In a groundbreaking move, ElevenLabs has introduced licensed AI-generated voices of deceased celebrities to its reader app.
This innovative feature allows users to listen to articles, books, and other text content narrated by iconic voices from the past, such as Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier.
Let’s dive in. I’ll show you how to access iconic voices inside the readers app and explain the ethical and legal questions about the use of AI to replicate voices of the deceased.
Table of Contents
No time to read? 3 key highlights:
ElevenLabs adds AI voices of Judy Garland, James Dean, and more.
Ethical concerns addressed through agreements with estates.
Future plans to expand the library with more iconic voices.
Step-by-step guide to using celebrity voices inside ElevenLabs readers app
The ElevenLabs Reader app is designed to convert written content into audio, making it accessible for users on the go. Available for iOS users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, the app can be downloaded for free, with a three-month trial period. Users can upload any text content, including articles, PDFs, ePubs, and newsletters, and choose from a vast library of voices to narrate the content.
Step 1: Download and install the app
Search for “ElevenLabs Reader” in the App Store and download the app.
Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account or log in.
Step 2: Upload your text content
Tap the “Upload” button on the home screen.
Select your text file from your device or input a URL to fetch the content.
Supported formats include articles, PDFs, ePubs, and newsletters.
Step 3: Choose a celebrity voice
Navigate to the voice selection menu .
Browse through the available voices and select your preferred celebrity voice. The app features voices of Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier.
Tap on the voice to hear a sample before making your selection.
Step 4: Customize & listen
Adjust settings such as speed and pitch to suit your preferences.
Tap “Play” to start listening to the content narrated by your chosen celebrity voice.
Enjoy the experience of having iconic voices bring your text to life.
The implications of using AI-generated voices of deceased celebrities
The introduction of AI-generated voices of deceased celebrities brings both excitement and controversy. On one hand, it offers a unique way to experience content, potentially attracting new audiences and providing a nostalgic touch for fans of these iconic figures. On the other hand, it raises significant ethical and legal concerns.
Ethical considerations:
The ethical implications of using AI to replicate the voices of deceased celebrities are complex. While ElevenLabs has secured agreements with the estates of these actors, ensuring legal compliance, questions about the morality of such practices remain. Critics argue that replicating a deceased person’s voice without their explicit consent violates their right to self-ownership and can be seen as exploiting their legacy for commercial gain.
A discussion on Reddit highlights these concerns: “To replicate the likeness of someone without explicit permission from that individual violates their right to self-ownership. Even if the individual is deceased, unauthorized replication remains unethical” .
Legal considerations:
From a legal standpoint, the use of AI-generated voices involves navigating the intricate landscape of intellectual property rights. While individuals cannot copyright their voices, the recordings themselves are subject to copyright protection. This means that any use of these voices must be carefully managed to avoid infringing on existing rights .
How ElevenLabs addresses ethical concerns
ElevenLabs has taken steps to address these ethical concerns by partnering with the estates of the deceased celebrities. This ensures that the use of their voices is authorized and respects the legacy of these iconic figures.
Liza Minnelli, daughter of Judy Garland, expressed her support for the initiative : “It’s exciting to see our mother’s voice available to the countless millions of people who love her. Through the spectacular new technology offered by ElevenLabs, our family believes that this will bring new fans to Mama, and be exciting to those who already cherish the unparalleled legacy that Mama gave and continues to give to the world”.
“We appreciate their thoughtful approach in working with talent in the right way, ” stated Tina Xavie, Chief Marketing Officer of CMG Worldwide, the company responsible for managing the rights of all four estates.
The future of AI-generated voices
The introduction of AI-generated voices of deceased celebrities is just the beginning. ElevenLabs plans to expand its voice library, potentially adding more iconic voices in the future . This move aligns with the company’s mission to make content accessible in any language and voice, leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to enhance the user experience.
To further explore the world of AI voice cloning and related tools, check out these articles:
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New legislation in Tennessee aims to protect songwriters and performers : Understand the legal landscape surrounding AI voice cloning and the protection of artists’ rights. Read more .
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