Spotify Launches Streaming Service for Narrated Magazine Articles

In its quest to lead the audio sector, Spotify revealed on Tuesday that it will be offering narrated long-form magazine articles within its app. Premium subscribers will have these articles counted towards their monthly limit of 15 hours for audiobook listening, while free users can purchase individual articles for $1.99 each.

Beginning today, users can explore over 650 long-form magazine articles (available only in English) from esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Vogue, Variety, Billboard, Vibe, GQ, Wired, Vanity Fair, and Pitchfork. Spotify has indicated that these articles have been produced by its dedicated audiobooks team, expanding its current audio offerings, which include podcasts.

Spotify mentions that the narrated articles will feature a combination of human and digital voice narration, with sections utilizing digital voices clearly marked for easy identification.

With the launch of this new monetizable audio content, Spotify aims to encourage users to explore various listening options beyond music, potentially boosting engagement with long-form content like audiobooks, which may provide higher financial returns.

“By integrating shorter content formats, we are connecting with audiences in their preferred styles to foster healthier listening habits, ultimately deepening their bond with books over time,” stated Colleen Prendergast, licensing lead at Spotify Audiobooks, in a blog post introducing the feature.

At present, Spotify grants audiobook listening hours to its premium users, along with additional “top-up” hours once the initial quota is surpassed. For free users, there are options for a $9.99 monthly Audiobook Access plan and an $11.99 Audiobooks+ plan that doubles the listening duration.

This announcement follows several recent upgrades from the platform, including significant advancements in AI audio, such as AI-generated podcasts akin to those produced with Google’s NotebookLM; AI-assisted audiobook creation for authors; support for AI-generated cover art and remixes; along with other features like fitness content.