ElevenLabs Launches Global Availability of Text-to-Speech App, Reader

ElevenLabs, an innovative startup specializing in AI-driven tools for creating and editing synthetic voices, is excited to announce that its Reader app is now available worldwide, offering support for 32 languages. Originally launched in June for users in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada, the Reader app allows individuals to upload a variety of text formats—such as articles, PDF documents, and e-books—and listen to them in multiple languages and voices. The app currently supports a diverse array of languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, French, Hindi, German, Japanese, Arabic, Korean, Italian, Tamil, and Swedish.

Achieving unicorn status earlier this year after securing $80 million in funding from notable investors like Andreessen Horowitz, ElevenLabs also provides an API tailored for various applications, including dubbing and text-to-speech functionalities. The company enhances voice interactions on devices like the Rabbit r1, as well as text-to-speech features for AI-driven search engine Perplexity and audio platforms Pocket FM and Kuku FM. The Reader app marks ElevenLabs' debut in consumer products.

The startup has recently expanded its voice library, introducing hundreds of new synthetic voices optimized for a range of languages. In a significant update last month, ElevenLabs secured licenses for voices from iconic actors like Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier for use within the app.

According to ElevenLabs, the app's enhanced language support is powered by the Turbo v2.5 model, which was launched last month and is designed to minimize latency during text-to-speech conversion while improving overall audio quality.

The Reader app's primary competitor is Speechify, which features extra functionalities such as document scanning for text extraction, integrations with Gmail and Canvas, and the ability for users to clone their own voices for reading text aloud. Additionally, apps like Pocket, owned by Mozilla, and Audm from The New York Times, allow users to enjoy audio content as well.

Looking ahead, ElevenLabs plans to introduce exciting new features for the Reader app, including offline access and options to share audio snippets.