Audible Expands AI-Narrated Audiobook Collection

Audible Expands Audiobook Catalog with AI Narration

Audible, the audiobook platform owned by Amazon, revealed a new partnership with several publishers on Tuesday. This collaboration focuses on transforming existing print and digital books into audiobooks utilizing artificial intelligence for narration.

The primary goal of this initiative is to rapidly increase the breadth of Audible’s audiobook selection. This expansion is crucial as the company faces growing competition from platforms like Apple and Spotify within the dynamic audiobook market.

Leveraging Amazon’s AI Technology

Audible is capitalizing on Amazon’s advanced AI technologies to facilitate audiobook production for publishers. Publishers are now able to select from a diverse range of over 100 AI-generated voices.

These voices are currently available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian, and encompass a variety of accents and dialects. Further expansion of voice options is planned for the future.

AI Translation Services

Beyond narration, Audible intends to launch a beta program for AI translation later this year. This service will provide both text-to-text and speech-to-speech translation capabilities.

Initial language support will include translations from English to Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Publishers can also opt to have translations reviewed by professional linguists to ensure accuracy.

Previous AI Initiatives

Amazon first introduced a virtual voice tool in 2023, available through an invite-only beta program for self-published authors in the U.S. This tool allowed authors to convert their e-books into audiobooks using synthetic speech technology.

Last year, Audible also engaged a group of audiobook narrators to contribute to the training of AI models using their vocal patterns.

Growing Popularity of Virtual Voices

A search on Audible for “virtual voice” currently yields over 50,000 titles identified as “Narrated By: Virtual Voice.” This demonstrates the technology’s increasing appeal, particularly among authors who may lack the financial means for traditional audiobook production.

Concerns and Debate

The increasing use of AI-generated narrations has sparked discussion within the publishing industry and among audiobook listeners. Some critics have voiced concerns regarding the potential impact on the overall quality of audiobooks.

Spotify Also Embraces AI

Spotify, currently the second-largest audiobook provider after Audible, is also actively working to expand its audiobook library through the use of AI narration tools. In February, the platform established a partnership with AI audio provider ElevenLabs.