Spotify has partnered with ElevenLabs to introduce AI-narrated audiobooks on its platform, aiming to expand its library and offer more options for authors and listeners.

ElevenLabs, a leading AI audio provider, enables authors to create audiobook narrations in 29 languages. To publish AI-narrated audiobooks, authors must download files from ElevenLabs and upload them via Findaway Voices, Spotify's audiobook distribution service, where recordings undergo a review process before release.

Spotify ensures transparency by labelling all AI-narrated titles, giving listeners a clear choice. Authors can use ElevenLabs' free plan, which offers 10 minutes of text-to-speech each month, or opt for the$99/month Pro plan for up to 500 minutes of narration.

The partnership follows Spotify's earlier collaboration with Google Play Books and reflects its ongoing efforts to grow its audiobook catalogue through AI technology.

While the expansion of AI-generated audiobooks is expected to increase content availability, it has sparked debate within the publishing industry.

Critics argue that AI narration may compromise the listening experience, raising concerns about the balance between innovation and quality in the audiobook market.