Voice AI company ElevenLabs has expanded its offerings by allowing authors to publish AI-generated audiobooks on its own Reader app, as confirmed by the company. This comes shortly after its collaboration with Spotify for AI-narrated audiobooks.
After securing a significant $180 million funding round last month, ElevenLabs began inviting authors to test its publishing program through the app in a trial phase last year. As of now, this program is officially open to all authors.
During the trial period, ElevenLabs reported that users spent an average of 19 minutes listening to the audiobooks published through the app. The company believes these engagement rates are among the best in the industry, though it anticipates these figures may change as the program grows.
Initially, the payout program is available to authors in the U.S. for English-language titles, with plans to expand to include books in 32 other languages in the future. Additionally, ElevenLabs intends to create a marketplace where authors can sell their AI-generated audiobooks.
A major selling point for ElevenLabs is its ability to offer a more affordable way for authors and publishers to create audiobooks. With paid plans ranging from $11 to $330 per month, ElevenLabs’ AI technology provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional studio recording and voice actors.
The company has already partnered with audio platforms like Pocket FM and Kuku FM to transform text into audio content. ElevenLabs’ push to become a platform for indie authors and publishers aligns with CEO Mati Staniszewski’s vision of expanding into more consumer experiences.
