Storytel, one of the world’s largest subscription services for audiobook streaming, announced an exclusive partnership with the leading AI speech software provider ElevenLabs earlier this year. The collaboration involves the development of AI voices specifically tailored to Storytel’s core markets and the production of AI narrated audiobooks. The new VoiceSwitcher feature, launched in English during summer 2023 and in Polish in November, allows enhanced personalization of the Storytel service at scale, facilitating truly unique listening experiences customized for every ear.

Founded in 2022, US-based ElevenLabs has rapidly grown to become one of the world’s leading AI voice technology research companies, developing the most compelling AI speech software for publishers and creators.

The partnership with ElevenLabs accentuates Storytel’s recognition of the vast potential presented by the advancements in generative AI and synthetic voices, and the company’s aspiration to take a leading position in AI narration, as a complement to organic voices. 

– We are proud and excited to have reached this multi-year agreement with ElevenLabs. As AI ​​voices have become more sophisticated and versatile, Storytel aspires to offer our customers more choice by deploying this best-in-class solution to tailor their listening experience by choosing from a wider range of voices, says Johan Ståhle, Chief Product Officer at Storytel.

The VoiceSwitcher allows Storytel users to seamlessly switch between a selection of first class AI voices complementing the strong offering of organic human narration in the service. In early 2024 Storytel will add support for Swedish and Danish AI voices.

– ElevenLabs is thrilled to partner up with Storytel, a company which so clearly shares our passion of bringing the world's best audio stories to the world. With a mutual goal of pushing the boundaries, we aim to revolutionize the implementation of AI solutions that enhance the work of publishers and creators. The art of audio storytelling lies in the power of narration, shaping the way stories are perceived. Through our collaboration with Storytel, cutting-edge synthetic voices allow users to personalize their listening experience like never before, says Mati Staniszewski, CEO at Eleven Labs.