OpenAI quietly acquired weights.gg, a small AI voice startup known for advanced voice cloning capable of mimicking celebrity and public figures.

OpenAI does not plan a standalone product like weights.gg; instead, it intends to integrate voice cloning into existing offerings, such as ChatGPT’s voice mode and a developer API, building on prior demonstrations of its own voice tech kept under safeguards.

The move expands OpenAI’s push into voice-based AI experiences, complementing recent API updates for real-time translation and conversational agents and the integration of ChatGPT with Apple CarPlay.

Weights.gg ceased operations in March 2026, with its employees reportedly absorbed into OpenAI, though deal terms have not been disclosed.

Weights.gg was a small team of about six people and had raised roughly four million dollars in venture funding; the team has since dispersed within OpenAI.

Weights.gg announced its closure to its community on April 1, 2026, and its team has since integrated into OpenAI’s various groups.

The acquisition included Weights.gg’s intellectual property and its small team, with financial terms undisclosed, and followed the platform’s shutdown on April 1, 2026.

Public and industry debates around AI-generated voices are intensifying, with celebrities like Taylor Swift pursuing protections for voice and likeness and Scarlett Johansson signaling potential action over a ChatGPT voice resembling her.

The article highlights ongoing controversy and legal considerations around voice cloning, noting actions by public figures such as Taylor Swift seeking trademark protections and Scarlett Johansson pursuing action related to a ChatGPT voice.

OpenAI has long been cautious about unrestricted voice cloning, developing realistic synthetic voice tech years ago but withholding public release due to concerns about misuse and impersonation.