Amazon’s Audible uses AI to scale audiobooks
The audiobook industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with listeners increasingly opting for the convenience of listening to their favorite stories on-the-go. Amazon’s Audible, a leading player in the audiobook market, has taken a major step forward in scaling its library through the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-narrated titles. In a significant move, Audible has partnered with publishers to offer over 100 synthetic voices in multiple languages, boosting accessibility and reducing costs.
The partnership marks a significant shift in the industry, raising questions about the future of human narration. As AI technology becomes increasingly advanced, it’s likely to have a profound impact on the way audiobooks are produced and consumed.
AI-narrated audiobooks: A game-changer
Audible’s decision to use AI-narrated audiobooks is a game-changer for the industry. With the ability to produce high-quality audio content at a fraction of the cost of human narration, AI-narrated audiobooks are poised to revolutionize the way audiobooks are produced and consumed.
The partnership with publishers will allow Audible to offer a wider range of titles, including those that may not have been viable for human narration due to cost or logistical constraints. The use of AI-narrated audiobooks also opens up new opportunities for authors and publishers, enabling them to reach a broader audience and increase their revenue streams.
Accessibility and cost savings
The use of AI-narrated audiobooks also has significant implications for accessibility and cost savings. For listeners with disabilities, AI-narrated audiobooks offer a new level of accessibility, enabling them to enjoy their favorite stories in a way that may not have been previously possible.
In terms of cost savings, AI-narrated audiobooks are significantly cheaper than human narration. According to reports, AI-narrated audiobooks can be produced at a cost of around $100 per hour, compared to human narration which can cost upwards of $500 per hour.
Impact on human narration
While AI-narrated audiobooks offer significant benefits, they also raise questions about the future of human narration. Will AI-narrated audiobooks replace human narration, or will they coexist alongside one another?
The answer likely lies somewhere in between. While AI-narrated audiobooks will undoubtedly increase in popularity, human narration will still have a place in the industry. Human narrators bring a level of emotional depth and nuance to audiobooks that AI-narrated audiobooks currently cannot replicate.
AI-driven translations
In addition to its AI-narrated audiobooks, Audible is also planning to use AI-driven translations to make its content more accessible to listeners around the world. The technology uses machine learning algorithms to translate audiobooks into multiple languages, enabling listeners to enjoy their favorite titles in their native language.
The use of AI-driven translations has significant implications for the audiobook industry. As the demand for translated content continues to grow, AI-driven translations will enable publishers and authors to reach a broader audience and increase their revenue streams.
Conclusion
Amazon’s Audible has taken a significant step forward in scaling its audiobook library through the use of AI-narrated titles. The partnership with publishers offers a range of benefits, including increased accessibility, cost savings, and the ability to produce high-quality audio content at a fraction of the cost of human narration.
While AI-narrated audiobooks raise questions about the future of human narration, they also offer significant benefits for listeners and publishers alike. As the audiobook industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that AI-narrated audiobooks will play an increasingly important role in shaping its future.
Source:
https://www.itvoice.in/amazons-audible-uses-ai-to-scale-audiobooks
