Spotify Launches Streaming Service for Narrated Magazine Articles

In its quest to lead the audio industry, Spotify revealed on Tuesday that it will be adding narrated long-form magazine articles to its app. Premium users will have these articles included in their monthly allotment of 15 audiobook listening hours, whereas free users can purchase individual articles for $1.99 each.

From today, listeners can access over 650 long-form magazine articles (offered exclusively in English) from renowned publications like Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Vogue, Variety, Billboard, Vibe, GQ, Wired, Vanity Fair, and Pitchfork. Spotify has indicated that these pieces were developed by its dedicated audiobooks team, expanding its existing audio catalog, which already features podcasts.

Spotify mentions that the narrated articles will combine human and digital voice narration, with digital segments clearly identified for users.

By offering new monetizable audio content, Spotify aims to motivate users to explore various listening experiences beyond just music, potentially boosting interest in long-form content like its audiobooks, which could be more financially rewarding.

“By integrating shorter content formats, we are engaging audiences in their favorite styles to foster healthy listening habits, ultimately enhancing their connection with books over time,” said Colleen Prendergast, licensing lead at Spotify Audiobooks, in a blog post announcing the feature.

At present, Spotify grants audiobook listening hours to its premium subscribers, along with additional “top-up” hours once the initial time is used up. For Spotify’s free music users, there’s also a $9.99 monthly Audiobook Access plan and an $11.99 Audiobooks+ plan that provides double the listening time.

This announcement follows a series of recent updates from the platform, including significant innovations in AI audio, such as AI-created podcasts akin to those generated with Google’s NotebookLM; AI-facilitated audiobook production for authors; support for AI-generated cover art and remixes; as well as other features, including fitness content.