How to Earn Passive Income with AI-Generated Audiobooks: A Guide and Real-Life Applications

Sharon Rajendra Manmothe
Jan 2
15 min read

In the evolving landscape of content creation, AI has made significant strides in enabling creators to generate high-quality content with minimal effort. One exciting avenue that’s gaining popularity is the creation of audiobooks using AI-generated voices. This innovative approach can help creators tap into the booming audiobook market and earn passive income while focusing on more high-level tasks.

In this blog, we’ll explore how you can earn passive income by creating audiobooks with AI technology and dive into some real-life applications of this concept.

What Is AI-Generated Audiobooks?

AI-generated audiobooks are produced using text-to-speech (TTS) software powered by advanced artificial intelligence. These tools can convert written text into spoken word with remarkable accuracy, speed, and quality. The process involves feeding a book or document into an AI system, which then reads the text aloud, creating a lifelike narration.

This is in contrast to traditional audiobook production, which requires hiring voice actors, narrators, or recording studios. AI-generated audiobooks are not only cost-effective but also incredibly fast and scalable, making them an attractive option for anyone interested in passive income.

How to Earn Passive Income with AI-Generated Audiobooks

How to Earn Passive Income with AI Audiobooks

1. Write or Source a Book

The first step to earning passive income with AI-generated audiobooks is to create or source a book. You can either:

Write Your Own Book: If you’re a writer, you can create your own eBook or manuscript. Topics could range from fiction, non-fiction, self-help, to educational content.
Source Public Domain Content: Another route is to explore public domain books. Websites like Project Gutenberg offer thousands of free eBooks that you can turn into audiobooks without worrying about copyright restrictions. Classics like Pride and Prejudice or Moby Dick are excellent candidates for AI narration.

2. Convert Text into Audio Using AI

Once you have your book, the next step is to convert it into an audiobook using AI-based text-to-speech software. There are several platforms and tools that can help you do this, such as:

Google Text-to-Speech API: A robust tool offering a variety of voices and languages.
Amazon Polly: Another excellent TTS service that provides lifelike voices and is widely used in audiobook production.
Descript: Known for its AI voice cloning, Descript can generate voiceover narration from your script.
Speechify: A popular tool for creating audiobooks, especially for accessibility-focused projects.

These platforms allow you to choose different voices, accents, and tones for your narration. They can also provide a highly polished end product in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional audiobook production.

3. Distribute and Monetize Your Audiobook

Once your audiobook is ready, it's time to distribute it to platforms that offer royalties and payments for audiobooks. Some of the most popular platforms include:

Audible: Audible, owned by Amazon, is one of the largest audiobook platforms and pays authors and creators royalties based on audiobook sales.
Apple Books: Apple’s audiobook platform allows authors to upload and sell their works while earning a percentage of each sale.
Google Play Books: A strong competitor in the audiobook market, Google Play Books also offers a self-publishing route.
Kobo Audiobooks: Kobo offers an audiobook platform similar to Audible, with distribution options worldwide.

By uploading your AI-generated audiobooks to these platforms, you can earn passive income through sales and royalties without needing to do much after the initial creation.

Real-Life Applications of AI-Generated Audiobooks

AI-generated audiobooks offer many exciting possibilities beyond traditional literature. Here are some real-life applications that demonstrate the versatility and potential of this innovative technology.

1. Educational Content

AI-generated audiobooks are perfect for educational content. Schools, universities, and online learning platforms can use AI-generated narrations for textbooks, lecture notes, and study materials. By converting dense educational content into audio format, students can access it on the go and listen during commutes or workouts.

For example, Khan Academy or Coursera could use AI-generated narrations to create an immersive and accessible learning experience for their users, particularly for those with visual impairments or learning disabilities.

2. Language Learning

AI-generated audiobooks are also valuable for language learning platforms. By converting texts in different languages into audiobooks, learners can improve their pronunciation, intonation, and comprehension skills. Apps like Duolingo or Babbel could expand their offerings by using AI to produce language-specific audiobooks or pronunciation guides.

3. Self-Help and Motivational Books

The self-help industry is thriving, with millions of people seeking books on personal development, wellness, productivity, and mental health. With AI-generated voices, creators can quickly turn their written content into audiobooks for self-help audiences. The convenience of having motivational content available in audio format can increase engagement and revenue for creators.

A real-life example of this could be Tony Robbins using AI-generated voices to expand the reach of his seminars and books to a broader audience without the need for costly voiceover work.

4. Personalized Content for Accessibility

AI audiobooks can also cater to individuals with disabilities, providing more accessible content than ever before. Blind or visually impaired readers can easily access books through AI-generated narrations, making previously inaccessible content readily available. The use of natural-sounding voices, paired with customizable reading speeds and intonation, enhances the experience.

For instance, platforms like Bookshare and Learning Ally provide audiobooks for those with disabilities, and AI could allow them to expand their catalog even further with less cost.

5. Audio Summaries of Popular Books

With the increasing popularity of "book summary" services, AI-generated audiobooks can be used to summarize popular books into bite-sized audio segments. Services like Blinkist already offer condensed versions of bestsellers. With AI, these summaries can be created in real-time for more books, creating a scalable and efficient business model.

Final Thoughts: The Future of AI Audiobooks

AI-generated audiobooks present an exciting opportunity to earn passive income by creating and distributing books at scale. Whether you're a writer looking to diversify your income or an entrepreneur seeking to enter the audiobook market, AI provides the tools to produce high-quality audiobooks without breaking the bank.

With real-life applications ranging from educational content and self-help books to personalized audio summaries, AI-generated audiobooks are not only a smart way to earn passive income but also a revolutionary tool for content creators across industries.

Start exploring the possibilities today and see how AI can transform the way you create and monetize your content!

How to Use Google Cloud Text-to-Speech to Create AI-Powered Audiobooks: A Step-by-Step Guide

With the rise of AI and machine learning, generating audiobooks has become more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a writer, content creator, or entrepreneur, you can now use Google Cloud’s Text-to-Speech (TTS) API to convert your written content into natural-sounding audiobooks. This guide will walk you through the process of using Google's TTS API, powered by DeepMind’s speech synthesis expertise, to create professional-grade audiobooks for personal or commercial use.

Why Use Google Cloud Text-to-Speech for Audiobooks?

Google’s Text-to-Speech API offers several benefits that make it ideal for generating high-quality audiobooks:

Natural, Humanlike Voices: The API uses DeepMind’s advanced technology, allowing it to create speech with human-like intonation and pronunciation.
Wide Voice Selection: Choose from 380+ voices in 50+ languages and variants to match the tone, gender, and style you prefer for your audiobook.
Customization: Customize speech characteristics such as pitch, speed, and volume to make your audiobook sound just right.
Cost-Effective: Google offers free usage tiers, which makes it a budget-friendly option for creating audiobooks without the need for voice actors.

Step 1: Set Up Google Cloud Account

Before you can use Google’s Text-to-Speech API, you need to set up a Google Cloud account.

Create a Google Cloud account: Go to the Google Cloud Console and sign up or log in if you already have an account.
Enable the Text-to-Speech API: Navigate to the "API & Services" section and enable the Text-to-Speech API in your project.
Get API Credentials: To interact with the API, you need an API key or OAuth credentials. Go to the “Credentials” tab in the Cloud Console to generate these.
Add Billing: Ensure that billing is set up, as Google Cloud requires it to use most services, though they offer a free tier with monthly usage limits.

Step 2: Choose Your Text

The next step is to choose the text you want to convert into an audiobook. This could be an eBook you’ve written, a blog post, or even content from the public domain.

Original Text: If you’re writing the content yourself, make sure your text is well-structured and free from errors before feeding it into the TTS API.
Public Domain Content: For those looking to quickly generate an audiobook without the need to write original content, you can use works from platforms like Project Gutenberg that offer books in the public domain.

Step 3: Prepare the Text for Conversion

You’ll need to prepare your text file for conversion into speech. Google’s Text-to-Speech API accepts various text formats, but it’s best to use a plain text file (.txt) or SSML (Speech Synthesis Markup Language) for better control over pronunciation, pauses, and other nuances.

SSML for Advanced Features: If you want to customize the speech output (e.g., add pauses, change pitch, or emphasize certain words), SSML allows you to do that. It provides fine-grained control over the speech output.

Here’s a sample of SSML you can use:

xml

<speak> <prosody rate="fast" pitch="high">Welcome to our audiobook.</prosody> <break time="500ms"/> <prosody rate="medium" pitch="medium">In this chapter, we explore the world of AI.</prosody> </speak>

Plain Text for Simplicity: If you don’t need advanced customization, a basic .txt file will work perfectly.

Step 4: Use Google Cloud's Text-to-Speech API to Convert the Text

Now it’s time to convert your text into an audiobook using the API. Here’s a basic example of how to interact with the Text-to-Speech API using Python.

Set up Python Environment

Install Google Cloud’s client library:

pip install google-cloud-texttospeech

Import necessary libraries and set up the API client:

from google.cloud import texttospeech client = texttospeech.TextToSpeechClient()

Prepare the Input Text

Prepare your text (or SSML) to be converted into audio:

synthesis_input = texttospeech.SynthesisInput(text="Hello, welcome to this AI-generated audiobook.")

Or for SSML:

synthesis_input = texttospeech.SynthesisInput(ssml="<speak>Hello, welcome to this AI-generated audiobook.</speak>")

Select Voice and Audio Settings

Select the voice and other settings:

voice = texttospeech.VoiceSelectionParams( language_code="en-US", ssml_gender=texttospeech.SsmlVoiceGender.FEMALE ) audio_config = texttospeech.AudioConfig( audio_encoding=texttospeech.AudioEncoding.MP3 )

You can customize the voice based on your preferences. Choose from male or female voices, different accents, and languages.

Generate the Audio File

Call the API to generate the audio and save it as an MP3 file:
python
Copy code
response = client.synthesize_speech( input=synthesis_input, voice=voice, audio_config=audio_config ) with open("output.mp3", "wb") as out: out.write(response.audio_content)

This will save the converted audiobook as an MP3 file on your computer. You can play it back or upload it to audiobook platforms like Audible, Google Play Books, or Apple Books.

Step 5: Distribute Your Audiobook

After generating the MP3 or other audio files, it's time to distribute your audiobook. Here’s how you can do that:

Upload to Audiobook Platforms: Services like Audible, Apple Books, and Google Play allow creators to upload and sell their audiobooks. You’ll earn royalties based on sales.
Create a Website: You can host the audiobook on your own website or use platforms like Gumroad to sell it directly to customers.
Subscription-Based Services: For a more consistent income stream, consider joining subscription-based audiobook platforms or hosting your audiobooks on services like Patreon.

Step 6: Monitor and Optimize

Once your audiobook is available for sale or download, it’s essential to track its performance:

Check Analytics: Platforms like Audible and Google Play Books provide analytics to track your audiobook’s sales, allowing you to optimize marketing and improve your content.
Experiment with Voices: If you have multiple voices or tones available, consider testing them to see which resonates best with your audience.
Customer Feedback: Listen to feedback from customers and listeners to refine future audiobooks, such as adjusting the voice tone or adjusting the pacing.

Start Creating Your Own AI-Powered Audiobooks

Creating audiobooks using Google Cloud’s Text-to-Speech API offers an affordable and efficient way to generate high-quality spoken content. By leveraging AI technology, you can reach a global audience and start earning passive income by selling or distributing your audiobooks across multiple platforms.

With flexible voice options, customization features, and an easy-to-use interface, Google Cloud Text-to-Speech makes the audiobook creation process simple, fast, and scalable. Now, go ahead and start converting your text into the voice of your choice and take the next step in the audiobook industry. Happy creating!

What is Amazon Polly?

Amazon Polly is a fully-managed service from AWS that turns text into natural-sounding speech. Using deep learning technologies, Polly converts written text into lifelike speech, which can be used for various applications such as virtual assistants, accessibility features, or content delivery. Polly offers dozens of lifelike voices in multiple languages, making it suitable for global audiences and use cases.

Key Features of Amazon Polly

Lifelike Voices: Polly uses neural network technology to generate high-quality voices that sound natural. It supports various male and female voices in more than 60 languages, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic. The voices are created from native speakers and can even include regional accents and different tonal variations.
Customization: You can control how the speech sounds, including adjusting the pitch, rate, and volume. Polly also supports SSML (Speech Synthesis Markup Language), which allows you to modify speech attributes such as pauses, emphasis, and pronunciation for a more personalized user experience.
Neural Networks and Generative AI: Polly uses generative AI to synthesize speech that mimics natural human conversation. This makes it more conversational and engaging compared to traditional TTS systems.
Wide Use Cases:
- Accessible Content: Polly can help make digital content more accessible, turning text into audio for users with visual impairments or learning disabilities.
- Audiobooks: You can use Polly to generate professional-sounding audiobooks at a fraction of the cost of hiring voice actors.
- Customer Engagement: For businesses, Polly’s lifelike voices can be integrated into applications, voicebots, or interactive voice response (IVR) systems to improve customer service.
Real-Time Speech Generation: You can generate speech on demand and integrate it with applications and websites. Polly supports real-time speech synthesis, making it ideal for interactive systems or live updates.
Flexible API Integration: Amazon Polly is available through a simple API, allowing you to integrate TTS capabilities into websites, apps, or devices. This enables you to scale your audio content delivery and create dynamic speech experiences across platforms.

How to Use Amazon Polly to Create Audiobooks or Audio Content

Here’s a simple process for creating an audiobook or audio content using Amazon Polly:

Sign Up for AWS: If you don’t already have an AWS account, go to the AWS sign-up page and create one. New customers get 5 million characters free per month for the first 12 months.
Prepare Your Text: Write the content you want to convert into speech. This could be a chapter from a book, a blog post, or any text you’d like to turn into audio.
Use Polly’s API:
- Install the AWS SDK in your preferred programming language (e.g., Python, Node.js).
- Prepare your text and decide on the voice and language.
- Use the following basic Python code to generate speech:

import boto3 # Initialize Polly client polly_client = boto3.Session( aws_access_key_id='YOUR_ACCESS_KEY', aws_secret_access_key='YOUR_SECRET_KEY', region_name='us-west-2').client('polly') # Input text text = "Hello, welcome to this audiobook generated with Amazon Polly." # Request Polly to generate speech response = polly_client.synthesize_speech( Text=text, OutputFormat='mp3', VoiceId='Joanna' ) # Save the audio file with open("output.mp3", "wb") as file: file.write(response['AudioStream'].read()

Customize the Output (Optional): Use SSML tags to control aspects like pitch, speed, and pauses in the speech:
xml

<speak> <prosody rate="fast" pitch="high">Welcome to this audiobook.</prosody> <break time="500ms"/> <prosody rate="medium" pitch="medium">Let's get started.</prosody> </speak>

Download and Share: Once Polly generates the audio, you can download the MP3 file. From there, you can share it on your website, upload it to audiobook platforms, or distribute it to your audience through podcast channels or email.

Pricing for Amazon Polly

Amazon Polly offers a free tier with up to 5 million characters per month for the first 12 months. After the free tier, you’ll pay based on the number of characters processed. Pricing is based on the output format (e.g., MP3 or OGG) and the number of characters in the text.

For more detailed pricing, visit Amazon Polly Pricing.

Real-Life Applications of Amazon Polly

The Washington Post: They use Amazon Polly to convert written news articles into audio, providing readers with an option to listen to the content while on the go.
Trinity Audio: This company integrates Polly to embed text-to-speech players into their website, offering users the ability to listen to articles or blog posts.
USA Today Network: They use Polly to quickly deliver breaking news to their audience by generating audio content in real time.
Virtual Assistants and Voicebots: Polly is used to power conversational agents and virtual assistants, providing more engaging and humanlike interactions with customers.

Start Creating with Amazon Polly

Amazon Polly is an excellent tool for anyone looking to create audiobooks, podcasts, or audio content for accessibility and engagement. With its lifelike voices, neural network-powered speech synthesis, and flexible integration, Polly can help you transform written content into dynamic, interactive audio experiences.

Get started by creating your free AWS account and explore how Amazon Polly can take your content to the next level!

How to Use Descript: The All-in-One AI-Powered Editing Tool

Descript is revolutionizing the way creators edit videos, podcasts, and audio by making the process as simple as editing text. Whether you're a hobbyist, creator, or business professional, Descript has tools designed to make your content creation process smoother, faster, and more efficient. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started with Descript and leverage its powerful features.

Step 1: Sign Up and Install

Visit Descript's websiteHead over to Descript's official website and sign up for a free account.
Download the applicationOnce registered, download the Descript app compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS).
Choose a planWhile Descript offers a free tier, you might want to explore its paid plans to unlock advanced features like AI tools, watermark-free exports, and 4K resolution.

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Interface

Descript's interface is intuitive, resembling text editors and slide-making tools. This design ensures a shallow learning curve, even for beginners. Key areas to explore include:

Timeline Editor: View and adjust audio or video segments.
Transcript Area: Edit audio and video by simply editing text.
Templates and Layouts: Quickly arrange visuals for a professional look.

Step 3: Start Your Project

Create a new projectLaunch Descript, and start by creating a new project. Give your project a name and import your media files (audio, video, or screen recordings).
Automatic transcriptionDescript uses AI to transcribe your audio or video into text. This transcription allows you to edit your media by editing the text directly.

Step 4: Edit Like a Pro

Text-Based Editing

Cut and trim: Simply delete words from the transcript to remove corresponding audio or video.
Remove filler words: Use AI tools to automatically cut out "ums," "uhs," and other filler words.

AI-Powered Features

Eye Contact: AI adjusts your video to make it appear like you’re looking directly at the camera.
Studio Sound: Enhance your audio quality by removing noise and making voices clearer.
Green Screen Replacement: Swap out your video background effortlessly using AI.
Translation and Captions: Translate content or add captions with just a few clicks.

Step 5: Collaborate and Finalize

Collaborate with your team

Share your project with teammates for feedback and real-time collaboration.
Polish your content

Use Descript's templates, stock media, and royalty-free audio to enhance your project.

Step 6: Export and Share

Once satisfied, export your project in your preferred format. Descript supports:

Video exports up to 4K resolution.
Audio for podcasts or music.
Text transcripts for accessibility or additional content needs.

You can directly publish your work to platforms like YouTube, social media, or your website.

Step 7: Explore Additional Features

For Businesses and Teams

Descript simplifies the creation of marketing videos, internal training modules, or educational content. Its enterprise features enable scalability and efficiency.

For Podcasters

Easily record, transcribe, edit, and publish your podcast episodes—all within Descript.

Why Choose Descript?

Descript eliminates the need for multiple tools, offering a comprehensive solution for creating professional-grade content. From transcription to publishing, Descript has you covered.

Speechify: The Ultimate Text-to-Speech & AI Voice Generator Solution

In the fast-paced world of today, staying productive and consuming information efficiently is essential. Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech (TTS) platform and AI voice generator, has emerged as a game-changer for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to transform written text into an engaging audio experience.

Why Speechify?

Founded by Cliff Weitzman, Speechify was born out of a personal struggle with dyslexia. Cliff’s journey from relying on his father to read Harry Potter aloud to creating a tool that helps over 30 million users is nothing short of inspiring. Speechify allows users to read 3x faster, retain more information, and reduce stress—making it an indispensable tool for millions.

Key Features of Speechify

Lifelike AI Voices: Speechify offers over 200 natural, human-like voices in 60+ languages, ensuring an inclusive and personalized experience for users worldwide. You can even clone your own voice or choose voices with emotional tones to suit your needs.
Read Anywhere, Anytime: Whether you're on your iPhone, Android device, Mac, or using the web app, Speechify seamlessly integrates across platforms. The Chrome extension and Edge add-on make it effortless to listen to Google Docs, emails, and online articles.
Speed Reading: Speechify users can listen to content at up to 4.5x the speed of traditional reading. This translates to significant time savings, especially for professionals and students juggling multiple responsibilities.
AI Summaries: Speechify’s AI generates concise summaries of lengthy documents, ensuring you get the key takeaways without sifting through the entire content.
Scan and Listen: Snap a picture of a physical document or book page, and Speechify will instantly convert it to audio, revolutionizing how we interact with printed materials.

Tailored Solutions for Everyone

Speechify caters to a diverse audience:

Students and Educators: Text-to-speech enhances learning for those with dyslexia, ADHD, or visual impairments, while boosting retention for all learners.
Professionals: Lawyers, doctors, and other professionals can save time by listening to long reports and industry updates.
Content Creators: Speechify Studio provides tools for voice dubbing, cloning, and creating voiceovers for videos, ads, podcasts, and more.
Businesses: The Text-to-Speech API enables seamless integration of Speechify’s advanced features into enterprise applications.

Success Stories

The impact of Speechify is echoed by its users. From professionals who streamline their workdays to students who overcome learning challenges, the app’s reviews speak volumes:

Sir Richard Branson highlights its brilliance, especially for those with dyslexia.
Medical professionals praise it for improving comprehension of complex texts.
Content creators love how it speeds up script reviews and enhances productivity.

Innovating with Speechify Studio

Speechify Studio takes voice technology to new heights with:

AI Voice Generator: Access over 1,000 voices with customizable accents and emotions.
AI Voice Cloning: Create unique, personalized voices for content creation.
AI Dubbing: Easily translate and dub content into multiple languages.

Get Started Today

Speechify is more than a TTS tool; it’s a productivity enhancer, a learning companion, and a creativity booster. Whether you need to read faster, retain more, or create engaging content, Speechify has you covered.

Start your journey today and experience the future of text-to-speech technology. With plans tailored for individuals, schools, and businesses, there’s a Speechify solution for everyone.

Try Speechify for free and discover how it can transform the way you read, learn, and create.

About the FounderCliff Weitzman’s mission is simple: to be the hero he needed as a child. With Speechify, he’s helping millions achieve their goals and unlock their full potential. Join the movement and let Speechify read to you!