ElevenLabs CEO Predicts Commoditization of AI Audio Models Within Years

Lilu Anderson
Photo: Finoracle.net

ElevenLabs’ CEO provides a nuanced perspective on the AI audio market, balancing optimism about near-term model innovation with realism about commoditization pressures. The company’s dual focus on proprietary model development and application building positions it well to capture value amid evolving industry dynamics. !-- wp:paragraph -->

  • Opportunities: Expansion into multi-modal AI opens new product avenues combining audio, video, and language processing.
  • Risks: Rapid commoditization may erode competitive advantages from proprietary models.
  • Strategic partnerships: Collaborations and open source integration can accelerate innovation and market reach.
  • Market differentiation: High-quality, scalable AI voices remain a critical differentiator in the short term.
Impact: ElevenLabs’ approach to balancing innovation with practical applications is likely to sustain its market relevance despite the inevitable commoditization of AI audio models. !-- wp:paragraph --> Staniszewski articulated ElevenLabs’ long-term strategy to focus not only on advanced model development but also on building practical applications that deliver enduring value. !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The same way software and hardware was the magic for Apple, we think the product and AI will be the magic for the generation of the best use cases,” he stated.

FinOracleAI — Market View

ElevenLabs’ CEO provides a nuanced perspective on the AI audio market, balancing optimism about near-term model innovation with realism about commoditization pressures. The company’s dual focus on proprietary model development and application building positions it well to capture value amid evolving industry dynamics. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Expansion into multi-modal AI opens new product avenues combining audio, video, and language processing.
  • Risks: Rapid commoditization may erode competitive advantages from proprietary models.
  • Strategic partnerships: Collaborations and open source integration can accelerate innovation and market reach.
  • Market differentiation: High-quality, scalable AI voices remain a critical differentiator in the short term.
Impact: ElevenLabs’ approach to balancing innovation with practical applications is likely to sustain its market relevance despite the inevitable commoditization of AI audio models. !-- wp:paragraph --> Looking ahead, Staniszewski highlighted a growing trend toward multi-modal AI, where audio, video, and large language models (LLMs) converge to create richer user experiences. He cited Google’s Veo 3 as an example of this fused approach enabling simultaneous audio and video generation in conversational settings. !-- wp:paragraph --> ElevenLabs aims to leverage this trend by forming partnerships and integrating open source technologies to combine its audio expertise with complementary AI capabilities. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Balancing Innovation and Application for Sustainable Value

Staniszewski articulated ElevenLabs’ long-term strategy to focus not only on advanced model development but also on building practical applications that deliver enduring value. !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The same way software and hardware was the magic for Apple, we think the product and AI will be the magic for the generation of the best use cases,” he stated.

FinOracleAI — Market View

ElevenLabs’ CEO provides a nuanced perspective on the AI audio market, balancing optimism about near-term model innovation with realism about commoditization pressures. The company’s dual focus on proprietary model development and application building positions it well to capture value amid evolving industry dynamics. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Expansion into multi-modal AI opens new product avenues combining audio, video, and language processing.
  • Risks: Rapid commoditization may erode competitive advantages from proprietary models.
  • Strategic partnerships: Collaborations and open source integration can accelerate innovation and market reach.
  • Market differentiation: High-quality, scalable AI voices remain a critical differentiator in the short term.
Impact: ElevenLabs’ approach to balancing innovation with practical applications is likely to sustain its market relevance despite the inevitable commoditization of AI audio models. !-- wp:paragraph --> Looking ahead, Staniszewski highlighted a growing trend toward multi-modal AI, where audio, video, and large language models (LLMs) converge to create richer user experiences. He cited Google’s Veo 3 as an example of this fused approach enabling simultaneous audio and video generation in conversational settings. !-- wp:paragraph --> ElevenLabs aims to leverage this trend by forming partnerships and integrating open source technologies to combine its audio expertise with complementary AI capabilities. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Balancing Innovation and Application for Sustainable Value

Staniszewski articulated ElevenLabs’ long-term strategy to focus not only on advanced model development but also on building practical applications that deliver enduring value. !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The same way software and hardware was the magic for Apple, we think the product and AI will be the magic for the generation of the best use cases,” he stated.

FinOracleAI — Market View

ElevenLabs’ CEO provides a nuanced perspective on the AI audio market, balancing optimism about near-term model innovation with realism about commoditization pressures. The company’s dual focus on proprietary model development and application building positions it well to capture value amid evolving industry dynamics. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Expansion into multi-modal AI opens new product avenues combining audio, video, and language processing.
  • Risks: Rapid commoditization may erode competitive advantages from proprietary models.
  • Strategic partnerships: Collaborations and open source integration can accelerate innovation and market reach.
  • Market differentiation: High-quality, scalable AI voices remain a critical differentiator in the short term.
Impact: ElevenLabs’ approach to balancing innovation with practical applications is likely to sustain its market relevance despite the inevitable commoditization of AI audio models. !-- wp:paragraph --> He also noted that different use cases will likely require distinct models, particularly for applications demanding reliability and scalability. !-- wp:paragraph -->

The Rise of Multi-Modal AI Models

Looking ahead, Staniszewski highlighted a growing trend toward multi-modal AI, where audio, video, and large language models (LLMs) converge to create richer user experiences. He cited Google’s Veo 3 as an example of this fused approach enabling simultaneous audio and video generation in conversational settings. !-- wp:paragraph --> ElevenLabs aims to leverage this trend by forming partnerships and integrating open source technologies to combine its audio expertise with complementary AI capabilities. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Balancing Innovation and Application for Sustainable Value

Staniszewski articulated ElevenLabs’ long-term strategy to focus not only on advanced model development but also on building practical applications that deliver enduring value. !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The same way software and hardware was the magic for Apple, we think the product and AI will be the magic for the generation of the best use cases,” he stated.

FinOracleAI — Market View

ElevenLabs’ CEO provides a nuanced perspective on the AI audio market, balancing optimism about near-term model innovation with realism about commoditization pressures. The company’s dual focus on proprietary model development and application building positions it well to capture value amid evolving industry dynamics. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Expansion into multi-modal AI opens new product avenues combining audio, video, and language processing.
  • Risks: Rapid commoditization may erode competitive advantages from proprietary models.
  • Strategic partnerships: Collaborations and open source integration can accelerate innovation and market reach.
  • Market differentiation: High-quality, scalable AI voices remain a critical differentiator in the short term.
Impact: ElevenLabs’ approach to balancing innovation with practical applications is likely to sustain its market relevance despite the inevitable commoditization of AI audio models. !-- wp:paragraph --> Despite the anticipated commoditization, ElevenLabs continues to invest heavily in building its own AI audio models. Staniszewski emphasized that in the current landscape, proprietary models represent the “biggest advantage and the biggest step change you can have today.” !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The only way to solve it is… building the models yourself, and then, over the long term, there will be other players that will solve that, too,” Staniszewski explained, referring to the challenge of producing high-quality AI voices and interactions.
He also noted that different use cases will likely require distinct models, particularly for applications demanding reliability and scalability. !-- wp:paragraph -->

The Rise of Multi-Modal AI Models

Looking ahead, Staniszewski highlighted a growing trend toward multi-modal AI, where audio, video, and large language models (LLMs) converge to create richer user experiences. He cited Google’s Veo 3 as an example of this fused approach enabling simultaneous audio and video generation in conversational settings. !-- wp:paragraph --> ElevenLabs aims to leverage this trend by forming partnerships and integrating open source technologies to combine its audio expertise with complementary AI capabilities. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Balancing Innovation and Application for Sustainable Value

Staniszewski articulated ElevenLabs’ long-term strategy to focus not only on advanced model development but also on building practical applications that deliver enduring value. !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The same way software and hardware was the magic for Apple, we think the product and AI will be the magic for the generation of the best use cases,” he stated.

FinOracleAI — Market View

ElevenLabs’ CEO provides a nuanced perspective on the AI audio market, balancing optimism about near-term model innovation with realism about commoditization pressures. The company’s dual focus on proprietary model development and application building positions it well to capture value amid evolving industry dynamics. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Expansion into multi-modal AI opens new product avenues combining audio, video, and language processing.
  • Risks: Rapid commoditization may erode competitive advantages from proprietary models.
  • Strategic partnerships: Collaborations and open source integration can accelerate innovation and market reach.
  • Market differentiation: High-quality, scalable AI voices remain a critical differentiator in the short term.
Impact: ElevenLabs’ approach to balancing innovation with practical applications is likely to sustain its market relevance despite the inevitable commoditization of AI audio models. !-- wp:paragraph --> ElevenLabs co-founder and CEO Mati Staniszewski shared a candid outlook on the future of AI audio technology during his keynote at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. He predicted that AI audio models will become commoditized over the next couple of years, signaling a significant shift in the industry landscape. !-- wp:paragraph --> Staniszewski acknowledged that while differences among models—particularly in voice quality and language support—will persist, these distinctions will narrow considerably as the technology matures. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Short-Term Focus: Proprietary Model Development Remains Key

Despite the anticipated commoditization, ElevenLabs continues to invest heavily in building its own AI audio models. Staniszewski emphasized that in the current landscape, proprietary models represent the “biggest advantage and the biggest step change you can have today.” !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The only way to solve it is… building the models yourself, and then, over the long term, there will be other players that will solve that, too,” Staniszewski explained, referring to the challenge of producing high-quality AI voices and interactions.
He also noted that different use cases will likely require distinct models, particularly for applications demanding reliability and scalability. !-- wp:paragraph -->

The Rise of Multi-Modal AI Models

Looking ahead, Staniszewski highlighted a growing trend toward multi-modal AI, where audio, video, and large language models (LLMs) converge to create richer user experiences. He cited Google’s Veo 3 as an example of this fused approach enabling simultaneous audio and video generation in conversational settings. !-- wp:paragraph --> ElevenLabs aims to leverage this trend by forming partnerships and integrating open source technologies to combine its audio expertise with complementary AI capabilities. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Balancing Innovation and Application for Sustainable Value

Staniszewski articulated ElevenLabs’ long-term strategy to focus not only on advanced model development but also on building practical applications that deliver enduring value. !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The same way software and hardware was the magic for Apple, we think the product and AI will be the magic for the generation of the best use cases,” he stated.

FinOracleAI — Market View

ElevenLabs’ CEO provides a nuanced perspective on the AI audio market, balancing optimism about near-term model innovation with realism about commoditization pressures. The company’s dual focus on proprietary model development and application building positions it well to capture value amid evolving industry dynamics. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Expansion into multi-modal AI opens new product avenues combining audio, video, and language processing.
  • Risks: Rapid commoditization may erode competitive advantages from proprietary models.
  • Strategic partnerships: Collaborations and open source integration can accelerate innovation and market reach.
  • Market differentiation: High-quality, scalable AI voices remain a critical differentiator in the short term.
Impact: ElevenLabs’ approach to balancing innovation with practical applications is likely to sustain its market relevance despite the inevitable commoditization of AI audio models. !-- wp:paragraph --> ElevenLabs co-founder and CEO Mati Staniszewski shared a candid outlook on the future of AI audio technology during his keynote at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. He predicted that AI audio models will become commoditized over the next couple of years, signaling a significant shift in the industry landscape. !-- wp:paragraph --> Staniszewski acknowledged that while differences among models—particularly in voice quality and language support—will persist, these distinctions will narrow considerably as the technology matures. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Short-Term Focus: Proprietary Model Development Remains Key

Despite the anticipated commoditization, ElevenLabs continues to invest heavily in building its own AI audio models. Staniszewski emphasized that in the current landscape, proprietary models represent the “biggest advantage and the biggest step change you can have today.” !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The only way to solve it is… building the models yourself, and then, over the long term, there will be other players that will solve that, too,” Staniszewski explained, referring to the challenge of producing high-quality AI voices and interactions.
He also noted that different use cases will likely require distinct models, particularly for applications demanding reliability and scalability. !-- wp:paragraph -->

The Rise of Multi-Modal AI Models

Looking ahead, Staniszewski highlighted a growing trend toward multi-modal AI, where audio, video, and large language models (LLMs) converge to create richer user experiences. He cited Google’s Veo 3 as an example of this fused approach enabling simultaneous audio and video generation in conversational settings. !-- wp:paragraph --> ElevenLabs aims to leverage this trend by forming partnerships and integrating open source technologies to combine its audio expertise with complementary AI capabilities. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Balancing Innovation and Application for Sustainable Value

Staniszewski articulated ElevenLabs’ long-term strategy to focus not only on advanced model development but also on building practical applications that deliver enduring value. !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The same way software and hardware was the magic for Apple, we think the product and AI will be the magic for the generation of the best use cases,” he stated.

FinOracleAI — Market View

ElevenLabs’ CEO provides a nuanced perspective on the AI audio market, balancing optimism about near-term model innovation with realism about commoditization pressures. The company’s dual focus on proprietary model development and application building positions it well to capture value amid evolving industry dynamics. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Expansion into multi-modal AI opens new product avenues combining audio, video, and language processing.
  • Risks: Rapid commoditization may erode competitive advantages from proprietary models.
  • Strategic partnerships: Collaborations and open source integration can accelerate innovation and market reach.
  • Market differentiation: High-quality, scalable AI voices remain a critical differentiator in the short term.
Impact: ElevenLabs’ approach to balancing innovation with practical applications is likely to sustain its market relevance despite the inevitable commoditization of AI audio models. !-- wp:paragraph -->

ElevenLabs CEO Foresees AI Audio Models Becoming Commoditized

ElevenLabs co-founder and CEO Mati Staniszewski shared a candid outlook on the future of AI audio technology during his keynote at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. He predicted that AI audio models will become commoditized over the next couple of years, signaling a significant shift in the industry landscape. !-- wp:paragraph --> Staniszewski acknowledged that while differences among models—particularly in voice quality and language support—will persist, these distinctions will narrow considerably as the technology matures. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Short-Term Focus: Proprietary Model Development Remains Key

Despite the anticipated commoditization, ElevenLabs continues to invest heavily in building its own AI audio models. Staniszewski emphasized that in the current landscape, proprietary models represent the “biggest advantage and the biggest step change you can have today.” !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The only way to solve it is… building the models yourself, and then, over the long term, there will be other players that will solve that, too,” Staniszewski explained, referring to the challenge of producing high-quality AI voices and interactions.
He also noted that different use cases will likely require distinct models, particularly for applications demanding reliability and scalability. !-- wp:paragraph -->

The Rise of Multi-Modal AI Models

Looking ahead, Staniszewski highlighted a growing trend toward multi-modal AI, where audio, video, and large language models (LLMs) converge to create richer user experiences. He cited Google’s Veo 3 as an example of this fused approach enabling simultaneous audio and video generation in conversational settings. !-- wp:paragraph --> ElevenLabs aims to leverage this trend by forming partnerships and integrating open source technologies to combine its audio expertise with complementary AI capabilities. !-- wp:paragraph -->

Balancing Innovation and Application for Sustainable Value

Staniszewski articulated ElevenLabs’ long-term strategy to focus not only on advanced model development but also on building practical applications that deliver enduring value. !-- wp:paragraph -->
“The same way software and hardware was the magic for Apple, we think the product and AI will be the magic for the generation of the best use cases,” he stated.

FinOracleAI — Market View

ElevenLabs’ CEO provides a nuanced perspective on the AI audio market, balancing optimism about near-term model innovation with realism about commoditization pressures. The company’s dual focus on proprietary model development and application building positions it well to capture value amid evolving industry dynamics. !-- wp:paragraph -->
  • Opportunities: Expansion into multi-modal AI opens new product avenues combining audio, video, and language processing.
  • Risks: Rapid commoditization may erode competitive advantages from proprietary models.
  • Strategic partnerships: Collaborations and open source integration can accelerate innovation and market reach.
  • Market differentiation: High-quality, scalable AI voices remain a critical differentiator in the short term.
Impact: ElevenLabs’ approach to balancing innovation with practical applications is likely to sustain its market relevance despite the inevitable commoditization of AI audio models. !-- wp:paragraph -->
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Lilu Anderson is a technology writer and analyst with over 12 years of experience in the tech industry. A graduate of Stanford University with a degree in Computer Science, Lilu specializes in emerging technologies, software development, and cybersecurity. Her work has been published in renowned tech publications such as Wired, TechCrunch, and Ars Technica. Lilu’s articles are known for their detailed research, clear articulation, and insightful analysis, making them valuable to readers seeking reliable and up-to-date information on technology trends. She actively stays abreast of the latest advancements and regularly participates in industry conferences and tech meetups. With a strong reputation for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, Lilu Anderson continues to deliver high-quality content that helps readers understand and navigate the fast-paced world of technology.