording features too limiting for your tutorials, consider using a dedicated presentation and document suite. WPS Office is a free, lightweight Microsoft Office alternative that allows you to create engaging slides, record your screen, and structure your lessons effortlessly without complex audio workarounds.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer, follow the on-screen prompts to set up the software, and then open WPS Presentation.
- 3. Record Your Tutorial: Navigate to the Slide Show tab and use the built-in recording features to narrate and capture your tutorial materials efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Clipchamp mute the timeline during a screen recording?
Clipchamp is currently designed to prioritize system resources for capturing the screen and microphone. It automatically mutes timeline playback to prevent accidental audio feedback loops and echoes in your final recording.
Can I add a text-to-speech voice-over after finishing my screen recording?
Yes, this is the recommended workflow for many video editors. You can record your screen actions first, drop the recorded video onto the Clipchamp timeline, and then use the built-in text-to-speech tool to generate audio that matches your visual pacing.
What happens if I don't use headphones while playing external audio?
If you play the external audio through your computer's speakers while recording, your microphone will pick up that sound alongside your own voice or background noise. This results in a persistent echo effect and degraded audio quality.




