Iconic Voice Marketplace: ElevenLabs opens its marketplace for celebrity voices

In a move that reshapes the debate on AI and celebrity voices, ElevenLabs has launched a marketplace to license the voices of historical figures and entertainment starsThe proposal seeks to offer brands and creators legal and transparent access to synthetic vocal performances with the endorsement of the rights holders.

The platform, called Iconic Voice MarketplaceIt starts with a curated catalog of 28 voices and a licensing model with explicit consent and remunerationWith this, the company is targeting uses ranging from advertising, audiobooks and podcasts including branded content and immersive experiences, reducing legal and reputational risks.

What is Iconic Voice Marketplace and why does it matter?

The marketplace acts as a bridge between brands and voice rights holders, whether living artists or heirs in the case of deceased artists. The innovation lies not only in the vocal cloning and reconstruction technique, but also in the contractual and ethical framework which requires prior permission, limits the use and guarantees compensation.

The initial selection is “curated” and limited to verified iconic talent and intellectual property owners, with the goal of preserving the legacy of the voices and preventing unauthorized imitations that have proliferated with AI.

Who lends their voices: 28 iconic names

The available voices include figures from film, music, science, literature, and sports. The list combines living legends with historical characters reconstructed from archives, offering a recognizable sound palette with a strong cultural charge.

• Michael Caine, Liza Minnelli, Art Garfunkel, Judy Garland, John Wayne, Laurence Olivier, Jean Harlow, Lana Turner, Mickey Rooney and Rock Hudson.
• Bettie Page, Burt Reynolds, Montgomery Clift, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Richard Feynman, Thomas Edison, and Mark Twain.
• Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Jack Dempsey, Rocky Marciano, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Johnny Weissmuller, Jim Thorpe and Al Joyner.
• Alan Turing, Amelia Earhart and Maya Angelouamong other names historical and cultural.

How the license works: consent, scope, and control

Each application is processed individually and must be approved by the rights holder or their representative. After approval, a contract is signed detailing the format, territories, duration and operating conditions, with remuneration associated with its use.

This process aims to curb the indiscriminate use of voice clones and establish a clear chain of responsibility. The company emphasizes that priority is given to transparency with the interpreters and respect for intellectual property.

Applications in Spain and Europe: advertising, media and culture

For advertisers and agencies in Spain and the EU, the marketplace opens the door to sound narratives with heritage value y voices for appsAdvertisements featuring a legendary voice, educational documentaries, or themed podcasts. All under contracts aligned with rights regulations and sensitive to GDPR where applicable.

In an advertising market that seeks to differentiate itself, the combination of iconic vocal identities Branded scripts can add emotion and advertising recall, provided that editorial and contextual filters are applied to protect the legacy of each voice.

Applied technology: vocal cloning and reconstruction

The platform combines voice cloning for living artists with synthetic reconstruction of historical figures from archival recordings. The process involves cleaning, restoration, and curation to achieve believable timbres and nuances without distorting the source.

ElevenLabs maintains that the catalog limited to 28 voices helps minimize abuse and maintain high standards of control. artistic quality in the interpretations generated.

Key figures involved and company positioning

Michael caine has become one of the visible faces of the project by relinquishing and monitoring the use of their voice in the marketplace. Their participation underscores the idea of amplify storiesnot to replace performers, and to bring the storytelling closer to new generations.

Matthew McConaughey has also become involvedIn addition to investing in the company, it uses technology to bring its newsletter “Lyrics of Livin'” to a digital edition Spanish audio, exemplifying the potential of multilingual localization for Europe and Latin America.

Ethical framework and regulatory climate

The offer attempts to address the cases of unauthorized use that have grown on networks and platforms. With explicit licenses, clear contracts, and technical traceability, an alternative is sought that is compatible with protecting the right to one's own voice and image.

The company has also strengthened its legal front by working with rights holders and representatives; this approach aims to reduce conflicts and contribute legal security to brands and media that operate in Europe.

Beyond marketing: products and availability

Along with the marketplace, the company It promotes experiences like ElevenReaderWhich enables listen to content with authoritative voicesFor publishing and educational projects in Spanish and other European languages, vocal localization It opens up new possibilities for access and accessibility.

Access to the catalog is managed through requests, and each use must comply with the agreed-upon parameters. According to the company, this filter is key to avoid trivial uses or decontextualized that may affect the public perception of the voices.

Corporate dimension and market traction

On the financial front, the company has attracted top-tier investors and has starred in a repurchase offer of employee stock options that valued it at around $6.600 billion, reflecting the market's appetite for synthetic audio.

With a growing workforce and a customer base that spans advertising, entertainment and educationElevenLabs seeks to consolidate itself as a benchmark in AI-powered voice solutions within an ethical licensing framework.

Reactions and statements

The company emphasizes that The marketplace “demonstrates how AI can responsibly expand opportunities for education and talent”while Caine has insisted that technology should serve to Celebrate creativity and not to replace it.

The consent approach, coupled with the curated catalog and case-by-case supervision, attempts to turn the controversy into a regulated opportunity for brands and storytellers seeking a distinctive sound signature.

With the launch of Iconic Voice Marketplace and the participation of recognizable voices, the synthetic audio sector takes a step towards professionalization and ethicsFor companies and creators in Spain and Europe, the proposal opens up a range of commercial and cultural uses, provided that the agreed conditions and the spirit of the voices that make the magic of storytelling possible are respected.