Spotify Audiobook Listeners Rise 30% Across US, UK, Australia

Spotify is positioning audiobooks as a major summer entertainment option, equating their emotional and addictive qualities with those of popular music. The company has launched a campaign highlighting popular titles like Stephen King's "Never Flinch" and Taylor Jenkins Reid's "Atmosphere: A Love Story," aiming to generate buzz comparable to viral music tracks. Spotify has expanded its audiobook library to over 400,000 titles and introduced new subscription options, including an "Audiobooks+" tier that offers additional listening hours and greater access for family and duo plan members across several countries. The campaign features curated audiobook playlists and personalized recommendations that match users' music tastes with fitting audiobooks, appealing especially to listeners who may not be traditional readers. Editorial director Suzanne Galvez emphasizes the responsibility of selecting stories that resonate with users' moods and moments, highlighting the popularity of music memoirs and romantasy genres. Spotify is also exploring AI to enhance audiobook experiences, including adding music to books and translating content, further integrating audiobooks into its broader audio streaming ecosystem.