ElevenLabs Launches AI Audiobook Publishing for Authors in Reader App
AI voice technology startup ElevenLabs has officially opened its audiobook publishing platform to all authors through their Reader app, creating a new channel for self-publishing and distribution of AI-narrated audiobooks. This move follows the company’s recent integration with Spotify, furthering its mission to make audiobook creation accessible and affordable for content creators worldwide.
Affordable Audiobook Creation Using AI Voices
ElevenLabs has been a game-changer in the voice AI landscape. With its proprietary technology, authors can now transform their written work into immersive audio experiences without the traditional costs of studio recording and voice actors. Instead of spending thousands on professional narration, authors can subscribe to ElevenLabs’ paid plans, which range from $11 to $330 per month, giving them access to powerful AI narration tools.
“Our goal is to democratize audiobook creation,” said an ElevenLabs spokesperson. “We aim to provide an alternative to expensive studio recordings by introducing a scalable, AI-powered solution.”
Revenue Through Listener Engagement
One of the standout features of the new program is its transparent and straightforward monetization model. Authors earn payouts when listeners spend time with their content. Specifically, ElevenLabs pays authors approximately $1.10 when a user listens to an audiobook for 11 minutes or more. During the earlier testing phase, the platform reported that the average listener engagement was about 19 minutes per session.
Initially, these payouts are available only for U.S.-based authors with English-language titles. However, ElevenLabs plans to extend the program globally, covering the 32 languages currently supported by its AI voice technology.
Competing Directly With Audible
With this launch, ElevenLabs is entering the audiobook publishing space traditionally dominated by platforms like Audible. By offering competitive royalty rates and a more approachable publishing experience, ElevenLabs aims to become the go-to platform for independent authors and publishers.
Unlike Audible, which has been criticized for its lower royalty structures, ElevenLabs focuses on revenue sharing directly proportional to reader engagement, aligning the interests of the platform with those of the authors.
The Path Toward a Creator Marketplace
As part of its roadmap, ElevenLabs also announced future plans to launch a full-fledged marketplace where authors can monetize and sell their audiobooks directly. This feature is expected to solidify ElevenLabs’ position as both a publishing and distribution hub for AI-narrated content.
The marketplace will not only streamline audiobook sales but will also offer discoverability features, allowing creators to reach new audiences via ElevenLabs’ growing user base through the Reader app and possible future integrations.
AI-Powered Narration for Third-Party Platforms
In addition to building its own ecosystem, ElevenLabs has already partnered with external platforms to extend its AI capabilities. Services like Pocket FM and Kuku FM utilize ElevenLabs’ technology to transform text content into engaging audio experiences, proving the flexibility and scalability of its solutions.
These collaborations show ElevenLabs’ potential not just as a content platform but also as an audio infrastructure provider for the growing digital publishing economy.
Backed by Major Funding and Vision
This strategic expansion is backed by strong investor confidence. In a recent funding round, ElevenLabs secured a massive $180 million, highlighting the market’s belief in the future of AI-powered audio content creation.
CEO Mati Staniszewski has reiterated the company’s commitment to expanding into consumer-facing experiences while continuing to advance the core AI voice technology that drives their innovation.
“As we move forward, our mission stays the same: to break down the barriers between content creation and accessibility,” Staniszewski said. “We’re building tools for creators of all backgrounds to bring their stories to life in audio.”
Looking Ahead
ElevenLabs is poised to reshape how authors publish and distribute audiobooks. By removing traditional obstacles and offering creators greater financial and technological empowerment, the platform is making it easier than ever to enter the audiobook market. As AI continues to innovate media production, ElevenLabs is at the forefront of this evolution, providing a comprehensive solution from creation to monetization.
With plans to expand globally, introduce a content marketplace, and improve royalty structures even further, ElevenLabs stands as a promising alternative to legacy platforms, opening new doors for indie authors and publishers worldwide.
