Artificial Intelligence Duplicate of Steven Bartlett Debuts in Latest Podcast
In the ever-evolving world of podcasting, Spotify has taken a significant step forward with its Voice Translation feature, a new application of AI in podcast production. Launched in 2023 as a pilot, this innovative technology aims to provide a more authentic listening experience compared to traditional dubbing.
The Voice Translation feature on Spotify clones the original podcaster's voice, designed to sound more personal and natural. However, some listeners have expressed mixed reviews, with some feeling it resembles an AI podcast with zero soul.
One example of a podcast using AI for production or voice translation is Google's NotebookLM. This tool generates full podcast episodes with two human-sounding AI hosts from text sources, even offering an interactive mode for listeners to ask questions in real time. Educators use this tool to create educational podcasts and interactive reviews.
Other AI-powered platforms include ElevenLabs and Wondercraft, offering advanced voice cloning and text-to-speech AI for podcast narration and global language support. Castmagic automates podcast editing and generates show notes, timestamps, and multiple content assets, while Skywork Super Agents produces consultancy-level audio content across multiple formats. Jellypod emphasises voice cloning and accent customization, creating realistic and personable AI-produced podcasts.
These examples demonstrate how AI is enhancing podcast creation by enabling automated script and audio generation from text, voice cloning for brand consistency and localization, efficient editing and production workflows, and interactive listening experiences. They span education, business, and creative content production, highlighting AI’s growing impact on podcasting.
Steven Bartlett, creator and host of the podcast "100 CEOs with Steven Bartlett," is among the podcasters working with Spotify on AI-powered voice translations. Bartlett writes the initial scripts for the podcast, but the rest of the production is handled by AI. The podcast, hosted by Bartlett's AI voice clone, faces the challenge of growing distribution and marketing.
The series features high-profile business figures like Richard Branson and Elon Musk. Bartlett's company, FlightStory Studio, used technology from AI firms Runway, ElevenLabs, and Wondercraft for the production of the podcast. Despite the heavy reliance on AI, Bartlett still believes in the human ability to tell stories.
The Voice Translation feature on Spotify translates podcasts into other languages in the original podcaster's voice. This technology is powered by OpenAI's voice generation technology, the same used in the pilot. As AI continues to advance, it's clear that podcasting will continue to evolve, offering new possibilities for creators and listeners alike.
The Voice Translation feature on Spotify, powered by OpenAI's voice generation technology, not only translates podcasts into other languages but also clones the original podcaster's voice, aiming for a more personal and natural listening experience. Meanwhile, Google's NotebookLM is another example of AI applications in podcast production, using AI to generate full podcast episodes with human-sounding AI hosts from text sources.
