Spotify has taken another step forward in the audiobook space by partnering with ElevenLabs, a leading AI voice technology company. This collaboration is expected to significantly increase the number of AI-narrated audiobooks available on the platform, making it easier for authors to convert their written works into spoken content.
Authors looking to publish AI-narrated audiobooks can now use ElevenLabs to generate their recordings before uploading them through Findaway Voices, Spotify’s audiobook distribution service. Each audiobook must pass a review process before being published, and Spotify ensures transparency by labeling AI-generated narrations.
With ElevenLabs, audiobooks can be narrated in 29 languages, making it a versatile tool for authors aiming to reach global audiences. The free version of the platform allows for 10 minutes of text-to-speech conversion per month, while the Pro plan, priced at $99 per month, provides up to 500 minutes of AI-generated narration.
This move follows Spotify’s previous foray into AI-narrated audiobooks through a collaboration with Google Play Books. By continuing to expand its partnerships in this space, Spotify aims to make audiobooks more accessible while broadening its library of available titles.
Despite the convenience and scalability of AI-generated audiobooks, the trend has sparked debates in the publishing industry. Some professionals argue that AI voices lack the emotional depth and nuance of human narration, potentially affecting the listening experience. However, others see this as an opportunity to make audiobooks more affordable and widely available, especially for independent authors who may not have the resources to hire professional voice actors.
Spotify’s growing focus on audiobooks signals a broader strategy to compete in the spoken-word content market. As the platform continues to innovate, it will be interesting to see how AI-narration evolves and whether listeners embrace this technology as a viable alternative to traditional audiobook production.
