Spotify Launches Audiobook Access for US Family Plan Subscribers for the First Time

Spotify is expanding its audiobook offerings for more subscribers in the U.S. On Tuesday, the company launched its Audiobooks+ plan, available at $11.99 per month. This plan enables subscribers and their family members on Family or Duo plans to enjoy an additional 15 hours of audiobook listening each month, on top of their standard plan.

Although Spotify introduced its audiobook service in the U.S. in 2022, users on Duo and Family plans have not been able to access it until now.

This new offering allows all household members to enjoy audiobooks together for the first time in the U.S. market.

Spotify Premium subscribers already receive 15 hours of audiobook listening per month, with the option to buy more hours. However, the newly introduced Audiobooks+ plan gives a recurring option for an extra 15 hours each month, in addition to the existing monthly allocation from the Premium plan.

While this may seem excessive for all but the most devoted audiobook fans, the U.S. launch of Audiobooks+ allows other family members of a subscription plan—not just the primary account holder—to explore Spotify’s extensive audiobook catalog. This is made possible through the add-on feature known as “Audiobooks+ for Plan Members.”

With this rollout, the U.S. joins several other nations that have access to Audiobooks+, including Ireland, Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

The announcement of this expansion comes after a challenging quarter for the streaming service, which did not meet expectations and provided a cautious forecast. CEO Daniel Ek cited a downturn in the advertising business as a key factor. (Interestingly, Spotify’s advertising head recently transitioned to DoorDash, as reported before the earnings reveal.)

In spite of this setback, there was a positive note for the company with a rise in user counts. Active users increased by 11%, reaching 696 million, and paid subscribers grew by 12%, totaling 276 million in the second quarter. The objective of the new Audiobooks+ plan is to leverage this existing user base.

In December, HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray indicated a forthcoming solution for prior limitations on audiobook access for household members. He mentioned that Spotify was working on resolving a “technical problem” that confined audiobook streaming to just the account holder.

Last month, Spotify fulfilled that commitment by launching audiobook access for plan members with the introduction of Audiobooks+ in various non-U.S. markets.

Although Spotify has yet to disclose how many Premium subscribers engage with audiobooks alongside music or podcasts, the company reports an over 35% year-over-year spike in audiobook listening hours in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, prior to the introduction of these add-on plans.

The announcement concerning the new subscription coincided with Spotify’s statement on Monday about an upcoming price change from €10.99 to €11.99 in several regions across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific.

Spotify has also revealed plans to explore further options for book lovers in the future, including the potential for direct sales.