Fiverr Encourages Gig Workers to Use AI for Tasks

Fiverr Enables Freelancers to Leverage AI for Automated Job Completion

The gig economy platform, Fiverr, is introducing new initiatives designed to integrate generative AI tools for its freelance workforce. These efforts aim to empower freelancers and address challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of AI in the digital marketplace.

AI Training and Compensation for Freelancers

Fiverr announced a program allowing freelancers specializing in areas like voice-over work and graphic design to train AI models using their existing portfolios. Subsequently, they can offer customers access to these AI-powered services for a fee.

According to Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufman, this approach ensures freelancers “receive appropriate recognition and remuneration” while simultaneously providing them with “unprecedented capabilities to expand their operations.”

Kaufman emphasized the goal is to make freelancers “irreplaceable, not redundant,” reinforcing the commitment to supporting creators within the evolving creative landscape.

Impact of AI on the Gig Market

The rise of affordable generative AI technologies has significantly impacted the gig market. Recent reports indicate increased competition for fewer opportunities, particularly affecting professionals such as writers, programmers, and app developers.

Studies suggest that the trend of replacing freelancers with AI-driven solutions is accelerating over time, raising concerns about the long-term viability of certain gig roles.

The “Personal AI Creation Model”

Fiverr’s solution, termed the “Personal AI Creation Model,” allows contractors to build and configure AI models trained on their past work – including artwork and code. Freelancers will be able to establish pricing for access to these models.

Ownership of generated content, such as song lyrics, illustrations, marketing materials, and digital ad designs, will remain with the freelancer.

Customers will have the option to choose between AI-generated work, human-created work, or a combination of both. They can instantly purchase and download AI assets or request further refinement from the freelancer.

Initial Rollout and Costs

Initially, access to the model creation tools will be limited to “thousands” of “top, vetted” freelancers. The Personal AI Creation Model will require a monthly subscription fee of $25.

Fiverr utilizes “advanced language models” and “generative frameworks” to power this capability.

Addressing Freelancer Concerns

Fiverr acknowledges that freelancers may feel compelled to participate to remain competitive. Many gig workers experience financial instability and lack the benefits afforded to traditional employees.

The company assures freelancers that their data will not be used to train competing in-house AI models and that the Personal AI Creation Model can be deactivated at any time.

Fiverr states that aggregated, anonymized usage data may be collected to improve platform performance, but not to replicate or compete with freelancers’ work.

The “Personal AI Assistant”

In addition to the creation model, Fiverr is offering a “Personal AI Assistant” – a customer service chatbot tailored to contractors’ client interactions. This assistant, available for $29 per month or as part of the Seller Plus Premium plan, can provide business insights and automate routine tasks.

The assistant is customizable, allowing freelancers to define topics that require direct intervention and manage the questions and responses it provides.

Fiverr explains that the assistant analyzes freelancer profiles, gigs, and past communications, with options for review and adjustment during setup.

Fiverr Stock and Rewards Program

Fiverr also announced a program to award shares in the company to “top-performing” contractors. Details regarding the selection criteria and share distribution are yet to be disclosed.

As of last Friday, Fiverr’s market capitalization stood at approximately $1.16 billion, with recent positive trends in its stock performance.

This initiative complements the AI product launches, aiming to further incentivize and reward successful freelancers on the platform.