Spotify has launched an AI 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 will be used to clone the speaker’s voice.
As part of the trial, the musical streaming giant is slowly rolling out the new feature with a small group of podcasters and translating to Spanish.
Dax Shepard – along with his wife Kristen Bell – has had his podcast, Armchair Expert, undergo the AI translation.
Spotify has also used the technology on Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, The Bill Simmons Podcast and Diary Of A CEO from Dragons’ Den mogul Steven Bartlett.
Dax Shepard – along with his wife Kristen Bell – has had his podcast of The Armchair Experts undergo the AI translation
The company has plans to expand the group to include ‘The Rewatchables’ from The Ringer and its upcoming show from Trevor Noah.
As part of the trial, the company claims the translated versions will mimic the speaker’s original style, and will be more natural than traditional dubbing.
While Spanish is currently the only language available, French and German will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
All of the translated episodes will be available for all premium and free users of Spotify from September 25.
The music streaming platform has also created a Voice Translations Hub, which will be updated as more content is added to the program.
Ziad Sultan, VP 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 that a thoughtful approach to AI can help build deeper connections between listeners and creators, a key component of Spotify’s mission to unlock the potential of human creativity.’
Spotify developed the feature by using Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s voice transcription tool Whisper.
The company has plans to expand the group to include ‘The Rewatchables’ from The Ringer and its upcoming show from Trevor Noah (pictured)
While Spanish is currently the only language available, French and German will be rolled out in the coming weeks
Spotify has also used the technology on Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, The Bill Simmons Podcast and Diary Of A CEO from Dragons’ Den mogul Steven Bartlett (pictured)
There is also a dedicated Voice Translations Hub, which will be updated with the individual episodes as they are translated.
It is the latest in a string of moves by the Swedish company to boost revenue
Spotify has heavily invested in its podcast business, hoping that the move will bring in more advertisers.
Earlier this year, the music-streaming platform raised the price of its ad-free premium service in more than 50 countries, including the US, UK and Ireland.
