The surge in advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology has inspired a paradigm shift in which AI went from something that was merely accenting human content development to a critical supplemental force. Now, we see a world in which generative AI technology has become an integral part of the media landscape.
"In 2024, AI-driven content creation saw remarkable growth, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge deep learning models across creative industries," explains Prateek Dixit, co-founder and Chief Technology officer of Pocket FM, a leading audio app for books and narrative audio series.
If you have been online in the past year, you've likely seen artificial intelligence in action when it comes to storytelling. Several websites and social media platforms use AI technology to power offerings like automatic translation, captioning, and audio description. These are essential accessibility tools that allow creators to reach new audiences both internationally and in other demographics, such as disabled populations.
The Evolution of Generative AI in Media
However, this only scratches the surface of what artificial intelligence can do in the entertainment industry. Some pioneers, including Pocket FM, are revolutionizing a new category of AI use cases known as "synthetic media." This is simply a term for content that has been partially or fully generated using computers, and according to Dixit, these uses have been around for longer than we may realize.
For example, Dixit points to the gaming industry, which has used artificial intelligence technology to craft interactive characters with real-time responses. He also highlights social media, where AI-powered "virtual influencers" promote products with striking authenticity. He even explains that some news outlets now use AI news anchors to deliver the news to multilingual audiences without overextending themselves or their resources.
With this in mind, Pocket FM's use of artificial intelligence is the natural extension of the use of synthetic media. "We have revolutionized storytelling by harnessing AI to automate the creation of immersive, human-like narratives at scale," explains Dixit. "Rather than simply cutting production costs, we have focused on empowering our writers community by leveraging generative AI tools to enhance their creative potential, driving innovation and audience engagement."
One example of this technology in action for Pocket FM is the creation of AI-generated voiceovers. Modern AI technology has allowed the creation of voiceovers that sound natural and realistic but are far less time-consuming and labor-intensive to create.
"At Pocket FM, we led the way by using AI to scale our audio series library and deliver lifelike stories globally," explains Dixit. "By incorporating AI-generated voiceovers, we enhanced storytelling while preserving the human touch." This approach has allowed Pocket FM to grow its library of narrative audio series and become one of the leading audio entertainment platforms in the world.
This technology could profoundly impact small businesses, enabling them to scale much more effectively, all without requiring deep technical expertise. Small businesses don't have the luxury of content teams with dozens of staffers.
For example, translating content into different languages is a time-consuming process that many small businesses simply cannot afford. By using AI to automate this process, small businesses can expand their reach to new audiences they otherwise would not have been able to access.
Setting a Precedent for Responsible Generative AI Use
However, using this innovative technology in this way comes with a tremendous ethical responsibility. "At Pocket FM, we are committed to leading by example, setting standards for consent-based voice and image replication, and clearly labeling synthetic content," asserts Dixit. "In 2025, ethical innovation will be crucial, with clear guidelines for responsible AI use and transparency in synthetic content." By following Pocket FM's lead, innovators in the entertainment and AI industries will pave the way for artificial intelligence to be used responsibly.
Indeed, 2024 already saw massive developments in the technology used for AI-powered content creation, and 2025 will see this technology develop and proliferate even further. Dixit points to "multimodal AI"—technology that seamlessly combines text, audio, and visuals—which, according to him, will lead to "even more immersive and interactive media experiences."
By investing in the development of artificial intelligence, businesses in the media industry can reach new audiences that would never have been possible without the assistance of AI technology. As a result, more people can access high-quality content that interests them and—more importantly—is accessible to their needs.
"In 2025, we expect AI-driven content creation to reach new levels of sophistication, with even deeper integration into the media and entertainment landscape," Dixit concludes. "As AI technology matures, building trust will be key, with companies focusing on ethical guidelines, transparency, and robust verification systems to combat misuse."
