Install the ReadingVox WordPress plugin
The plugin adds the ReadingVox listen button to your posts and pages. Install it, paste your API key, and you're done. Requires WordPress 5.0+ and PHP 7.4+.
Before you start
- WordPress administrator (you can install plugins and change Settings). On WordPress.com, uploading plugins requires a plan that allows plugins.
- A ReadingVox API key with your domain added. Follow steps 1 and 2 of the website guide (create a key, add your site's domain).
- The plugin zip file, which we email on request: write to [email protected] while our download page is being set up.
Prefer not to install a plugin?
Install steps
Step 1: Upload and activate the plugin
In WordPress admin, go to Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin. Choose the ReadingVox zip file, click Install Now, then Activate Plugin.
yoursite.com/wp-admin/plugin-install.phpDashboard menu
- Posts
- Pages
- Appearance
- (Step marker 1)Plugins
- Settings
(Step marker 2)Upload PluginIf you have a plugin in a .zip format, you may install or update it by uploading it here.
(Step marker 3)Plugin zip fileChoose filereadingvox.zipInstall Now- Marker 1: Plugins → Add New Plugin.
- Marker 2: Upload Plugin, at the top of the page.
- Marker 3: Choose the ReadingVox zip, then Install Now and Activate Plugin.
Illustration — your screen may look slightly different.
Step 2: Paste your API key in Settings → ReadingVox
Go to Settings → ReadingVox. Make sure Enable Widget is checked, paste your key into API Key, and click Save Changes. The other settings are optional.
yoursite.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=readingvoxDashboard menu
- Posts
- Pages
- Plugins
- Settings
- (Step marker 1) ReadingVox
ReadingVox Text-to-Speech Settings
Enable Widget(Step marker 2)API Key *rv_live_3f9c…Operating ModeText Highlight (Default)VoiceHeart (Female, US)Speech Speed1.0x (Normal)Content Selectorsarticle, main, [role="main"], .entry-content, .post-content(Step marker 3)Save Changes- Marker 1: Settings → ReadingVox.
- Marker 2: API Key: paste the key from your ReadingVox dashboard.
- Marker 3: Save Changes.
Illustration — your screen may look slightly different.
- Operating Mode: Text Highlight (select text to hear it), Page-Wide Player, or Block-Level Players.
- Content Selectors / Ignore Selectors: which parts of the page are read or skipped.
Check that it works
- Open a post on your live site, in a private window if you're logged in.
- Look for the ReadingVox button in the bottom-right corner and press play.
Troubleshooting
The button doesn't appear
- Domain not added. Your site's domain (including
www.if you use it) must be added to the key on the dashboard's Domains page. - Caching plugin or CDN. Clear its cache after saving the settings, then reload.
- Enable Widget is unchecked, or the API key is empty or revoked.
- Script optimization plugins that combine or delay JavaScript can block it. Exclude
readingvox.com/widget.jsfrom optimization.
It reads with a different, robotic-sounding voice
You've passed your monthly allowance, so new sentences use the visitor's built-in browser voice until it resets. Existing audio keeps its natural voice. How monthly limits work
It reads the sidebar or comments
Narrow Content Selectors to your theme's post body (often .entry-content), or add the unwanted area to Ignore Selectors.
Remove the plugin
- Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins, click Deactivate under ReadingVox, then Delete.
- Optional: Revoke the key on the dashboard's API Keys page.
Data & privacy
What ReadingVox receives
- The text a visitor chooses to play, so we can turn it into audio.
- Standard request details: IP address, browser type, and the page address.
What it doesn't
- Visitor names, email addresses, or cookies.
- Your WordPress user accounts or logins.
Sub-processors, retention, FERPA terms, security answers, and documents (DPA, VPAT, HECVAT Lite, W-9).
For IT & procurementOther install guides
Stuck on a step?
Email [email protected] with your platform, the step you're on, and a screenshot of what you see. We answer every message.
Email support