Spotify Expands AI-Narrated Audiobook Support Amid Ongoing Bundling Debate
Spotify has expanded its support for AI-narrated audiobooks through a new partnership with London-based ElevenLabs. This development comes amid ongoing controversy over Spotify's bundling strategy in the U.S.
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The ElevenLabs partnership enables creators to produce audiobooks in up to 29 languages using AI narration. These books can then be distributed to Spotify through Findaway Voices, with clear labeling indicating AI narration.
Currently, U.S. subscribers can access 15 hours of audiobooks monthly as part of their subscription. This expansion follows Spotify's recent addition of video content to select audiobooks three months ago.
Key Points:
- ElevenLabs provides AI narration in 29 languages
- Distribution available through Findaway Voices
- AI-narrated content will be clearly labeled
- U.S. subscribers get 15 monthly audiobook hours
Industry Implications:
- Spotify frames this as lowering entry barriers for authors
- Concerns exist about potential quality dilution
- The move may strengthen Spotify's controversial bundling strategy
- ElevenLabs is expanding into music features, according to LinkedIn profiles
The expansion occurs while Spotify faces ongoing challenges from songwriters and publishers regarding its bundling strategy. The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) continues to contest Spotify's classification of music-audiobook packages as bundles, despite a recent dismissal setback.
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