Spotify Introduces AI-Narrated Audiobooks to Its Platform

Spotify has announced the integration of AI-narrated audiobooks, utilizing ElevenLabs’ technology, to expand its audiobook offerings.

Spotify’s latest move? Diving headfirst into the audiobook game with a twist—AI narration courtesy of ElevenLabs. Think of it as giving authors a budget-friendly mic (no pop filter needed) to bring their stories to life. And here’s the kicker: they can tweak the voice and tone to their heart’s content, across a whopping 29 languages. Talk about speaking your audience’s language, literally.

So, how does it work? Authors upload their manuscript to ElevenLabs, where the AI works its magic (no wand required). The cost? Well, it’s a bit like choosing your coffee order—anywhere from a modest $22 to a fancy $1,320 a month, depending on how much you’re looking to caffeinate your project. Once the AI’s done narrating, authors can grab the audio files and shoot them over to Spotify’s Findaway Voices for a once-over before hitting publish.

And because transparency’s the name of the game, Spotify’s making sure listeners know when they’re tuning into an AI-narrated tale. As for how the old guard of authors feels about swapping human warmth for digital precision? That’s a story yet to be told.