Spotify launches an ElevenLabs-powered audiobook creation tool

Spotify has unveiled a new AI-powered tool enabling authors to self-publish audiobooks directly through its "Spotify for Authors" platform. This initiative, powered by EightLabs, offers advanced voice models designed to produce expressive and human-like narration. The feature will initially roll out in beta this June as an invite-only program, supporting English language content. Authors will maintain full rights, allowing them to publish their AI-generated audiobooks on other platforms as well.

This move builds on Spotify's existing partnership with EightLabs, which previously facilitated the submission of audiobooks created using the AI startup's technology. Spotify had also partnered with Google Play Books for digitally narrated content but sought EightLabs' more sophisticated voice models for improved quality. Notably, EightLabs itself launched a self-publishing platform for authors in 2025.

Beyond this new tool, Spotify is expanding its "Spotify for Authors" platform to include 10 additional languages, such as French, German, and Spanish. The company also plans to enhance its Audiobook+ plans this year by increasing listening limits and introducing new options for students and families.

Spotify's commitment to audiobooks has significantly grown in recent years. The platform now boasts over 700,000 titles and has achieved more than one million Audiobook+ subscriptions, on track for $100 million in annualized recurring revenue. The company has expanded into international markets, invested in non-English titles, and introduced in-app purchases and audiobook charts. Recent developments include a program for authors to sell physical books in the U.S. and U.K. and new natural language search capabilities for audiobook discovery. These efforts have led to a 60% year-on-year increase in listening hours, with over half of its audiobook listeners joining in the past year.