ElevenLabs has evolved beyond its origins as a synthetic voice provider, launching a new audiobook publishing program within its Reader app available to all authors. According to a TechCrunch report, the startup aims to control the full production cycle—from content creation to final delivery. This strategic maneuver allows authors to publish directly through the ElevenLabs infrastructure.
A primary objective for the company is to challenge Audible's market dominance. ElevenLabs expects to weaken the industry leader's position by introducing more accessible tools. According to the developers, AI technology radically lowers the barrier to entry: instead of expensive studio rentals and professional production costs, authors are offered subscription plans ranging from $11 to $330 per month. To entice creators away from traditional platforms, ElevenLabs has implemented a payout system where authors earn approximately $1.10 if a user listens to a book for 11 minutes or more. Given that testing showed an average listening time of 19 minutes, these terms appear highly competitive.
Looking ahead, ElevenLabs plans to launch its own full-scale marketplace. While the rewards program is initially limited to English-language content in the United States, the company plans to scale the initiative across all 32 supported languages. This shift fundamentally alters the production chain, enabling authors to release audiobooks significantly faster and at a lower cost.
ElevenLabs is betting on the ownership of its own distribution channel. By offering a hybrid model of high-tech production and a structured payout system, the company is entering a direct confrontation with Audible, whose royalty rates ElevenLabs considers unjustifiably low.