Spotify unveils AI-powered audiobook creation platform with ElevenLabs

Spotify has announced a new AI-powered audiobook creation tool in partnership with ElevenLabs, giving authors a simpler way to create and self-publish audiobooks through the Spotify for Authors platform. The company revealed the feature during its Investor Day event, stating that it will launch in an invite-only beta this June and will support English-language audiobooks.

The new tool allows authors to generate audiobooks using ElevenLabs’ AI voice technology and publish them directly through Spotify’s platform. Importantly, creators will not be tied to any exclusive agreements, allowing them to distribute their AI-generated audiobooks on other platforms as well.

The announcement expands on Spotify’s existing relationship with ElevenLabs. The companies previously partnered to enable authors to submit audiobooks created with ElevenLabs’ technology to Spotify’s audiobook catalogue. Spotify has also worked with Google Play Books to support digitally narrated audiobooks. Still, the latest integration provides authors with access to more advanced AI voices designed to sound increasingly natural and expressive. ElevenLabs itself launched a self-publishing platform for authors in 2025.

Alongside the audiobook creation tool, Spotify said it is expanding the Spotify for Authors platform to support 10 additional languages, including French, Canadian French, German, Dutch, Latin American Spanish, Swedish, Finnish, Icelandic, Danish, and Norwegian. The company is also planning updates to its Audiobook+ subscription plans later this year, including higher listening limits and new options aimed at students and families. However, specific pricing details were not disclosed.

Spotify reported that Audiobook+ subscriptions have surpassed one million and are on track to generate $100 million in annualised recurring revenue. During the event, the company also introduced a natural-language search feature that will help users discover audiobooks by asking questions in everyday language. In addition, Spotify plans to expand its AI-powered prompt-based playlist feature this summer, allowing users to create audiobook playlists alongside music and podcast recommendations.

Audiobooks have become a major focus for Spotify in recent years. The company has expanded its audiobook catalogue to approximately 700,000 titles, increased availability in international markets, invested in non-English content, introduced in-app audiobook purchases, and launched audiobook charts. Earlier this year, Spotify also began allowing authors to sell physical books in the U.S. and U.K.

According to Spotify, these efforts have helped drive a 60% year-over-year increase in audiobook listening hours. The company added that more than half of its audiobook listeners began using the format within the last year, highlighting continued growth in audience engagement.