Spotify, the music streaming giant, is stepping into the world of literature by offering an exciting new feature for its Premium subscribers. Starting October 4th, subscribers in the UK and Australia will gain access to a vast library of over 150,000 audiobooks without any additional cost. Meanwhile, Spotify’s US subscribers can also anticipate this new perk rolling out later this year.
Listening Luxury with a Twist
While this offer allows users to dive into a diverse collection of books and indulge in an audiobook marathon, there’s a slight catch. Subscribers will receive 15 hours of free audiobook listening each month. Beyond this allocation, users can choose to top up their listening hours by paying $11 for an additional 10 hours.
A Comparison with Audible
In the world of audiobooks, Spotify’s approach comes with a different pricing structure compared to industry leader Audible, which charges $8 per month with no listening limits. Spotify initially introduced audiobooks to its platform in September of the previous year, offering an extensive library of 300,000 titles for purchase within the service. This move to include audiobooks in Premium subscriptions may be aimed at consolidating various forms of media in one platform.
The Value of Content
For voracious readers and audiobook enthusiasts, the 15 hours provided may fall short of their appetite. The question remains whether users will be willing to pay $11 for every additional 10 hours after exhausting their initial allocation.
Spotify’s perspective on this move is clear. They believe that offering personalized music, podcasts, and audiobooks on a single platform provides users with a superior way to connect with their favorite artists, podcasters, creators, and authors, all within one digital space.
Options for Dedicated Readers
It’s essential to note that users still have the option to purchase any specific title they desire from Spotify’s extensive audiobook library. This means there’s no need to pay for additional hours if they have particular books in mind. Moreover, the feature includes auto-bookmarking, sparing users the need to repeat sections and lose valuable minutes of listening.
Enhanced Experience
To make the audiobook experience even more enjoyable, Spotify offers features like the Sleep Timer, allowing subscribers to fall asleep while listening to their books without the hassle of rewinding when they wake up. Additionally, users can download audiobooks for offline listening, ensuring their literary journeys continue, even without an internet connection.
Expanding Access
Currently, this exciting new perk is available for individual Premium subscribers and plan managers of Family or Duo accounts. However, Spotify has plans to expand its availability in the future, potentially reaching an even wider audience of bookworms and literature enthusiasts.
