Spotify has launched an artificial intelligence service to translate podcasts into foreign languages.
The audio-streaming service has worked with OpenAI to develop the pilot for an initial five broadcasters to have their words translated.
Podcasts by Dax Shepard, Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, Bill Simmons, and Steven Bartlett are the initial ones to be piloted. They will be broadcast at first in Spanish, French, and German for a select number of catalogue episodes and future episode releases, Spotify has said.
A statement on Monday said the translated audio will match the original speaker’s style, making for a more authentic listening experience that sounds more personal and natural than traditional dubbing.
Ziad Sultan, who works within personalisation at Spotify, said: “We’re excited to pilot Voice Translation for podcasts, a groundbreaking feature powered by AI that translates podcasts into additional languages — all in the podcaster’s voice.
“By matching the creator’s voice, Voice Translation gives listeners the power to discover and be inspired by new podcasters more authentically than ever.
“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 has said voice-translated episodes from pilot creators will be available worldwide to Premium and free users over the coming weeks. With more podcasts to come, the three available in French and German are:
- Lex Fridman Podcast – Interview with Yuval Noah Harari
- Armchair Expert – Kristen Bell, by the grace of God, returns
- The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett – Interview with Dr Mindy Pelz
A statement added: “Today is just the beginning. We’re excited to empower creators to bring their storytelling to more listeners. The creator and audience feedback from the pilot will provide important insights for future expansion, iterations, and innovations.”
