Use Audiobook when you want faithful, long‑form narration of a fixed script with chapters and distribution-ready exports.
Use Podcast (GenFM) when you want an automatically generated, two‑host conversational show derived from source material.
Details
Audiobook (Studio “New audiobook”)
Pros
Preserves your script; designed for long‑form reading. Chapters in imported books are auto‑detected and manageable (add/rename/reorder). (help.elevenlabs.io)
Built‑in export/publish workflows for audiobook distribution (e.g., Spotify/Findaway and InAudio), with required metadata handling. (help.elevenlabs.io)
Cons
Does not auto‑generate conversational content; you provide/edit the narrative yourself. (Implied by GenFM guidance to use Audiobook/Start from scratch if you already have a script.) (help.elevenlabs.io)
Podcast (GenFM)
Pros
Auto‑creates a podcast script from documents/URLs/projects and lets you pick Host and Guest voices; you can edit before converting to audio. (help.elevenlabs.io)
Available in Studio and in the ElevenReader app; Studio versions can be exported after conversion. (help.elevenlabs.io)
Cons
GenFM modifies your script; not ideal if you already have a finalized script (use Start from scratch or Create an audiobook instead). (help.elevenlabs.io)
Requires a paid subscription to access “Create a podcast (GenFM)” in Studio. (help.elevenlabs.io)
ElevenReader‑generated GenFM podcasts are free to create but remain in‑app only (no export). (help.elevenlabs.io)
If you share your goal (faithful narration vs. conversational summary and where you plan to distribute), I can suggest the exact workflow and export path.
mortal sun
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