Spotify is introducing an AI-powered Voice Translation tool for its podcasts, allowing them to be translated into different languages using the podcaster’s own voice. The tool aims to provide a more authentic listening experience by matching the original speaker’s style. The company collaborated with podcasters such as Dax Shepard and Monica Padman to generate AI-powered voice translations in Spanish, French, and German. The tool leverages the latest advancements in AI, including voice generation technology from OpenAI.
OpenAI has announced new voice and image capabilities in its AI chatbot ChatGPT, allowing it to see, hear, and speak. The company collaborated with professional voice actors to create human-like audio from text and a few seconds of sample speech. Spotify’s pilot voice-translated episodes using this AI tool will be available to both Premium and Free users worldwide. Ziad Sultan, the VP of Personalization at Spotify, believes that a thoughtful approach to AI can foster deeper connections between listeners and creators.
This marks Spotify’s latest foray into AI-powered audio, following the launch of an AI ‘DJ’ feature that offers curated playlists with commentary using a dynamic AI voice platform from the company’s acquisition of Sonantic. As Spotify tests this AI translation tool for podcasts, questions arise about when similar technology will be available for artists. The music industry witnessed the use of AI vocal technology earlier this year when HYBE, a South Korea-based entertainment giant, released a multilingual track produced in six languages using Supertone’s AI technology.