More than a third of all new podcasts uploaded to streaming platforms are now generated by artificial intelligence, according to industry data. This growing trend, often referred to as “podslop,” has been highlighted by recent figures from the Podcast Index, which indicate that 39 percent of recently uploaded podcasts were likely created using AI.
How AI Podcasts Are Made
AI-generated podcasts can be produced in just minutes using numerous free online tools. These creations feature synthetic voices from artificial hosts discussing topics prompted by the creator. Some companies are dedicated solely to AI podcasting, such as Inception Point AI, which churns out thousands of podcasts each week.
The firm’s website showcases various “AI personalities,” including an English gardener named Nigel Thistledown, a financial advisor called Pennie Power, and celebrity gossip monger VV Steele. “We manage a full slate of AI talent, each optimised for engagement and built to connect with audiences through shared passions,” the site states.
Impact on Creative Industries
Inception Point AI describes its content as “the next chapter in storytelling,” claiming to reach an audience of more than 10 million people. However, the rise of AI-generated content is not limited to podcasts. Other creative industries, including music, film, and literature, are also being inundated with AI-generated material. Advances in generative AI make it increasingly difficult to distinguish synthetic content from human-made works.
A survey of 9,000 people across eight countries last year found that the vast majority of participants could not tell the difference between AI-generated music and songs created by real musicians. Conducted by Ipsos and streaming platform Deezer, the survey revealed that participants were uncomfortable with their inability to distinguish between the two.
According to Deezer, over 50,000 AI-generated tracks are uploaded to its service every day, making up roughly a third of all new music. This has prompted calls for streaming platforms to clearly label content created by AI. Some companies are offering certification services to increase transparency and trust.
Trevor Woods, founding CEO of international certification body Proudly Human, stated: “Providing the clarity to confidently choose human-created content is a fundamental right in an era where AI is increasingly masquerading as human. As the only international certification mark verifying human-created work in multiple industries, Proudly Human restores audience trust and gives creators the recognition they deserve.”
