Spotify Launches Audiobooks: What You Need to Know
- Spotify has launched audiobooks, adding a new genre to its library of music and podcasts. Discover what audiobooks are available on Spotify, how to listen to them, and what this means for the audiobook industry.
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Spotify Launches Audiobooks
Spotify, the world’s most popular music streaming service, has expanded its content offering with the launch of audiobooks. The move marks a major shift for Spotify, which has traditionally focused on music and podcasts and represents a significant challenge to established players in the audiobook industry such as Audible and Apple Books.
Spotify’s entry into the audiobook market comes at a time when the audiobook industry is experiencing rapid growth, with more people than ever listening to audiobooks on their smartphones, tablets, and smart speakers. According to a report by the Audio Publishers Association, audiobook sales increased by 12% in 2020, reaching a record $1.3 billion in revenue.
So, what exactly does Spotify’s audiobook launch mean for consumers, publishers, and the audiobook industry as a whole? Let’s take a closer look.
What Audiobooks are Available on Spotify?
At launch, Spotify’s audiobook offering is limited, with a selection of nine classic books in the public domain, including “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” by Frederick Douglass, and “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen.
However, Spotify has hinted that it plans to expand its audiobook library in the future, with a focus on exclusives and original content. In a statement, the company said, “We hope to continue to expand the audiobook offering over time so that we can offer the best possible experience for our users.”
How to Listen to Audiobooks on Spotify
If you are a Spotify user and want to listen to audiobooks, you can find them in the “Audiobooks” section of the app. To access the audiobooks section, follow these steps:
- Open the Spotify app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap on the “Search” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Type “Audiobooks” in the search bar and tap on the result.
- Browse the available audiobooks and select the one you want to listen to.
- Start listening to the audiobook, which will play in the Spotify app like any other audio content.
What Does Spotify’s Audiobook Launch Mean for the Industry?
Spotify’s entry into the audiobook market is significant, as it represents a challenge to established players in the industry such as Audible and Apple Books. With its massive user base and deep pockets, Spotify has the potential to disrupt the audiobook market and attract new listeners to the genre.
Spotify’s move into audiobooks also reflects a broader trend in the media industry toward consolidation and diversification. As more companies seek to become one-stop shops for all forms of entertainment, we are likely to see more mergers, acquisitions, and expansions into new genres and formats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spotify’s entry into the audiobook market is a significant development for the company and the audiobook industry as a whole.
While the initial selection of audiobooks is limited, Spotify’s potential to expand its library and offer exclusive content could disrupt the industry and attract new listeners to the genre. If you’re a fan of audiobooks, it’s definitely worth checking out Spotify’s audiobook offering and seeing what the platform has to offer.
