Spotify announced on Wednesday that it is rolling out its audiobook service to more than 180 markets worldwide. The expansion covers regions across Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This move brings the platform’s audio library to over 750 million users, significantly increasing its reach beyond its initial launch in English-speaking countries and Germany.
The rollout begins immediately and will continue over the coming months. By entering these new territories, Spotify aims to compete more directly with traditional music streaming services and dedicated audiobook platforms such as Audible. The company stated that it has secured agreements with more than 300 publishers globally, including major houses like Planeta and Mondadori, to ensure a diverse catalog for these new audiences.
Library Growth and Language Support
Spotify now offers more than 350,000 titles to users in the newly added markets. The platform has expanded its language support to include over 120 languages. For example, users in Spain will gain access to more than 45,000 titles in Spanish upon the launch of the service in that country. This broad catalog is designed to cater to local tastes and reading preferences across different cultures.
The company reported strong engagement with its audiobook features over the past year. Monthly listeners for audiobooks grew by 40%, while total listening hours increased by 30%. To help users discover popular content, Spotify introduced Audiobook Charts earlier this year. Additionally, the platform launched a “Page Match” feature in February, which allows users to scan a physical book page and jump to the corresponding section in the digital audiobook. One million people use this feature monthly.
Pricing and Subscription Models
Access to audiobooks depends on the user’s subscription type. Premium subscribers in eligible countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Poland, Chile, Norway, and Peru, can listen to 12 hours of audiobooks per month. Users outside these specific regions can purchase a standalone Audiobook+ subscription, which provides a 15-hour allowance. Alternatively, individuals can buy individual titles directly from the store.
Spotify is also planning to introduce an Audiobook+ add-on for student plans in select regions starting in November. The financial performance of the service has been notable since its launch last year. The company reported that Audiobook+ has attracted over 1 million subscribers and generated more than $100 million in annual recurring revenue.
Innovation in the space continues with new tools for creators. Spotify recently launched an AI-powered tool that enables authors to convert their books into audiobooks using voice models from ElevenLabs. The company is also experimenting with physical book sales through its platform in select markets like the U.S. and the U.K., blending digital audio with tangible products.
Source: TechCrunch
