Spotify Extends Audiobook Availability to More Than 180 Markets Worldwide

Spotify revealed on Wednesday that it is broadening audiobook availability to more than 180 markets globally, covering areas throughout Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The expansion begins today and will be rolled out progressively over the coming months. The move will give more than 750 million users access to audiobooks, strengthening Spotify’s ability to compete with music streaming services and dedicated audiobook platforms such as Audible.

Previously, audiobook access was largely limited to English-speaking markets, including the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, along with Germany.

The audio streaming service announced that its expanded markets will have access to more than 350,000 titles, while its overall catalog now spans over 120 languages. Following its launch in Spain, users there will be able to explore more than 45,000 Spanish-language titles.

Spotify is collaborating with over 300 publishers worldwide, including Planeta and Mondadori, to broaden the selection of titles offered across different markets.

In eligible countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Poland, Chile, Norway, and Peru, Premium subscribers can listen to 12 hours of audiobooks. Users worldwide can also subscribe to Audiobook+ as a separate plan, which provides access to titles with a 15-hour listening allowance. Another option is to purchase individual audiobooks directly.

The company will introduce an Audiobook+ add-on for student subscriptions in selected regions in November. Spotify reported that Audiobook+ has attracted more than 1 million subscribers since its introduction last year and generated over 100 million in annual recurring revenue for the platform.

In February, Spotify introduced a feature called “Page Match,” enabling users to scan a page from a printed book and locate the matching section in its audiobook version for listening. The company noted that 1 million people have been using this feature each month since its introduction.

Spotify reported that monthly audiobook listeners increased by 40% over the past year, while the number of hours spent listening rose by 30%.

Earlier this year, Spotify launched Audiobook Charts to help users find widely listened-to titles. The company also introduced an AI-powered tool that allows authors to convert their books into audiobooks using models developed by ElevenLabs. Additionally, Spotify began testing physical book sales through its audiobook platform in selected markets, including the U.S. and the U.K.