2026-05-12 15:00:19
More than a third of all newly uploaded podcasts are now believed to be generated using artificial intelligence, according to new industry figures highlighting the rapid rise of so-called “podslop”.
Data from the Podcast Index found that 39 per cent of recently uploaded podcasts were likely created using AI tools rather than human hosts or producers.
AI-generated podcasts can be produced within minutes using freely available software that creates synthetic hosts and scripted conversations based on user prompts.
A growing number of companies are now dedicated entirely to AI podcast production, including Inception Point AI, which reportedly releases thousands of shows every week.
The company’s website lists several fictional AI personalities, including English gardener Nigel Thistledown, financial adviser Pennie Power and celebrity gossip host VV Steele.
The company states on its website: “We manage a full slate of AI talent, each optimised for engagement and built to connect with audiences through shared passions.
Inception Point AI describes its output as “the next chapter in storytelling” and claims its content reaches more than 10 million listeners.
The rise of AI-generated podcasts mirrors similar trends across other creative industries, including music, film and publishing, where generative AI tools are increasingly being used to mass-produce content.
Advances in artificial intelligence have also made it harder for audiences to distinguish between human-made and AI-generated media.
A survey conducted last year by Ipsos and streaming platform Deezer found most participants could not reliably tell the difference between AI-generated songs and music created by real artists.
Respondents also said they were uncomfortable with being unable to identify AI-made content.
According to Deezer, more than 50,000 AI-generated tracks are uploaded to its platform every day, accounting for around one-third of all new music uploads.
The growing flood of AI content has led to calls for clearer labelling and certification systems to improve transparency for audiences.
Trevor Woods, chief executive of certification body Proudly Human, said: “Providing the clarity to confidently choose human-created content is a fundamental right in an era where AI is increasingly masquerading as human.
“As the only international certification mark verifying human-created work in multiple industries, Proudly Human restores audience trust and gives creators the recognition they deserve.”
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