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Spotify ventures into physical book sales, adds new audiobook features
TechCrunch· 2026-02-05 12:00
Core Insights - Spotify is expanding its audiobook business by introducing the ability to purchase physical books through its app, marking a significant shift from its digital-only model [1][4] - The company has launched new features to enhance the audiobook experience, including "Page Match" and "Audiobook Recaps," aimed at providing a more seamless transition between physical and digital formats [2][10] Group 1: Audiobook Business Expansion - Spotify will allow users in the U.S. and the UK to buy physical copies of audiobooks directly through the app, positioning itself as a competitor to major booksellers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble [1][4] - The partnership with Bookshop.org supports local independent bookstores, ensuring that purchases made through Spotify benefit local book communities [5][6] Group 2: New Features for Audiobook Experience - The "Page Match" feature enables users to scan a page from a physical book to jump to that spot in the audiobook, enhancing user convenience [2][10] - "Audiobook Recaps," previously available only on iOS, will be introduced to Android devices, providing users with concise summaries of their last listening section [2][12] Group 3: Growth Metrics - Since the introduction of audiobooks, Spotify has seen a 36% increase in users listening to audiobooks and a 37% rise in listening hours over the past year [12] - More than half of Spotify's 281 million premium subscribers have engaged with an audiobook, indicating strong user interest and engagement in this segment [12]