Spotify launches AI-powered translation for top podcasters Trevor Noah and Kristen Bell that maintains the sounds of their voices in different languages
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- The technology comes from the Microsoft-backed speech transcription tool OpenAI
- Spotify plans to roll out the process to various podcasts in the future
- Dax Shepard, Lex Friedman and Bill Simmons are among the first to be changed
Spotify has launched an AI system that translates popular podcasts into different languages while preserving the sound of the host’s voices.
The translation function can transcribe English and other languages into English, but will be used to clone the speaker’s voice.
As part of the trial, 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 – has had his podcast, Armchair Expert, undergo AI translation.
Spotify has also used the technology for Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, The Bill Simmons Podcast and Diary Of A CEO of Dragons’ Den mogul Steven Bartlett.
Dax Shepard – along with his wife Kristen Bell – has had his The Armchair Experts podcast undergo AI translation
They have plans to expand the group with The Ringer’s “The Rewatchables” and Trevor Noah’s upcoming show.
As part of the trial, 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 rolled out in the coming weeks.
All translated episodes will be available to all Spotify premium and free users 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, said: “By matching the creator’s own voice, Voice Translation empowers listeners around the world 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, an important part of Spotify’s mission to unlock the potential of human creativity.”
Spotify developed the feature using Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s speech transcription tool Whisper.
They have plans to expand the group with The Ringer’s “The Rewatchables” and Trevor Noah’s upcoming show (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 for Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, The Bill Simmons Podcast and Diary Of A CEO of Dragons’ Den mogul Steven Bartlett (pictured)
There is also a dedicated Voice Translations Hub, which is updated with individual episodes as they are translated.
It is the latest in a series of steps by the Swedish company to increase sales
Spotify has invested heavily in its podcast business, hoping the move will bring in more advertisers.
Earlier this year, the music streaming platform increased the price of its ad-free premium service in more than 50 countries, including the US, UK and Ireland.