ElevenLabs has launched a new publishing program that allows authors to create and publish AI-generated audiobooks directly on its Reader app. This program, which was previously in a trial phase, is now open to all authors.
The company is positioning this as a more affordable alternative to traditional audiobook production, which typically involves expensive studio time and voice actor fees. Instead, authors can use ElevenLabs’ AI voice technology to narrate their books.
Some notable details about the program:
- ElevenLabs aims to compete with Audible by offering better royalty rates for authors
- Authors currently receive about $1.10 when listeners engage with their audiobook for 11 minutes or more
- During testing, the average listening time was 19 minutes per user
- The program is currently limited to US authors and English-language titles, but they plan to expand to the 32 languages their technology supports
- ElevenLabs is also planning to create a marketplace where authors can sell their content directly
This move follows ElevenLabs’ recent partnership with Spotify for AI-narrated audiobooks and comes after the company raised a substantial $180 million funding round last month.
The strategy makes sense for ElevenLabs as it creates a new revenue stream beyond just selling AI voice technology subscriptions (which range from $11 to $330 per month). They’re already providing voice technology to audio platforms like Pocket FM and Kuku FM, and this direct publishing option aligns with their CEO’s stated plans to expand into more consumer-facing experiences.
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