Spotify has conquered music and podcasts. It’s coming for audiobooks.
Spotify continues its quest to be a one-stop shop for all your listening needs with the introduction of Spotify Audiobooks.
Spotify getting in on the audiobook market has been anticipated since the company acquired audiobook platform Findaway in 2021, and finally, here we are: On Sept. 20, Spotify launches Spotify Audiobooks for all U.S. users. That means you’ll be able to listen to your favorite music, podcasts, and books all in one place, regardless of whether or not you pay for a Spotify Premium subscription. However, unlike music and podcasts on Spotify, the audiobooks aren’t free.
Spotify is exploring other business models, but for the time being, audiobooks are available for individual purchase. To purchase an audiobook through Spotify, you will be taken to the web from the app to complete your purchase like how you pay for Spotify Premium and then brought back to the app. Each audiobook is individually priced consistent with industry standards. There is no discount for Spotify Premium users.
The feature allows users to download audiobooks that they can keep forever; the platform offers more than 300,000 in a diverse range of genres, including The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han and Becoming by Michelle Obama. Users can bookmark their place as they listen to the books, and rate them. User ratings will be displayed next to titles.
At its launch, the recommended titles are editorially chosen, but Spotify plans to expand their recommendation algorithm to audiobooks in the near future,allowing for tailored recommendations.
While Spotify Audiobooks are only available in the U.S. at this time, the company plans to expand audiobooks to other countries.
Mashable inquired, and unfortunately, any audiobook listening you do on the platform will not be included in this year’s Spotify Wrapped.