GenFM: ElevenLabs Revolutionizes Podcasting with AI
ElevenLabs' GenFM feature creates multi-speaker podcasts in 32 languages, blending naturalness with innovation to turn content into captivating conversations.
ElevensLabs Rides the AI Podcast Wave
Voice AI specialist startup ElevenLabs unveiled its new feature, “GenFM” last Wednesday. This tool enables the creation of multi-speaker podcasts from various content types, similar to Google’s NotebookLM.
GenFM, the Formula for a “Human” Podcast
Utilizing AI’s ability to generate diverse voices, the GenFM feature is now available on the ElevenLabs Reader app for iOS and supports 32 languages. Users can simply upload a YouTube video or a text document to start. The app automatically selects two voices to create a podcast-like atmosphere.
During the podcast preparation, users might notice playful prompts such as “Sprinkling some umms” or “adding some thoughtful pauses”. Unlike many tools designed to strip out hesitations and stutters, ElevenLabs opts to incorporate them.
A Fine Line Between Natural and Utilitarian
“We debated how much ‘ums’, ‘ahs’, ‘mhmm’/laughs/breaths to include – aiming for the right balance between natural human interaction and the dissemination of useful information,” said Jack McDermott, head of mobile growth at ElevenLabs. He emphasized the company’s intent to foster a natural yet insightful conversation akin to top-tier long podcasts, without interruptions.
An Ambition in Constant Evolution
ElevenLabs plans to introduce more customization options and the ability to add multiple sources to enrich its AI-generated podcasts. Recently, Google enhanced NotebookLM with features allowing for greater customization of AI-generated podcast outputs, showcasing the growing importance of these technologies for content providers.
In addition to launching GenFM, ElevenLabs recently invested $11 million in the Polish startup ecosystem and opened an office in Warsaw. Concurrently, the company is expanding its operations in India, having appointed a business head and started assembling a team. These developments will further integrate AI expertise into ElevenLabs’ projects.