How Creators Are Using AI Co-Hosts in Podcast Production

Jun 19

In 2025, artificial intelligence is no longer just behind the scenes in podcasting, it’s on the mic. AI co-hosts are making waves across the podcasting world, transforming how creators produce, script, and present their shows. What started as a tech curiosity is quickly becoming a creative tool and even a collaborator.

So, how are podcasters using AI co-hosts and what does it mean for content creation and the ethical conversations around this growing trend.

What Is an AI Co-Host?

An AI co-host is a synthetic voice personality, either cloned from a human or completely fictional, powered by large language models. These AI voices can be scripted or freeform, humorous or serious, and are often used to:

Deliver commentary
Ask follow-up questions
Play devil’s advocate
Provide structured information
Add entertainment or contrast to a human host

They can be voiced in real time or generated and edited into the episode afterward.

How Podcasters Are Using AI Co-Hosts

Scripted Conversational Partners

Creators use AI co-hosts to fill gaps in solo episodes, creating banter or providing audience prompts. This is especially helpful for narrative driven shows or education podcasts where a second voice can:

Emphasize key points
Recap complex ideas
Make the episode feel more dynamic

Character-Based Shows

Fictional podcasts, especially in sci-fi, horror, and comedy are leveraging AI to create quirky, otherworldly, or futuristic characters. These AI personas can:

Respond in real-time to human hosts
Stay “in character” across episodes
Build an interactive story world

Some creators are even letting fans “train” the AI by submitting inputs or dialogue suggestions.

Language Localization

By training AI co-hosts in multiple languages, podcasters can create parallel versions of their shows across geographies. This isn’t just translation, it’s localized co-hosting with cultural nuance and pronunciation adjustments.

Companion Bots & Listener Interaction

Some creators are building AI co-hosts that interact with listeners post-episode. Think of it like a chatbot version of the show’s voice that can answer questions, recommend episodes, or even summarize content.

Ethical & Creative Considerations

With innovation comes debate. Some common questions podcasters are wrestling with:

Transparency: Should you disclose that a co-host is AI-generated?
Voice rights: Are cloned voices fair use? What happens if a creator leaves a show?
Authenticity: Can an AI really form opinions or offer meaningful dialogue?
Listener trust: Will audiences accept non-human voices as part of their regular podcast lineup?

Creators experimenting with AI co-hosts often find a balance, using them to support, not replace, human creativity.

Is It Working?

The results are mixed, but promising.

Podcasts using AI co-hosts report faster turnaround times, richer conversations, and more creative flexibility. Listener feedback varies: some love the novelty, while others miss the “imperfection” and personality of real humans.

But one thing is clear: AI co-hosts are here to stay. Whether as a scriptwriter’s assistant, a quirky sidekick, or a multilingual translator, they’re opening new doors for podcasters everywhere.

Podcasting has always been about connection. As creators explore what it means to connect through voice in the age of AI, they’re reshaping what a “host” can be and reimagining the boundaries of storytelling itself.

Erik Krosby