Spotify has expanded its artificial intelligence audiobook narration capabilities through a new partnership with London-based ElevenLabs. This development allows authors to create AI-narrated audiobooks in up to 29 languages, with distribution handled through Findaway Voices.

The expansion comes amid Spotify's controversial bundling strategy in the U.S., where subscribers receive 15 hours of audiobook content monthly. This bundling approach has faced criticism from songwriters and publishers, with the MLC challenging whether these packages qualify as true bundles.

Key aspects of the AI narration expansion:

• AI-narrated content will be clearly labeled
• Available in 29 different languages
• Distribution through Findaway Voices platform
• Aims to reduce entry barriers for authors

Industry experts raise concerns about potential quality issues, noting that authors unwilling to invest in professional narration or self-narrate may flood the platform with subpar content, similar to challenges faced in Spotify's music and podcast sections.

The partnership with ElevenLabs may have broader implications for Spotify's AI strategy. While ElevenLabs primarily focuses on voice technology, recent hiring patterns suggest development of AI music features may be on the horizon.

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