Spotify has introduced a new feature for its premium subscribers in the UK and Australia, allowing them to access a vast library of over 150,000 audiobooks at no additional cost starting October 4. This move is expected to revolutionize the music streaming industry and cater to the growing book enthusiast community.
Spotify has made an announcement that it will now offer audiobooks as part of its premium subscription. Subscribers will have access to a wide selection of books, but there is a catch. Each subscriber will only be given 15 hours of free audiobook listening per month. If users want more listening time, they can purchase an additional 10 hours for $11. This pricing strategy has raised some eyebrows in the industry, especially when compared to Audible’s subscription model, which charges $8 a month with no listening restrictions.
Spotify entered the audiobook market in September of the previous year, adding 300,000 titles to its library. Users were able to purchase any title from within the service. The recent inclusion of audiobooks in the premium subscription could be seen as a strategic move by Spotify to attract users to consume a variety of media on one platform.
The question remains whether users will value the additional $11 for every 10 hours beyond the complimentary 15 hours, as many avid audiobook listeners may only need 15 hours.
Spotify offers a seamless user experience with features like auto-bookmarking, allowing users to return to their previous page without revisiting it. The sleep timer is particularly useful for those who enjoy narratives, allowing them to fall asleep to their audiobook without worrying about rewinding the next day.
The feature also allows audiobooks to be downloaded for offline listening, ensuring uninterrupted access. Currently exclusive to premium subscribers and primary account holders of family or duo plans, Spotify is considering expanding its availability in the future to reach a broader user base.
