Ancestry has launched a beta feature that generates AI-narrated audio stories from historical records, signaling further adoption of generative AI in genealogy. The tool is limited to document-based content, with explicit exclusion of DNA data, and incorporates safety measures to reduce hallucinations. Industry competitors are also expanding generative AI offerings.
Detailed Updates
- AI Audio Narration for Records: Ancestry's new feature enables users to create short, AI-generated audio clips narrating the historical context of documents such as census records and draft cards 1.
- Exclusion of DNA Data: The AI Stories tool is restricted to historical records; Ancestry's CTO confirmed there are no plans to apply AI to DNA data, citing concerns about manipulation and privacy 1.
- Third-Party LLM Integration: The feature is powered by external large language models, with Ancestry maintaining flexibility to switch providers and openness to open-source models if security requirements are met 1.
- Guardrails Against Hallucination: The system is designed to avoid unsupported inferences (e.g., not assuming military service from a draft card), and Ancestry acknowledges the ongoing challenge of AI hallucinations 1.
- Planned Video Expansion: Ancestry is considering adding video narration capabilities, with a potential rollout in the first half of 2026 1.
- Industry Trend: MyHeritage's "AI Biographer" offers similar generative summaries, reflecting a broader move toward AI-driven storytelling tools in genealogy platforms 1.
Ancestry Introduces AI-Powered Audio Narration for Historical Records