Amazon's new Alexa Podcasts feature lets users generate personalised audio episodes in minutes

Amazon has introduced a new capability on its Alexa+ platform that enables users to generate AI-powered podcast episodes on virtually any subject within a matter of minutes.

The feature, named "Alexa Podcasts," was announced on the company's official website on 18 May. According to Amazon, it produces conversational, fully customised audio episodes covering a vast range of topics — from ancient history and sport to architecture, baking, and far beyond. Each episode is hosted by AI-generated voices.

"Creating custom audio content is now effortless," Amazon said in the announcement. "No documents to upload, no prep work needed, just tell Alexa what topic you're curious about, and it does the rest in minutes."

Episodes draw from major news outlets and hundreds of local publications

The content generated by Alexa Podcasts is sourced from what Amazon describes as "substantial knowledge depths." This includes prominent news organisations such as TIME, the Associated Press, Reuters, and Business Insider, alongside more than 200 local newspapers from across the United States.

Users can adjust the length and direction before listening

Once a user requests an episode, the AI hosts provide an overview of the planned content before the episode is finalised. Users are then able to alter the length and direction of the episode to suit their preferences before they begin listening.

Completed episodes can be played through the Alexa app or on compatible Echo devices, and are saved within the app's "Music and More" section for future access.

Feature currently exclusive to US-based Alexa+ subscribers

At present, Alexa Podcasts is available solely to customers in the United States who have access to Alexa+, the company's enhanced, AI-powered iteration of its voice assistant.

The launch represents the latest development in Amazon's wider strategy to evolve Alexa from a conventional voice assistant into a more sophisticated AI-driven platform. Earlier this month, the company also announced the launch of "Alexa Shopping," a dedicated AI-powered personal shopping assistant.