Spotify Dives into Books: New Audiobook Features & Physical Sales Unveiled!

As Spotify users brace for yet another price increase, bibliophiles have promising advancements on the horizon that may help soften the impact.

On Thursday, Spotify revealed several updates pertaining to its audiobook sector, particularly its venture into physical book sales. Users in the U.S. and the U.K. will soon have the option to buy physical editions of their preferred audiobooks directly within the app, signifying a notable shift for a platform that previously focused exclusively on digital content.

Additionally, the company unveiled two innovative features aimed at enhancing the audiobook listening experience. One of these, “Page Match,” allows users to scan a page from a physical book and instantly navigate to that section in the audiobook.

Furthermore, “Audiobook Recaps,” a feature previously exclusive to iOS, will be accessible to Android users this spring. This tool delivers concise recaps customized to the last segment users listened to.

By selling physical books through its app, Spotify positions itself as a formidable competitor to leading booksellers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The company acknowledges the enduring appeal of physical books among readers, and aims to establish itself as a comprehensive destination for literature enthusiasts by offering both print and digital formats.

Spotify is collaborating with Bookshop.org to facilitate this new offering, an online marketplace that supports local and independent bookstores. This partnership is advantageous for indie booksellers, as each purchase made through Spotify will directly benefit local literary communities. Spotify will receive an affiliate fee on these sales.

The physical book purchasing option will launch this spring and will be visible on audiobook pages in the app as a button labeled “Add to your bookshelf at home.” By clicking this button, users will be directed to Bookshop’s website, which manages pricing, inventory, and shipping.

To enhance the transition between formats, Spotify is introducing the Page Match feature, currently available to premium subscribers and set to be rolled out to all audiobook users by late February. This feature was initially identified by Android Authority last month.

With the new Page Match feature, users can scan a page from either a physical book or e-book using their device’s camera. This tool evaluates the page content and directs users to the exact location in the audiobook. It utilizes a combination of Spotify’s proprietary and third-party computer vision and image-scanning technology.

When users wish to switch to the audiobook, they can select the “Scan to Listen” button, and similarly, the “Scan to Read” option will allow them to revert back to the physical book. This functionality ensures that users can seamlessly continue reading regardless of whether they are at home or on the move.

Currently, Page Match is compatible with most English-language titles, with plans for further expansion. The platform now boasts over 500,000 titles.

Since Spotify launched its audiobook service two years ago, the platform has seen remarkable growth. The company reported a 36% increase in users engaging with audiobooks over the past year, with total listening hours rising by 37%. Additionally, more than half of Spotify’s 281 million premium subscribers have interacted with an audiobook.

Spotify is anticipated to announce its fourth-quarter earnings results on February 10.