Audiobooks Available on Spotify? FAQ

Introduction

With Spotify being a leading platform for streaming music and podcasts, many users are now inquiring, “Are audiobooks available on Spotify?”. This question highlights a growing interest in accessing a wide range of audio content through a single, user-friendly service. In this article, we will delve into the availability of audiobooks on Spotify, providing a comprehensive FAQ section that addresses common queries, from how to find and listen to audiobooks on the platform, to understanding any potential costs or subscription requirements. Our aim is to present clear, concise information to help you navigate the world of audiobooks on Spotify, making your listening experience as enjoyable and seamless as possible.

How to Find Audiobooks on Spotify?

Use the Search Function: The most direct way to find an audiobook is by using the Spotify search bar. You can search for a specific audiobook title, author, or narrator. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, typing “audiobooks” into the search bar will bring up a selection of audiobook playlists and popular titles.

Browse Audiobook Playlists: Spotify curates several audiobook playlists across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, classics, and more. These playlists are a great way to discover new titles and authors. You can find them by searching for “audiobooks” and looking in the playlist section of the search results.

Explore the Word Genre: In the ‘Browse’ section of Spotify, navigate to “All”. Although Spotify is primarily known for music, they occasionally categorize spoken word content, including audiobooks, under a broader ‘Word’ genre. This category might not always be visible but is worth checking for curated audiobook selections.

Follow Audiobook Publishers: Some publishers and authors have their own Spotify profiles where they upload audiobooks and related content. Following these profiles can keep you updated on new releases and exclusive Spotify audiobooks.

Social Media and Spotify Community: Spotify users and audiobook enthusiasts often share their finds and curated lists in various online communities, including Reddit, Spotify Community forums, and social media platforms. Searching these spaces for audiobook recommendations on Spotify can lead to some hidden gems.

Podcast Section: Occasionally, audiobooks or literature-related content might be listed under the podcast section. This is more common for serialized audiobooks or when authors release their books in episode format. It’s worth exploring if you’re looking for something a bit different.

User-Created Playlists: Don’t overlook the playlists created by other Spotify users. Many audiobook enthusiasts curate their own collections based on genres, themes, or personal favorites, offering another layer of discovery for those looking to explore new audiobooks.

Available Genres and Selection

Spotify regularly updates its audiobook selection, adding new titles and curating playlists to highlight popular audiobooks, hidden gems, and seasonal recommendations. Following Spotify’s curated playlists or exploring the “New Releases” and “Top Audiobooks” sections are excellent ways to discover your next listen.

With its expansive and ever-growing selection, Spotify ensures that audiobook lovers have access to a wide variety of genres and titles. Whether you’re a seasoned audiobook listener or new to the format, Spotify’s vast selection promises a rich and engaging listening experience like:

Fiction: This category encompasses a broad spectrum of works, including literary fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and romance. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping thriller or a heartwarming love story, Spotify’s fiction selection has you covered.
Non-Fiction: For those interested in reality-based content, Spotify offers a wealth of non-fiction audiobooks. This genre includes biographies, memoirs, self-help, business, and educational titles. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, find inspiration, or dive into the life story of a fascinating individual, the non-fiction section is rich with options.
Classics: If you’re drawn to the timeless works of literature, Spotify’s classics collection offers access to the masterpieces of literature. From the works of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens to the epic tales of Homer, these audiobooks provide a perfect way to experience the books that have stood the test of time.
Children’s Books: Catering to younger listeners, Spotify also features a selection of children’s books. These titles range from bedtime stories and fairy tales to educational content and young adult novels, making it easy to find the perfect listen for family time or to encourage young readers.
Language Learning and Educational: For those looking to learn a new language or expand their knowledge in a specific field, Spotify offers audiobooks and audio courses covering various languages and educational topics. This category is a great resource for personal development and lifelong learning.
Exclusive Content: Spotify occasionally partners with authors and publishers to offer exclusive audiobooks and spoken word content that you won’t find anywhere else. These exclusives can range from special editions of popular books to entirely original works created specifically for Spotify listeners.
Serialized Stories and Anthologies: In addition to traditional audiobooks, Spotify also hosts serialized stories and anthologies. These are often presented in a podcast-like format, with new chapters or episodes released over time. This format is particularly popular for ongoing series or collections of short stories.

Listening Features

Bookmarking: One of the most sought-after features for audiobook listeners is the ability to bookmark where they’ve left off. Spotify allows users to save their current spot in an audiobook, making it easy to pause listening and resume from the exact same place at a later time.

Playback Speed Control: Everyone has their own preferred listening speed, and Spotify accommodates this with adjustable playback speed options. Listeners can speed up or slow down the narration without distorting the audio quality, which is ideal for those who want to breeze through their books or take their time absorbing the details.

How to use the Spotify playback speed control? Bottom left corner > press the 1x button > choose your preferred speed.

Sleep Timer: For those who enjoy listening to audiobooks before bed, the sleep timer feature is a must. It allows users to set a timer for the audiobook to automatically stop playing after a certain period of time, ensuring that the book doesn’t continue playing throughout the night if the listener falls asleep.

How to use the Spotify sleep timer? Bottom right corner > press the clock symbol > choose your preferred time for when the audiobook should automatically stop playing.

Skip Forward/Back: Spotify offers simple controls to skip forward or back by a few seconds, which is incredibly useful for re-listening to a section you might have missed or want to hear again without the need to rewind the entire track.

Offline Listening: Recognizing the need for access to audiobooks without an internet connection, Spotify enables users to download audiobooks for offline listening. This feature is particularly beneficial for commutes, travel, or areas with limited internet connectivity.

How to listen offline on Spotify? Press the plus symbol to add the audiobook to your playlist > “Your library” > click download on the audiobook you wan’t to access offline.

Multi-Device Synchronization: Spotify’s ecosystem allows for seamless synchronization across multiple devices. This means you can start listening to an audiobook on one device and pick up where you left off on another, without any hassle. Whether switching between a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, your place in the audiobook is saved and synced.

High-Quality Audio: Audiobook listeners on Spotify can enjoy high-quality audio playback. This ensures that narration is clear and immersive, enhancing the overall listening experience. Users have the option to adjust the quality settings based on their preferences and bandwidth limitations.

Easy Navigation: Navigating through audiobooks on Spotify is straightforward. Tracks are often organized by chapter, making it easy to find and select specific parts of the book you want to listen to.

Pricing and Subscription Model for Audiobooks on Spotify

Spotify’s approach to audiobook access is intricately tied to its overall subscription model, which primarily caters to music and podcast streaming. Understanding how audiobooks fit into this model is crucial for users looking to explore the platform’s spoken word content. Here’s a breakdown of Spotify’s pricing and subscription model as it relates to audiobooks:

Spotify Free vs. Premium: Spotify offers two main types of accounts: Free and Premium. The Free version is ad-supported, allowing users to listen to music and podcasts with occasional advertisements. However, when it comes to audiobooks, the experience can vary. Some audiobooks may be available to Free users with ads interspersed, while others might require a Premium subscription for access.
Premium Subscription Benefits: A Spotify Premium subscription removes all advertisements, provides higher quality audio, and enables offline listening. For audiobooks, this means an uninterrupted listening experience, the ability to download titles for offline use, and access to a potentially wider selection of audiobooks that may not be available to Free users.
Individual, Duo, Family, and Student Plans: Spotify’s Premium subscription is available in several plans, including Individual, Duo (for two people living at the same address), Family (up to 6 accounts), and a discounted Student plan. These plans provide the same Premium benefits, making them a flexible option for audiobook listeners with different household needs.

Pricing and Subscription Model for Audiobooks on Spotify

Audiobook Purchases: Unlike traditional streaming content on Spotify, some audiobooks may require a separate purchase. This is a relatively new development where users can buy individual audiobooks, granting permanent access to those titles within the Spotify platform. The cost of audiobooks can vary based on factors like length, popularity, and publisher pricing.
No Additional Fees for Accessing Audiobooks: For audiobooks available within the Spotify streaming model (not requiring separate purchase), there are no additional fees beyond the standard Premium subscription. This means users can enjoy both music and a selection of audiobooks all under one subscription fee.
Economic Considerations: When comparing Spotify’s subscription model to dedicated audiobook services, it’s important to consider your primary use case. If you’re an avid audiobook listener who consumes several books a month, a service specializing in audiobooks might offer more value like Audible. However, for users who enjoy a mix of music, podcasts, and occasional audiobooks, Spotify’s model presents a convenient and cost-effective solution.

Compatibility and Devices for Audiobooks on Spotify

Spotify’s extensive compatibility across a wide range of devices ensures that users can enjoy audiobooks wherever they are, making it a versatile platform for audiobook listeners. The ability to seamlessly switch between devices without losing your place in an audiobook adds to the convenience and user-friendly nature of Spotify. Here’s a closer look at the compatibility and devices supported by Spotify for audiobook listening:

Smartphones and Tablets: Spotify offers dedicated apps for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices, which are the most popular means for listening to audiobooks on the go. These mobile apps provide full functionality, including offline listening, bookmarking, and playback speed control, making them ideal for audiobook consumption.
Computers: Spotify can be accessed on computers either through a web player or by downloading the desktop application for Windows and macOS. While the desktop experience is more often associated with music and podcast listening, it’s fully equipped for audiobooks as well, including managing your library and downloading titles for offline use.
Smart Speakers and Home Assistants: Spotify’s compatibility extends to smart speakers and home assistants like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod. By linking your Spotify account, you can use voice commands to play audiobooks through these devices, offering a hands-free listening experience that’s perfect for multitasking or relaxation.
Wearable Devices: For users with smartwatches, including models running Wear OS by Google or Apple Watch, Spotify provides apps that allow for remote control of playback and, in some cases, offline listening directly from the watch. This feature is particularly useful for listening to audiobooks during workouts or outdoor activities.

Gaming Consoles and Media Players: Spotify is also available on various gaming consoles, such as PlayStation and Xbox, as well as media players like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. While these devices are traditionally used for entertainment like gaming and streaming video, they offer an additional avenue for audiobook listening, especially for users looking to enjoy books through their home entertainment systems.
Connected Cars: With Spotify’s integration into connected car systems via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or proprietary car multimedia systems, users can listen to audiobooks during their commutes or long drives. This integration makes it easy to control playback through the car’s interface, ensuring a safer and more convenient listening experience while driving.
Compatibility Considerations: While Spotify works across a broad spectrum of devices, the user experience might vary slightly depending on the device’s capabilities and the app version. Features like offline listening and playback speed control are generally consistent, but it’s always a good idea to check the specific features available on your device.

International Availability

Spotify’s global presence has made it a popular choice for streaming music, podcasts, and now audiobooks, across numerous countries. However, the international availability of audiobooks on Spotify can vary due to licensing agreements, copyright laws, and partnerships with publishers, which are often region-specific. Understanding the nuances of audiobook availability on Spotify can help users navigate what content they can access from their location. Here’s an overview:

Varying Catalogues by Region: Spotify’s audiobook selection is subject to the same regional restrictions as its music and podcast catalogues. This means that the audiobooks available to you can significantly differ based on your geographic location. Licensing agreements with publishers and authors often dictate where an audiobook can be legally streamed, leading to a varied selection across different countries.
Language Selection: The international availability of audiobooks on Spotify also extends to language options. Users in non-English speaking countries will find audiobooks in their local languages, reflecting Spotify’s efforts to cater to a global audience. However, the breadth of available titles in non-English languages can vary, with larger markets typically offering a more extensive selection.
Market-Specific Launches and Exclusives: Spotify occasionally rolls out audiobooks as part of market-specific launches or offers exclusive content tailored to particular regions. These initiatives are often designed to appeal to local tastes and interests, which can enrich the audiobook experience for users in those areas.
Accessibility and Expansion: Spotify continues to expand its reach and negotiate new licensing deals, which can change the availability of audiobooks in different regions over time. New markets may gain access to audiobooks previously unavailable to them, while existing markets might see their selections grow as Spotify secures more partnerships.
Checking Availability: To find out which audiobooks are available in your region, the best approach is to use the search function within the Spotify app or browse the audiobook section if available. Since the catalogue updates regularly, keeping an eye on new releases and featured sections can help you discover the latest audiobooks accessible from your location.
Using VPNs: Some users might consider using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to access audiobooks not available in their region. While this can provide access to a broader selection, it’s important to note that doing so may violate Spotify’s terms of service and potentially lead to account restrictions.

Updates and Future Plan

Spotify is actively broadening its audiobook offerings, aiming to become a key player in the realm of digital storytelling. The platform is set to expand its catalogue significantly, bringing in a wider array of titles across diverse genres and languages, ensuring that there’s something for every listener. Alongside this expansion, Spotify is enhancing its discovery and recommendation algorithms to make finding your next great listen both effortless and personalized, drawing on its strengths in music and podcast recommendations.

Improvements to the user interface and listening features are also on the horizon, with a focus on creating a seamless audiobook experience. This includes better navigation tools for moving between chapters and more sophisticated playback controls, tailored specifically to the needs of audiobook listeners. Spotify recognizes the power of community and social interaction in the enjoyment of books. To this end, it plans to introduce more robust features for sharing audiobooks, joining book clubs, and connecting with authors and narrators directly on the platform.

Exclusive content and original productions are also part of Spotify’s strategy to differentiate its audiobook service. By developing exclusive audiobooks and original spoken word content, Spotify aims to offer unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. Collaborations with publishers, authors, and content creators will play a crucial role in bringing these exclusives to life, enriching Spotify’s content library and offering new ways for users to engage with audiobooks.

Global expansion and localization efforts are ongoing, with Spotify keen on making its audiobook service accessible and relevant to users worldwide. This includes not just adding titles in various languages but also tailoring the listening experience to meet regional preferences and cultural nuances.

Through these initiatives, Spotify is poised to enhance its position in the digital audio space, offering an enriched, comprehensive listening experience that caters to the diverse tastes and preferences of audiobook enthusiasts around the globe.

FAQ

When did spotify start doing audiobooks?

Spotify started incorporating audiobooks into its platform in a significant way in September 2022, after announcing the acquisition of Findaway, a notable player in the audiobook industry. This move marked Spotify’s strategic entry into the audiobook market, aiming to enrich its content offerings beyond music and podcasts.

How to buy audiobooks on spotify?

Search for the Audiobook: Use the search bar to find the audiobook you wish to purchase. You can search by title, author, or narrator.
Select the Audiobook: Once you’ve found the audiobook, click on its title to go to its dedicated page.
Purchase Option: If the audiobook requires purchase, you’ll see a price listed and a button to buy it. Click this button to proceed.
Complete the Transaction: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase. This may involve confirming payment details and agreeing to any terms and conditions.
Access Your Audiobook: After purchasing, the audiobook will be available in your library for streaming or downloading for offline listening, depending on your subscription level.

Note: The availability of audiobooks for purchase and the exact purchasing process might vary based on your region and the device you’re using.

Are audiobooks free on spotify?

Some audiobooks on Spotify are available to listen to for free with a Spotify Free account, which includes ads. However, the selection of audiobooks accessible without a premium subscription can vary, and listening may be interrupted by advertisements. Additionally, certain audiobooks might require a purchase or a Premium subscription for an ad-free listening experience and access to a broader selection of titles. The availability of free versus paid audiobooks can depend on licensing agreements and publisher restrictions.

Are audiobooks free with spotify premium?

Spotify has introduced a model where certain audiobooks may require an additional purchase, regardless of whether you have a Premium subscription. The selection of audiobooks included in the Premium subscription without extra cost depends on licensing agreements and publisher policies, so availability can differ.

Can audiobooks on spotify be shared with family?

Audiobooks on Spotify can be shared with family members in the same way as music and podcasts, especially if you’re using the Spotify Family Plan. This plan allows multiple family members living at the same address to have their own Premium accounts under one subscription. Here’s how sharing works:

Family Plan: Members can listen to audiobooks on their individual accounts. If an audiobook is available for streaming (not requiring an additional purchase), any member can listen to it under the Family Plan’s benefits.
Playlist Sharing: You can create playlists that include your favorite audiobooks and share these with family members or friends on Spotify.
Purchased Audiobooks: If an audiobook requires a separate purchase, its shareability might depend on Spotify’s terms at the time of purchase. Generally, purchased content is tied to the account that made the purchase, but all members under the Family Plan can access and listen to these audiobooks if they’re logged into the purchasing account.

Remember, the availability and shareability of audiobooks can vary based on regional restrictions and specific licensing agreements.

Conclusion: Audiobooks Available on Spotify?

Spotify’s venture into audiobooks enriches its platform, offering a seamless blend of music, podcasts, and literature. Since stepping into the audiobook realm in 2022, Spotify has aimed to provide a diverse and accessible listening experience for all users. Whether you’re a free user or a Premium subscriber, the platform caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets, with both free and purchasable audiobook options. As Spotify continues to expand its audiobook library and improve user features, it cements its role as a comprehensive audio entertainment hub. The addition of audiobooks on Spotify not only diversifies its content but also reinforces its commitment to becoming a prime destination for audio storytelling.

Don’t forget to check out our other blog posts like “Audiobooks vs Reading”