Spotify is reportedly considering a pilot program that would offer its subscribers free access to audiobooks, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The streaming platform is said to be collaborating with major US publishers to finalize the details of this endeavor. Under the proposed program, users could listen to up to 20 hours of audiobook content per month without any additional cost.
While the initial selection of audiobooks has not been confirmed yet, it’s expected to cover a diverse range of titles.
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Spotify initially entered the audiobook market in September 2022, providing users with access to a library of over 300,000 titles, including works by well-known authors like Stephen King and Malcolm Gladwell.
Since then, the collection has grown to include more than 350,000 titles. Currently, Spotify’s audiobooks are available on a pay-per-download basis, requiring users to purchase each title in addition to their subscription.
The pilot program is expected to have limited-time availability as Spotify intends to gauge customer interest before making any long-term commitments.
While specific launch locations have not been disclosed, it’s anticipated that the free audiobooks will gradually become accessible in select English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
However, it’s unclear whether this content will also be available in Ireland and New Zealand, where Spotify’s audiobooks can already be accessed.
