The initiative is part of Spotify’s broader strategy to introduce new features and services as it competes with major tech rivals, including Apple and Amazon. The company has steadily built its audiobook presence since launching the format two years ago, and said its “Audiobooks in Premium” service now operates in 22 markets worldwide. Spotify also reported that its English-language audiobook catalog has surpassed 500,000 titles, while new listeners and listening hours have increased by 36% and 37%, respectively.
Under the new program, Spotify users in the United States and the United Kingdom will be able to purchase physical books through the platform beginning later this spring. Bookshop.org will manage inventory, pricing, and fulfillment for all orders, Spotify said.
The announcement arrives amid broader challenges in the physical book market, where sales have softened as readers increasingly turn to digital formats and online alternatives. Last year, News Corp—owner of HarperCollins—reported a slowdown in book orders from both consumers and retailers. Meanwhile, Baker & Taylor, a major book distributor with nearly 200 years of history, ceased operations in January.
Spotify also unveiled a new feature called “Page Match,” aimed at improving the transition between reading and listening. Using the Spotify app’s camera, users can scan a page from a printed book or e-book to instantly jump to the corresponding section in the audiobook. When returning to the book later, scanning again will bring them back to the exact point where they left off.
Spotify said Page Match will be available on most English-language titles at launch, with full rollout to all audiobook users scheduled by February 23.
In addition to the new book and feature updates, Spotify announced a $1 increase in its monthly Premium subscription price in the United States, Estonia, and Latvia, raising the cost to $12.99 per month.