How to build a FREE Text-to-Speech AI App on Google Colab using Pinggy

A modern, high-quality Text-to-Speech (TTS) interface powered by Kokoro ONNX. This project provides an elegant Gradio web interface for generating natural-sounding speech in multiple languages, and can be self-hosted online using Pinggy.

Features

• High-quality neural speech generation
• Multi-language support (English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, etc.)
• Multiple natural-sounding voices
• Adjustable speech speed
• Clean, modern Gradio UI
• Instant audio preview + WAV export
• Free public hosting using Pinggy
• Runs on Google Colab, local machine, or any cloud server

Clone the Repository

Clone the official repository:

!git clone https://github.com/vpakarinen/kokoro-tts-webui.git
!cd kokoro-tts-webui

Installation

Install all required dependencies:

!pip install -r requirements.txt

or manually install:

!pip install gradio kokoro-onnx soundfile torch numpy

Self-Hosting the App Using Pinggy

Pinggy allows you to expose your local Kokoro TTS WebUI publicly on the Internet.

Step 1: Run the WebUI

Start the app normally:

if __name__ == "__main__":
    app = build_ui()
    app.launch(server_name="0.0.0.0", server_port=5000, share=False)

The app runs at:

http://localhost:8000

Step 2: Set up Pinggy tunnel

Install Pinggy:

!pip install pinggy

Create the Pinggy Tunnel:

import pinggy
tunnel1 = pinggy.start_tunnel(
 forwardto="localhost:8000",
)
print(f"Tunnel1 started - URLs: {tunnel1.urls}")

Note: You can just change the port address according to what you need.

Pinggy will generate a public HTTPS URL like:

https://blue-cobra-1234.a.pinggy.link

Share this link with anyone - your TTS WebUI is now globally accessible!

Screenshot

Project Structure

├── app.py                # Main Gradio WebUI script
├── README.md             # Documentation
├── requirements.txt      # Dependencies
├── assets/               # Screenshots/images
└── models/               # Kokoro model files (auto-downloaded)

Usage

1. Enter the text you want to convert into speech
2. Select a voice
3. Select a language
4. Adjust speaking speed
5. Click Generate Speech
6. Listen or download the audio

Simple and fast.

🛠️ Built With

• Kokoro ONNX
• Gradio
• Python 3.9+
• NumPy
• SoundFile
• Torch
• Pinggy (self-hosting)