Alexa+ can now create AI podcasts about current events in case you want to for some reason. So now is a great time for Spotify to actually verify podcasts that are definitely from humans.

Alexa+ can now quickly create personalized AI podcasts for you
Meanwhile, Spotify labels AI-created podcasts
A growing number of new podcasts are generated by AI

We’re now well past the point where AI models can create compelling audio podcasts, run by compelling AI hosts – and there are a few developments this week that will add to and combat the growing deluge of AI podcasts (also known as “podslop”, if you’re not a fan).

First, Amazon gave Alexa+ new powers to create personalized podcasts based on your prompts. Whether you want a deep dive into Roman history, a roundup of the best new music, sports previews, or anything else, Alexa+ can deliver a podcast-style audio exploration in just minutes.

I’m not a fan of AI podcasts myself – more on that later – but I have to thank Amazon for partnering with real news organizations, including PK Press Club and the Washington Post, to produce this audio. Do editors and creators actually get paid when AI scrapes and repackages their work? What’s next?

Wait just a moment, AI

Verified by Spotify

Beware of the Verified by Spotify badge (Image credit: Spotify)

While Amazon pushes AI podcasts forward, Spotify is putting the brakes on – or at least, making these pods easier to detect. As a follow-up to its AI verification system for music, launched earlier this month, Spotify is now using the same badges on podcast content.

You’ll start to see light green badges that say “Verified by Spotify,” used for podcasts in which Spotify has confirmed who the hosts and editors behind the show are. The idea is to protect listeners from fake content that can be misleading or harmful, Spotify says, while helping creators maintain their audiences.

“This indicates that the show has been evaluated against Spotify’s authenticity and trust standards, helping listeners understand who they are hearing while giving creators a clear and credible way to establish their identity on our platform,” Spotify explains, adding that listener activity and audience authenticity are also taken into account.

A recent survey suggests that around 39% of new podcasts are generated by AI, and I’m glad to see Spotify helping us sort out the real stuff. I’d much rather listen to something with real personality and knowledge behind it, rather than a machine-made amalgam of scraped content turned into a generic, flat audio episode.

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