ElevenLabs launches curated marketplace for verified iconic AI voices
ElevenLabs is about to launch a storefront that feels more like a boutique than a dump of generic AI voices. The idea is to showcase a handful of high-profile voices that the owners have actually cleared - not an endless list of anonymous tones. By letting only creators who can prove they own the rights list their voices, the service seems poised to dodge the legal gray zone that haunts many AI-audio projects.
A potential buyer can scroll through the curated picks, file a usage request, and then talk straight to the rights holder. The whole flow is meant to keep consent crystal-clear from the get-go, so any commercial rollout is already pre-approved. For companies that want a familiar voice in ads, apps or support bots, this could mean a lot less back-and-forth when licensing.
Only verified talent and IP owners get to list, so you’ll mostly see well-known voices. Rights holders have to sign off on any commercial use ahead of time. Companies browse the catalog, send a request, and negotiate terms directly with the owners. Once everything’s signed, ElevenLabs’ tech can slot the voice into the product - all without the usual legal maze.
Only verified talent and IP owners are eligible, so the platform features only well-known voices. Rights holders must approve any commercial use in advance. Companies browse a curated catalog, submit a request, and connect directly with rights holders to set terms.
Once approved, ElevenLabs' technology powers the project and delivers the results. The marketplace launched with 28 voices, including living celebrities like Michael Caine and Liza Minnelli, and historical figures like Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, and Alan Turing, whose voices were recreated from archival recordings. While open source cloning tools make it tough for rights holders to control their voice, the marketplace gives them a way to profit from their own likeness.
ElevenLabs also announced that actor Matthew McConaughey has been an investor in the company for some time, reflecting growing interest in AI voice technology from the entertainment industry.
ElevenLabs just rolled out its Iconic Voice Marketplace, a small-scale shop where advertisers can pick from AI-generated versions of folks like John Wayne, Judy Garland or Mickey Rooney. You browse, submit a request and then haggle straight with the rights holder. The whole thing is pitched as consent-based and performer-first - only verified talent and IP owners can list a voice.
Once a rights holder gives the green light, ElevenLabs feeds the synthetic audio using its own tech. Acting as a middleman does tidy up the licensing steps, but it also puts a lot of control in one place. The Reader app even lets anyone hear the voices read out loud in that same synthetic style.
ElevenLabs handles the tech side; the legal paperwork stays between buyer and owner. Because every use needs explicit pre-approval, you won’t see a voice pop up without the owner’s okay, which sets this marketplace apart from the more open AI voice tools.
How many estates will actually join, and whether the model can grow beyond a few big names, is still up in the air. Rights holders can set their own fees and limits, though the exact numbers aren’t public. Requiring prior approval might slow down fast-moving campaigns, and the catalog’s focus on famous voices could leave smaller creators with few choices.
The brief doesn’t say how they’ll tackle deep-fake misuse either. For now, it’s a handy way for brands to add a nostalgic flavor to ads, but the real impact on the industry remains to be seen.
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Common Questions Answered
What is the purpose of ElevenLabs' new Iconic Voice Marketplace?
The marketplace is designed to provide a curated catalog of high‑profile synthetic voices that have been verified and cleared by their owners. It aims to give advertisers access to celebrity‑like AI speech while avoiding the legal gray areas that have plagued other AI audio projects.
Which types of voices are included in the initial launch of the marketplace?
ElevenLabs launched the platform with 28 voices, featuring living celebrities such as Michael Caine and Liza Minnelli, as well as historical figures like John Wayne, Judy Garland, and Mickey Rooney. All listed voices are owned by verified talent or IP holders who must approve any commercial use.
How does the marketplace ensure consent and rights‑holder approval for commercial use?
Only verified talent and IP owners can list their voices, and rights holders must explicitly approve each commercial request before any synthetic audio is generated. Companies submit a usage request, negotiate terms directly with the rights holder, and once approved, ElevenLabs' technology delivers the final audio.
What steps must a company follow to use a voice from ElevenLabs' curated catalog?
A company first browses the hand‑picked list of verified iconic voices, then submits a usage request outlining the intended commercial application. After the rights holder reviews and approves the request, ElevenLabs powers the project with its synthetic speech technology and provides the completed audio.