Adthos, a startup powered by artificial intelligence (AI), is attempting to revolutionize audio advertisement using AI. With their platform, Adthos promises an efficiency in what is usually a tedious and complicated job by automating the process. Through integrations with radio automation systems and ad servers, their platform offers customers the ability to produce high-quality, “fully produced” ads that can be quickly generated with minimal hassle.
Adthos CEO Raoul Wedel is enthusiastic about the potential of his platform and believes that small, local businesses can benefit from the ability to “instantly” produce powerful audio ads. He also believes that publishers can generate self-service ad-buying platforms through the platform, allowing them to garner long-tail revenue streams.
At the heart of this technology lies the relatively new OpenAI GPT-4 text generation model which Adthos leverages to create ad scripts. Voiceover actors are also used to provide a natural “human-ness” to the audio ads. Wedel confirmed that voice actors are fully aware of their roles in the platform and are given either a flat fee or a royalty based on their preferences.
The ethical implications of such a platform should not be overlooked, with reports of actors being asked to contractually sign away their rights to their voices. Traditionally, it was unknown exactly what kind of agreement a voice actor must sign before consenting to be a part of Adthos’ library, however Wedel clarified that the platform has adhered to licensing agreements and has paid out hundreds of thousands in royalties to employed actors.
The AI-driven system itself also can create a certain degree of danger, as AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, has demonstrated an ability to make up facts and exacerbate stereotypes. Adthos knows the importance of regulating the content written with its platform and has staked in plans to add content moderation, including specifying rules of words or terms that are off-limits within ads. Ultimately though, Adthos intends to rely practices of self-moderation, leaving it up to publishers to have a human pair of eyes review the ads before they’re finalized and broadcast.
Currently, Adthos has several paying customers of its platform, including media giant Talpa, GroupM, Dentsu, and Sportradar. Wedel is aware of the fears that AI may supplant human jobs, but believes that it’s “a conscious decision to start conversations” on how AI may affect the workforce and he hopes that by embracing the technology, one can be “more productive.”
Adthos is a relatively new, innovative startup situated in the AI-driven audio advertisement industry. Founded by Raoul Wedel, Adthos uses powerful AI tools, such as the OpenAI GPT-4 text generation model, to generate audio ads with script, voice overs, sound effects, and music. It also offers journalists and publishers the opportunity to increase their long-term revenue streams by creating self-service ad-buying platforms. Although the ethical questions of AI’s automation arise, Wedel has emphasized his commitment to contractually signing off on these deals with voiceover actors and making sure their voices is used with their consent. With an acclaimed portfolio of customers and clients, Adthos is rapidly rising in the space of AI-driven audio advertisements.
