ElevenLabs Launches Iconic Voice Marketplace with McConaughey’s Support
Artificial intelligence company ElevenLabs is expanding its voice offerings with the introduction of a new “iconic voice marketplace,” supported by actor and investor Matthew McConaughey. This platform aims to connect brands with the digital voices of both living and deceased celebrities, allowing for licensing agreements that enable companies to use these voices in their projects.
The marketplace will facilitate interactions between brands and the representatives or estates of famous figures, making it easier to negotiate terms for the use of their AI-generated voices. ElevenLabs has been developing a library of voices, including those of iconic individuals such as John Wayne, Lana Turner, and Judy Garland, alongside contemporary stars like Michael Caine and Liza Minnelli. These voices can be trained for AI applications, allowing users to prompt them to deliver specific messages.
Dustin Blank, the head of partnerships at ElevenLabs, explained the vision behind the marketplace. “We’re looking to create a library of iconic voices from all kinds of time periods that can be used for all kinds of creative projects,” he said, emphasizing the cultural significance these voices hold.
The technology behind ElevenLabs involves both voice cloning and voice replication. Voice cloning captures the unique characteristics of a person’s voice, while voice replication allows users to generate speech using text prompts. This dual approach positions ElevenLabs at the forefront of AI voice technology, as it continues to develop products that resonate with creators and enterprises.
McConaughey has already made his voice available through ElevenLabs’ existing product, the ElevenReader app, which allows users to select from a range of authorized voices to read various texts. In addition to investing an undisclosed amount, he plans to utilize ElevenLabs to produce a Spanish edition of his newsletter, Lyrics of Livin’, expanding its reach to a broader audience.
The platform has attracted significant financial backing, with investors contributing at least $279 million since its founding by Piotr Dąbkowski and Mati Staniszewski, both of whom have prior experience at major tech companies like Google and Palantir. Their aim is to create ethical sourcing and licensing for celebrity voices, distinguishing ElevenLabs from other companies that may not follow the same standards.
McConaughey expressed enthusiasm for the technology, stating, “Since our first conversation, I’ve been impressed by how the ElevenLabs team has taken the magic of the core technology and turned it into products that creators, enterprises, and storytellers use daily.” His involvement also highlights a growing trend where celebrities can leverage their voices for commercial gain without the need for direct engagement.
As ElevenLabs continues to cultivate its library of voices, questions arise about the implications of using deceased celebrities’ voices. While the technology offers exciting possibilities, it also raises concerns about the impact on traditional voice actors and the ethical considerations of resurrecting voices from the past.
Blank acknowledged the demand for these services, saying, “There’s definitely a demand. We’re here to move that along and make sure there’s a marketplace where it can be filled.”
The marketplace not only streamlines the process for brands but also opens up opportunities for creative projects that could feature voices from history in innovative ways. Imagine Amelia Earhart selling airline tickets or J. Robert Oppenheimer promoting alternative energy solutions.
As voice technology evolves, ElevenLabs is positioned to be a leader in the industry, shaping how we interact with the voices of celebrated figures from both the past and present. The company’s commitment to ethical practices and creative innovation may redefine the landscape of digital media and voice generation in the years to come.
