Spotify Aims To Make Audiobooks As Appealing As Streaming Music

Spotify has unveiled several new features presently under testing to enhance the audiobook experience as it advances its foray into this medium.

Watch Brief Video Segments Regarding an Audiobook

A notable feature is the use of video clips for audiobooks. Authors and publishers may submit a brief film regarding a particular title. This may include an interview, a behind-the-scenes film from the audio recording session, or a video message from the author.

Another enhancement in the testing phase is Follow-Along for specific titles. This offers an immersive visual experience using time-synchronized images, photographs, and graphics while you listen to an audiobook. They are also located in the Extras section of the audiobook.

In a pilot phase involving a select group of authors, dedicated profiles are available, featuring biographical information and other works. An author’s complete audiobook collection is likewise accessible on Spotify.

In conjunction with the announcement of new features under evaluation, the streaming provider emphasized additional methods to enhance the audiobook experience, such as countdown pages and the creation of audiobook playlists.

Individuals possessing a Spotify Premium subscription, priced at $10.99 monthly, are entitled to listen to a maximum of 15 hours of audiobooks each month, which may be distributed across an infinite number of titles. Avoid the Audiobook Access package that provides the same 15 hours of monthly listening. It is merely $1 cheaper per month than Premium, although it does not provide benefits such as ad-free music and offline listening.

A restricted selection of audiobooks is accessible on Spotify at no cost. Additionally, several titles are available for purchase.

Are Audiobooks the Next Frontier in Streaming Services?

Spotify is evidently investing in audiobooks as a novel strategy to acquire subscribers. The video elements offer an enhanced level of involvement, particularly when engaging with audiobooks on a smartphone.

Other streaming platforms appear to be observing Spotify's foray into audiobooks. This week, Amazon declared that Music Unlimited users can access one complimentary audiobook each month from Audible. A Music Unlimited subscription costs $9.99 per month for Prime subscribers.