Spotify Is Rolling Out New Audiobook Features for an Even Better Reading Experience

Spotify has recently introduced several enhancements to its audiobook platform, aiming to provide a more seamless and enriched listening experience for users.

Direct Audiobook Purchases on iOS

Following a significant U.S. court ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case, Spotify has updated its iOS app to allow users in the United States to view pricing and purchase individual audiobooks directly within the app. This change also enables Premium subscribers to buy additional "Top Up" hours beyond the 15 hours of audiobook listening included in their monthly subscription. Each top-up costs $13 for 10 additional hours .9to5Mac+5Spotify+5The Verge+5The Verge+6MacRumors+6Spotify+6TechCrunch

Enhanced Listening Features

To improve the audiobook listening experience, Spotify has introduced several new features:Nerd's Chalk

• Sleep Timer: Allows listeners to set a timer for their audiobook playback, ensuring they don't miss content if they fall asleep while listening .

• Audiobook Playlists: Users can now create and manage playlists specifically for audiobooks, making it easier to organize and access their favorite titles .

• Follow-Along Mode: An experimental feature that enables users to read along with the audiobook text, enhancing comprehension and engagement .Nerd's Chalk

• Additional Content: Select audiobooks now include short video clips, author biographies, and countdown pages for upcoming releases, providing a more immersive experience .Thurrott.com+3Nerd's Chalk+3Spotify+3

Expanded Audiobook Catalog

Spotify has significantly expanded its audiobook offerings, increasing its catalog from 150,000 to over 400,000 titles. This growth is attributed to partnerships with publishers like Crooked Lane Books and Alcove Press, as well as the integration of AI-narrated content through collaborations with companies like ElevenLabs .Audiobook FestSpotify+2The Verge+2Spotify+2

These updates reflect Spotify's commitment to enhancing its audiobook platform, providing users with more flexibility, content, and features to enjoy their listening experience.