- The technology comes from the Microsoft-backed OpenAI voice transcription tool.
- Spotify plans to implement the process on several podcasts in the future.
- Dax Shepard, Lex Friedman and Bill Simmons are among the first to change
Spotify has launched an artificial intelligence system that translates popular podcasts into different languages, while maintaining the sound of the host’s voices.
The translation feature can transcribe English and other languages into English, but it will be used to clone the speaker’s voice.
As part of the test, the music streaming giant is slowly rolling out the new feature with a small group of podcasters and translating it into Spanish.
Dax Shepard, along with his wife Kristen Bell, had their podcast, Armchair Expert, undergo AI translation.
Spotify has also used the technology on Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, The Bill Simmons Podcast and Dragons’ Den mogul Steven Bartlett’s Diary Of A CEO.
Dax Shepard, along with his wife Kristen Bell, had his The Armchair Experts podcast undergo AI translation.
The company plans to expand the lineup to include The Ringer’s ‘The Rewatchables’ and its upcoming Trevor Noah show.
As part of the test, the company claims that the translated versions will mimic the speaker’s original style and be more natural than traditional dubbing.
While Spanish is currently the only language available, French and German will be rolling out in the coming weeks.
All translated episodes will be available to all Spotify free and premium users starting September 25.
The music streaming platform has also created a Voice Translation Center, which will be updated as more content is added to the program.
Ziad Sultan, vice president of personalization, said: “By matching the creator’s own voice, Voice Translation gives listeners around the world the power to discover and be inspired by new podcasters in a more authentic way than ever before.
“We believe a thoughtful approach to AI can help build deeper connections between listeners and creators, a key component of Spotify’s mission to unleash the potential of human creativity.”
Spotify developed the feature using Whisper, OpenAI’s voice transcription tool, backed by Microsoft.
The company plans to expand the group to include The Ringer’s ‘The Rewatchables’ and its upcoming Trevor Noah show (pictured).
Although Spanish is currently the only language available, French and German will be rolling out in the coming weeks.
Spotify has also used the technology on Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, The Bill Simmons Podcast and Dragons’ Den mogul’s Diary Of A CEO Steven Bartlett (pictured).
There is also a dedicated Voice Translation Center, which will be updated with individual episodes as they are translated.
It is the latest in a series of measures by the Swedish company to increase revenue.
Spotify has invested heavily in its podcast business, hoping the move will attract more advertisers.
Earlier this year, the music streaming platform increased the price of its premium ad-free service in more than 50 countries, including the US, UK and Ireland.
