ByteDance Launches Audiobook App with AI Narrators

ByteDance has reportedly launched a new app called “Fanqie Changting” which loosely translates to “Tomato Smooth Listening” under the slogan “Free Good Books, All on Tomato.” The new app specializes in audiobooks narrated by AI generated voices.

According to the company’s registration information, the developer of “Tomato” is Beijing Zhending Technology Co. Ltd., an entity that is suspected to be controlled by ByteDance.

SEE ALSO: Bytedance to Shut Down Overseas Content Aggregator TopBuzz

At present, some audiobooks on the app require users to become members to listen. The subscribtion price on iOS is 18 yuan a month. Members can enjoy features such as downloading audiobooks, no advertisements, as well as the option to earn rewards in the form of gold coins that can be used for other in-app purchases.

By launching the app, ByteDance is stepping into the territory of long-form audio in China, currently dominated by players like Ximalaya, Lychee FM, and Dragonfly FM.