While Spotify users face another subscription price increase, book lovers have some exciting developments to look forward to that could help cushion the blow. Spotify announced several updates for its audiobook business, notably its expansion into physical books. Users in the United States and the United Kingdom will soon be able to purchase physical copies of their favorite audiobooks directly through the app, marking a significant pivot for the once digital-only platform.
The company also introduced two features designed to make the audiobook experience smoother and more flexible. A new tool called Page Match lets users scan a page from a physical book to instantly transition to that exact spot in the audiobook. Additionally, the Audiobook Recaps feature, which was previously only available on iOS, is coming to Android devices this spring. This feature provides bite-sized summaries tailored to the last section a user stopped listening to.
Spotify’s decision to sell physical books through its app positions it as a competitor to major booksellers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The company recognizes that many readers still value physical books, and by offering both print and digital formats, Spotify is trying to become a one-stop shop for book lovers. Spotify has partnered with Bookshop.org on this new offering, an online marketplace that supports local, independent bookstores. This partnership benefits indie booksellers, as every purchase made via Spotify will directly support local book communities.
The ability to purchase physical books will roll out this spring and appear on audiobook pages in the app as a button labeled “Add to your bookshelf at home.” Clicking it will take users to Bookshop’s website to handle pricing, inventory, and shipping.
To further bridge the gap between formats, Spotify is launching the Page Match feature. It is currently available to premium subscribers and will roll out to all audiobook users by late February. Page Match lets users scan a page from a physical or e-book using their phone camera. The tool analyzes the page content and directs users to the exact corresponding spot in the audiobook. When users want to switch back to reading, they can select a “Scan to Read” button to return to the physical book. This makes it easy to pick up where you left off, whether reading at home or switching to audio on the go.
Page Match is currently available for most English-language titles, with plans for future expansion. There are now more than 500,000 titles on the platform.
In the two years since Spotify first introduced audiobooks, the platform has experienced significant growth. The company reported in October that the number of users listening to audiobooks rose 36% over the past year, and listening hours increased 37%. More than half of Spotify’s 281 million premium subscribers have engaged with an audiobook.
Spotify is expected to release its fourth-quarter earnings results on February 10.