Unleashing the Potential: How Spotify's AI Integration Will Elevate Podcasts

Spotify is reportedly developing AI technology that can use a podcast host's voice to create host-read ads without the host having to record them. This could open up new advertising opportunities and allow for geo-targeting and ads in different languages.

The statements were made by Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer, which was acquired by Spotify in 2020. While Spotify didn't directly confirm or deny the development, they mentioned their ongoing exploration of AI applications and the popularity of their AI DJ feature.

Spotify's investment in AI development and research, along with their acquisition of Sonantic and use of OpenAI technology, positions them well to create AI voices that sound like real people. The process involves high-quality recordings and feeding them into the AI model.

AI voices have been around for a while, but the ability to make them sound like real people is a recent advancement. Google's Duplex and Apple's Personal Voice are examples of this technology. Spotify's potential use of AI voice models for podcast hosts shows promise in the industry.

While Spotify hasn't officially announced this feature, the comments from Bill Simmons suggest that it could be in development. If successful, it could revolutionize podcast advertising by offering personalized, host-read ads without the need for hosts to record them. Exciting times ahead!