Spotify Offers Free Audiobooks to Premium Subscribers in the US

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U.S. subscribers to Spotify Premium now have the added benefit of enjoying 15 hours of free audiobook listening. If you happen to exceed your monthly 15-hour limit, you can easily purchase an additional 10 hours of listening for $12.99. However, it's important to note that subscribers on the Student plan are not eligible for this particular perk. Additionally, for those on a Family or Duo plan, only the Plan Manager will have full access to audiobooks.

With a vast library of over 200,000 audiobooks, Spotify offers an extensive collection that includes "over 70%" of titles found on the bestsellers list. When searching for books, you can navigate through Spotify just as you would when searching for any song or podcast. Furthermore, Spotify's intelligent system will suggest podcasts based on your listening history, and the new audiobooks hub allows you to discover books based on genre or vibe. To generate excitement for this new feature, Spotify has also released a number of articles. Among them, one article highlights notable book-to-screen adaptations, while another features an interview with Lilly Singh from the Lilly's Library book club.

If you listen to just a few audiobooks per month, Spotify's rate is unbeatable. For only $10.99 per month, Spotify Premium grants you unrestricted access to a vast library of music, podcasts, and books. In comparison, Audible starts at $7.95 monthly but provides only limited free audiobooks.

However, for avid book enthusiasts, Audible might still be preferred as it doesn't impose a 15-hour monthly limit. Audible's credit system is worth mentioning, allowing you to purchase audiobooks at discounted rates (unlike Spotify which offers audiobooks at full price). Nevertheless, many popular bestsellers that are accessible for free on Spotify Premium cost $12 or more on Audible. If you spend more than 15 hours listening to books each week, subscribing to both services may be the most cost-effective option for you.

In summary, Spotify provides full access to audiobooks exclusively to Premium Individual subscribers and Plan Managers. However, if you have a student discount or belong to a Family or Duo plan, your selection of free audiobooks is limited to a few public domain titles such as The Art of War and The Great Gatsby. Although this restriction is disappointing, it is not unexpected.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about Spotify's new offering of free audiobooks to Premium subscribers in the US. With a vast library of over 200,000 audiobooks, including over 70% of titles found on the bestsellers list, Spotify is making it easier and more affordable for me to enjoy my favorite books.

The 15-hour monthly limit is generous, and I appreciate the option to purchase additional hours if needed. I also like that Spotify's intelligent system suggests podcasts based on my listening history, and the new audiobooks hub allows me to discover books based on genre or vibe.

Overall, I think this is a great move by Spotify, and I'm excited to start listening to some audiobooks!