Why ElevenLabs CEO Says AI Audio Models Will Be ‘Commoditized’
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski made a bold prediction: AI audio models will be commoditized over time. As one of the leading innovators in voice AI, ElevenLabs has revolutionized text-to-speech and voice cloning. Yet, Staniszewski believes the next few years will see these once-cutting-edge technologies become accessible, standardized, and widespread — much like today’s image or text models.
Image Credits:Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for SXSW London
What Does ‘Commoditized’ Mean for AI Audio Models?
When the ElevenLabs CEO says AI audio models will be commoditized, he’s referring to the process where proprietary voice-generation technologies become cheaper, more uniform, and widely available across the industry. In his words, “Over the long term, even if there are differences in voices or languages, they’ll become smaller.” This suggests a future where quality voice AI tools are no longer the competitive edge — they’ll be the baseline.
Why ElevenLabs Still Focuses on Building Models
Despite predicting this shift, Staniszewski explained that building high-quality AI audio models is still the “biggest advantage today.” He emphasized that the company continues to innovate internally because current AI voices still face challenges — from realism to emotional nuance. “If the AI voices or interactions don’t sound good, that’s a problem that still needs solving,” he noted. ElevenLabs believes owning its models now ensures leadership even after the technology becomes more mainstream.
What This Means for the Future of AI Voice Technology
The ElevenLabs CEO’s comments highlight a larger trend: the democratization of AI voice tech. As models become commoditized, the true value will shift toward creativity, integration, and personalized experiences. Companies may differentiate less by the models themselves and more by how they use them — in media, accessibility, gaming, and beyond. ElevenLabs’ forward-looking approach positions it to lead both the innovation phase and the era of mass adoption that follows.
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