Spotify launches audiobooks in US

Spotify (Android, iOS) is releasing its audiobook catalog this Tuesday, the 20th, in the US. Users in the region can choose from over 300,000 titles from an interface specifically aimed at audiobooks.

Audiobooks already get a special tab in the app, just like songs and podcasts. Audiobooks appear with a lock icon on the play button, indicating that you must purchase the title to listen. In the app, users can buy them on the web page. Upon returning to Spotify, the book is automatically saved to the library and available for listening.

Available resources include: downloading content to listen to offline; Automatically tag and save where the listener left off; Control the speed, with options to increase or decrease the speed; Share the topic; Rate the book for public viewing.

According to Nir Zicherman, vice president and global head of audiobooks and closed content at Spotify, audiobooks have unlimited potential, and plugging them into the platform should become a complete set of users’ entertainment and “listening” needs.

According to the executive, while audiobooks represent 6% to 7% of the broader book market, the category is growing at 20% per year.

The audiobook library is launching in the US, but is expected to gradually roll out to other markets. However, there is no forecast yet on when it will be available in Brazil.

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