SSML Not Working with ElevenLabs Custom Voice Desp...
# support
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Description: I'm experiencing issues with SSML parsing not being respected when using a ElevenLabs voice, despite having successfully enabled enableSsmlParsing: true via PATCH request. Configuration: Assistant ID: 844995ac-4928-45b1-a262-3fd634b88658 Voice Provider: ElevenLabs (11labs) Voice: "Raquel pro v1" Model: eleven_multilingual_v2 SSML Parsing: Enabled via PATCH to /assistant/{id} endpoint (confirmed with GET request showing enableSsmlParsing: true) Issue: SSML tags like and are being completely ignored. The assistant reads through text without any pauses, making it impossible to control pacing when reading lists of available appointment times. What I've Tried: ✅ Successfully enabled enableSsmlParsing via PATCH request (200 OK response) ✅ Verified setting with GET request - shows enableSsmlParsing: true in voice config ✅ Tested with both single quotes and double quotes ✅ Ensured SSML is wrapped in tags ✅ Verified webhook is sending correct SSML string to VAPI ✅ Tested with different break times (500ms, 1s, 5s) - none work Expected Behavior: SSML tags should be processed and pauses should occur when specified, allowing control over speech pacing and rhythm. Actual Behavior: All SSML tags are ignored. The voice reads continuously without any pauses, making the output sound rushed and unnatural when listing multiple items.
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Suggestion: Based on the documentation, SSML and advanced pronunciation features are only fully supported on specific ElevenLabs models like
eleven_turbo_v2
and
eleven_flash_v2
, not necessarily on
eleven_multilingual_v2
. Try switching your assistant's model to
eleven_turbo_v2
in your voice configuration and test SSML parsing again:
Copy code
json
{
  "voice": {
    "model": "eleven_turbo_v2",
    "voiceId": "your-voice-id",
    "provider": "11labs",
    "enableSsmlParsing": true
  }
}
If SSML works after this change, the issue is likely due to model compatibility. Source: - [Pronunciation dictionaries documentation](https://docs.vapi.ai/assistants/pronunciation-dictionaries)
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I have jus tried with eleven_multilingual_v2 model voice and no way
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We apologize for the delay in responses lately. We are in process of making some changes to our workflow in how we handle support requests. The good news is that we are starting to get back on track of having a 48 hour response time and we would like to start cleaning up anything old. With that being said, just wanted to check in with you to see if you have made any progress or changes to your project since support has last reached out.
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there haven't been any
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