Spotify is strengthening its content offerings by introducing narrated articles from leading publications for audiobook users. The new feature is part of the company’s broader strategy to increase user engagement and expand beyond music streaming.
The Swedish streaming platform announced that audiobook users will now get access to more than 650 English-language long-form magazine articles. The collection includes content from publications such as Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Vogue, Variety and Vanity Fair.
The narrated articles, created by Spotify’s in-house Audiobooks team, will each be under 2 hours long. Spotify said premium subscribers can listen to the articles through their monthly audiobook allowance, while free users can purchase individual articles for $1.99 each.
The company is continuing to diversify its platform as competition grows from AI music startups like Udio and Suno, along with major podcast and streaming rivals including YouTube and Netflix.
Spotify co-CEO Alex Norstrom recently stated that the company has already secured nearly 20% of the audiobook market in the United States.
“By bringing shorter form content into the mix, we’re meeting audiences where they are to help build healthy listening habits, ultimately growing engagement with books over time,” said Colleen Prendergast, licensing lead at Spotify Audiobooks.
Spotify also confirmed that its Audiobooks service has expanded into 22 markets since its launch just over 2 years ago.
The announcement follows several new initiatives from the company. Last week, Spotify revealed a partnership with Universal Music Group that will allow subscribers to create AI-generated covers and remixes of songs from selected artists.
The company also introduced “Reserved” in collaboration with Live Nation Entertainment. The feature gives eligible premium subscribers early access to purchase up to 2 concert tickets before sales open to the general public.
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