Spotify: audiobooks finally arrive in France and it's free (or almost)

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In just a few years, Spotify has revolutionized the way we listen to music and has shaken up the music industry. A Spotify subscription gives you access to an infinite number of artists, albums, and playlists to broaden your musical horizons. Then came the time for podcasts. Since 2019, podcasts have taken the streaming platform by storm, with content for all tastes. Spotify has notably managed to form unprecedented partnerships, such as with Léna Situations and Canapé Six Places

Today, Spotify is launching a conquest of audiobooks. It's no surprise: audiobooks are increasingly popular. In 2024, at least 4 million people have listened to at least one digital audiobook. We understand why Spotify wants to tackle this market.

Spotify enriches its offer with audiobooks

After music and podcasts, Spotify is going further and has just announced the launch of audiobooks in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Audiobook lovers and novices alike will be able to immerse themselves in their favorite works.

Starting this October 14, 2024 in the afternoon, Spotify Premium users will be able to benefit from 12 hours of audiobook listening per month without spending a cent extra. Being stuck with just one audiobook per month is now a thing of the past! With 12 hours of possible listening, a world of possibilities opens up to users. When you've used up all those hours and want even more, don't panic! For 9.99 euros, you can enjoy 10 additional hours. They can be used throughout the year.

The Swedish streaming platform has not skimped on this launch and intends to change the game. Indeed, nearly 20,000 titles will be available at the launch of audiobooks on Spotify, in French, German, Flemish and English. For French speakers, there will be a total of 15,000 audiobooks to devour starting today. Of course, Spotify's audiobook catalog should grow over time.

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To listen to the audiobook you are interested in, simply make sure that it is included in Spotify Premium. But the platform has confirmed to us that most audiobooks will be included in its paid plans. So much the better! However, if a work is not included in the Spotify Premium catalog, it is possible to purchase it “à la carte”. Spotify's goal is to always improve the value of Spotify's paid subscription.

This is revolutionary for audiobooks, and especially for their accessibility. Spotify intends to take advantage of its algorithm and its ability to know its subscribers well, what they like and what might appeal to them, to appeal to seasoned and novice alike. With the launch of audiobooks in France, Spotify will recommend users' next readings based on their musical tastes or podcasts listened to on the platform. Subscribers will be able to share their current reading on social networks. Authors, for their part, will be able to highlight them with personalized cards.

The launch of audiobooks on Spotify for the first time in a non-English speaking territory is a real opportunity for the audiobook market. But more generally, it is a huge opportunity for the book market. The publishing houses and the Swedish platform are convinced that this new feature will help reconcile users who have moved away from reading. We would have liked an improvement in audio quality, but it's still better than nothing.

• Spotify has just announced the launch of audiobooks in France
• Spotify Premium subscribers have access to 12 hours of listening per month
• 15,000 audiobooks are available in French on Spotify from this Monday, October 14, 2024

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