ElevenLabs, a trendy company based in New York that focuses on AI audio technology, is making a bold entry into the audiobook publishing arena. Just days after signing a agreement with Spotify to feature audiobooks on its streaming service, ElevenLabs is enticing authors to migrate from Amazon’s Audible by offering a compelling deal.
The innovative firm is opening the doors to its ElevenReader Publishing platform, making it available for everyone through the ElevenReader app for both Android and iOS. The standout feature of this new platform is its cost-free model paired with a robust distribution network that targets a worldwide audience.
All narration will utilize voices from ElevenLabs’ extensive library of AI audio models, which the company touts as delivering “realistic, versatile, and contextually-aware speech.” Speed is a significant advantage here; authors can simply upload their text, and their audiobook can be generated “in minutes,” unlike traditional human narration.
Authors can choose from over a thousand AI voices for their projects, while listeners can select their preferred narration voice directly within the ElevenReader app. This platform is clearly aimed at independent writers and publishers.
For those seeking more control over features such as narration speed, multi-voice capabilities, and voice customization, ElevenLabs offers a premium Studio suite for purchase.
A Significant Change in the Audiobook Landscape
At present, the audiobook generation feature is limited to English, though the company plans to expand to 31 additional languages soon. Once an audiobook is ready, it will be made available for distribution globally via their reader app.
Similar to Audible, ElevenReader provides a royalty structure offering $1.10 for each person who listens for at least 11 minutes. However, this royalty program is initially restricted to the U.S. as ElevenLabs finalizes tax considerations for international markets.
Audiobooks are more popular than ever before. Yet the costs of producing audiobooks means many stories go unheard.
Now any independent author or publisher can upload their book’s text, preview with thousands of voices, and share for distribution on the ElevenReader app — all at… pic.twitter.com/rBO4Dp30VD
— ElevenReader (@elevenreader) February 25, 2025
In line with music and video streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, authors using the ElevenReader Publishing platform will be able to access detailed engagement statistics and analytics.
Notably missing is any exclusivity agreement, a point of contention for many who publish through Audible. “Your work belongs to you. There are no exclusivity clauses in our program,” ElevenLabs emphasizes.
However, competitor platforms might not be as welcoming to AI-narrated audiobooks. “Please be aware that many platforms, such as Audible, Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble, may not accept audiobooks narrated by AI,” ElevenLabs cautions.
Currently, ElevenReader Publishing allows authors to publish their audiobooks for free, as does the ElevenReader app for users on mobile devices.
While this AI platform presents tools that could displace traditional voice actors and other professionals involved in audiobook production, ElevenLabs states that it compensated voice actors over a million dollars last year.
