Spotify, the music streaming giant that’s always upping its game, has a surprise in store for its Premium subscribers who happen to be book lovers! Starting today, October 4th, those lucky folks in regions such as the UK and Australia will have access to a treasure trove of over 150,000 audiobooks, all without any additional charges.
And don’t worry, folks across the pond in the US won’t be left out of the fun, as they can expect to get this nifty perk later this year. But before you dive headfirst into this audiobook extravaganza, there’s a catch you ought to know about.
While the audiobook selection is vast and enticing, there’s a slight limit on how much you can devour for free.
Subscribers will be granted a generous 15 hours of audiobook listening each month, but after that, it’s pay-to-play. To continue your audiobook binge, you can refill your listening hours for a mere $11, which will net you an additional 10 hours.
Now, that may seem like a bit of a sting compared to Audible, the audiobook giant, which offers unlimited listening for $8 a month. But, hold on; let’s see what Spotify has up its sleeve.
The Spotify-Audible Showdown
In the audiobook arena, Spotify isn’t a newbie; they dabbled in this literary world back in September last year.
Initially, they rolled out a library with a whopping 300,000 titles, and users could purchase any of these audiobooks right from within the app. So, why the move to bundle audiobooks with Premium subscriptions?
Well, it seems like Spotify is on a mission to make its platform a one-stop shop for all your media cravings. Whether you’re jamming to tunes, catching up on your favorite podcasts, or diving into an audiobook adventure, Spotify wants to be your go-to destination.
A Reader’s Paradise
For voracious readers and audiobook enthusiasts, 15 hours might feel like mere crumbs from the literary table.
But don’t fret just yet. Spotify is offering a unique blend of convenience and comfort. Their audiobook feature includes an auto-bookmarking option, sparing you the hassle of losing your place in the story.
No more leafing through the book trying to figure out where you left off! And, for those who like to drift off to dreamland with a good audiobook, Spotify’s Sleep Timer ensures you don’t miss a beat.
You can fall asleep to your audiobook without fear of losing your spot, and that’s priceless for night owls who love their bedtime stories.
The Download Option
But what about those times when you’re off the grid, without an internet connection? Spotify has you covered there too.
Subscribers can download their favorite audiobooks for offline listening, making it perfect for long road trips, flights, or remote getaways where Wi-Fi signals are a distant dream. It’s like having a personal library in your pocket, ready to whisk you away to distant lands at a moment’s notice.
Who’s Invited to the Audiobook Party?
Now, you might be wondering if this audiobook fiesta is an exclusive club. As of now, the audiobook perk is open to individual Premium subscribers and the designated managers of Family or Duo accounts.
But fret not, if you’re not in this group, Spotify has plans to expand its availability in the future. So, stay tuned for more audiobook goodness!
In a nutshell, Spotify is all about bringing you the best in music, podcasts, and now, audiobooks, all in one place.
It’s like a buffet of entertainment options, and the choice is yours. Whether you’re a Premium subscriber already or considering taking the plunge, the addition of audiobooks sweetens the deal.
So, mark your calendars for October 4th, and get ready to embark on new literary adventures, all within the cozy confines of your Spotify app. Happy listening!