The Best AI Self-Taping Apps in 2026

Following on from my review of top AI tools in 2025, here is a revised list of the top AI self-taping apps for you to try in 2026:

1. Acting Pal (actingpal.com): Currently the only self-taping tool available on Android that offers a viable cue mode. We don’t use any third parties for speech recognition; instead, we use our own local model hosted on our own servers to ensure security with sensitive materials. We also offer the most comprehensive list of voices currently available, and we’re expanding these further by year end. We’re constantly looking for unique ways to improve the user experience and we actively update our tools—most recently, we integrated grid lines into our self-taping tool upon user request. We’re on a mission to build the default tool for actors when they self-tape, and slowly—but definitely steadily—we’re getting there.
2. Rafy (rafy.app): A very strong solution for iOS, but with a limited cue mode (it doesn’t offer customisable silence detection options like Acting Pal and Scene Partner, which matters). They do, however, have a good selection of voices and strong ethics around sustainability. Still, there’s no Android solution. It would be great to see how Rafy approaches Android, as we know this is something many actors are desperate for. For now, Acting Pal remains the only Android solution with cue mode (which is vital for self-taping), but we welcome new entrants so actors have a wider variety of tools to try.
3. Scene Partner (scenepartner.ai): Offering the most comprehensive web solution for self-taping—but of course self-taping on the web has its limitations, which is why they’re now moving into the app space. I’ve been carefully following their progress on TestFlight (the iOS app isn’t available to the public yet), and they clearly have a very competent team behind the product. While it’s clear the TestFlight build has a few niggles, I’m particularly impressed with their UI: very clean and intuitive. I’m looking forward to seeing how this tool progresses in 2026. Definitely one to watch.
4. Slatable (slatable.com): A legacy tool—I’d consider this a level up from Cold Read. Acting updates and AI voices. Their cue mode is limited, similar to Rafy. Personally, I don’t think Slatable will be a front runner in 2026. I think Acting Pal, Rafy, and Scene Partner will be the three tools people primarily choose from, because these tools are heavily AI-focused—and I feel most of the gains we’ll see (in delivering a self-taping tool that truly blows actors away) will come from sophisticated AI integrations. This is just my opinion… we’ll see. Nevertheless, I believe it’s well worth a try.
5. Cold Read (coldreadapp.com): Another legacy tool that many actors are already familiar with. There’s no script extraction (you have to record/import every line one by one—something you won’t find in Acting Pal, Rafy, Scene Partner and other AI tools). They also offer no AI voices, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it just limits what you can do with the tool. Acting Pal also lets users import and record audio, but it additionally offers a very comprehensive list of AI voices. They also haven’t updated their app in over two years… so whatever you have now, expect it to remain the same in 2026. Nevertheless, I know many actors who still use Cold Read, still enjoy it, and still book with it. It’s a legacy tool and one I have deep respect for.

See also

• Scene Partner AI Alternative
• Top AI Tools for Actors
• How to Self Tape Without a Reader

FAQ

Which AI self-taping app is best for Android?

Acting Pal is currently the only Android solution with a robust cue mode and AI voices; others like Rafy and Scene Partner are iOS-first.

Why does cue mode quality matter for self-taping?

Reliable silence detection and configurable cue timing prevent missed cues and keep your takes smooth without manual playback fiddling.

Do I need AI voices for self-taping?

AI voices let you rehearse without a live reader, adjust pacing, and experiment with different tones. You can still import or record your own audio in Acting Pal if you prefer.

Are legacy tools like Slatable and Cold Read still useful?

Yes—many actors still book with them. But they update less frequently and have limited AI integrations compared to newer tools like Acting Pal, Rafy, and Scene Partner.