How Many Audiobooks Are on Spotify? (2024 Statistics)

How many audiobooks are on Spotify?

Spotify, a leading global audio streaming platform, has substantial traction in the music industry with its extensive array of tracks, playlists, and podcasts.

Loved by millions across the globe, it offers both free and premium subscription models, offering unique entertainment perks to a diverse audience with varying preferences.

Premium subscribers enjoy ad-free listening, high-quality audio, and offline music playback.

These perks are why Spotify is the leading service for music lovers.

Recently, the platform expanded its reach by adding audiobooks to its already impressive library of audio content.

Late last year, Spotify launched over 200,000 audiobooks for its premium subscribers in the United States. This entails that users can now listen to their favourite books while on the go or at home.

The Rise of Audiobooks

Audiobooks have grown in popularity, offering a convenient alternative to traditional reading.

Their roots trace back to the 1930s when the American Foundation for the Blind and the Library of Congress began creating books on tape for American service members and the visually impaired.

However, it wasn’t until the digital revolution of the 21st century that they became a mainstream commodity.

The digital transformation opened new vistas, making it easy for consumers to download or stream audiobooks on their portable devices.

The convenience of listening to a book while commuting, exercising, or doing chores spurred the demand, making audiobooks a big segment of the publishing industry.

Platforms such as Audible, Google Play Books, and now Spotify are leading the charge.

Audible, one of the pioneers in this niche, boasts an extensive library and has played a crucial role in the audiobook revolution.

It offers a subscription-based service where users can buy books or use credits received through their subscription to purchase them.

Google Play Books offers a similar service but with the additional benefit of integration with the Google ecosystem, which is why it’s a preferred choice for Android users.

Traditionally associated with music and podcasts,

Spotify is trying to leverage its existing user base to offer a more comprehensive entertainment package.

It’s a strategic move, keeping users engaged on a single platform for all their audio needs.

The addition of audiobooks to Spotify’s library demonstrates how digital platforms are constantly evolving to meet consumer demand, making entertainment more accessible and convenient.

What is Spotify?

Spotify is a digital music streaming service that offers users access to millions of songs, podcasts, and videos from artists all over the world.

Launched in 2008 in Sweden, it has since become a global phenomenon, changing the landscape of music consumption.

Key Features of Spotify

Monthly Active Users: Spotify reached a remarkable 574 million monthly active users by the third quarter of 2023, demonstrating a substantial growth from previous years. This includes both free and premium subscribers.

Premium Subscribers: The number of Spotify premium subscribers also saw a notable increase, reaching 226 million by the third quarter of 2023. This growth indicates a steady rise in the platform’s paid user base.

Revenue: In terms of financial performance, Spotify’s revenue grew impressively. The company generated €11.72 billion in revenue in 2022, and its revenue up to the third quarter of 2023 was €9.576 billion. This growth trajectory suggests a robust financial health for the platform.

Market Share: Spotify continues to hold a significant portion of the global music streaming market, with a 33% market share as of 2023. This indicates its strong position relative to other players in the market.

Demographics: The platform is particularly popular among younger audiences. In the global user base, the largest age group accessing Spotify is between 25 and 34 years old, followed by the 18 to 24 age group.

Regional Presence: Europe is Spotify’s largest market, accounting for 29% of its monthly active users. North America follows with 20% of the platform’s monthly active users.

Podcasts: Spotify has also made significant strides in the podcasting domain. It ranks as the second most popular podcast platform in the US, with a substantial portion of its users regularly tuning into podcasts. The platform hosts over 5 million podcasts, reflecting its expansive and diverse content offerings.

Vast Music Library: Spotify boasts an extensive collection of tracks, encompassing various genres, languages, and artists. From the latest hits to classic tunes, it’s a treasure trove for music enthusiasts.

Playlists and Recommendations: One of Spotify’s standout features is its personalized playlists and recommendations. Based on your listening habits, it suggests new music you might like, making music discovery effortless and exciting.

Podcasts and Radio: Beyond music, Spotify offers a wide range of podcasts and radio shows, catering to various interests from news and politics to entertainment and lifestyle.

User-Friendly Interface: Whether on desktop or mobile, Spotify’s interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all ages.

Social Sharing: Spotify allows you to share music and playlists with friends and even see what others are listening to, fostering a community of music lovers.

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Audiobooks On Spotify

With this recent expansion, Spotify has become more than just a music streaming service; it has transformed into a complete audio platform.

It’s opening a new form of entertainment since audiobooks differ from music in that they provide a spoken narrative rather than a musical one.

Out of the 200,000+ audiobooks available on Spotify, there’s an extensive selection of titles catering to different genres and preferences.

From classic literature to self-help books, from best-selling fiction to non-fiction titles – Spotify has something for everyone.

The company said that over 70% of the catalogue is bestselling titles.

In other words, an investment in a premium subscription solely for the purpose of listening to audiobooks would be a wise one, with the sheer number of options available for users.

Audiobook Listening Experience on Spotify

The listening experience on Spotify is user-friendly and customizable.

You can listen to your favourite audiobooks on shuffle mode or repeat them endlessly like music tracks.

You can add them to your personalized playlists just like you would with songs, making switching between books and music easy.

The experience of listening to audiobooks on Spotify is designed to be as seamless as possible.

Spotify allows users to save their progress in each audiobook, enabling them to pick up right where they left off, much like reading a physical book.

Navigating through chapters is a cinch, as each chapter is set up as a unique track, making it easy to skip or backtrack.

Spotify’s integration with various devices, like smart speakers, TVs, and wearable technology, amplifies listening convenience, making audiobooks accessible anytime, anywhere.

The well-curated genre playlists and personalized recommendations based on listeners’ preferences further enhance the immersive, convenient, and enjoyable audiobook experience on Spotify.

The 15-Hour Limit Explained

One aspect of Spotify’s audiobook offering that sets it apart is the 15-hour limit imposed on each premium subscriber per month.

This limit is specifically for the playback of audiobooks.

Based on the average length of an audiobook, which is approximately 7-8 hours, this limit allows listeners to enjoy roughly two audiobooks each month fully.

This limit is designed to manage the distribution of resources while ensuring that all premium subscribers have equal access to the audiobook catalogue.

It also encourages users to make considered choices about what to listen to rather than impulsively downloading multiple books they may not listen to.

If the 15-hour limit is exhausted, users must wait until their monthly reset to access more audiobook content.

Alternatively, users may explore other content forms on Spotify, i.e., music or podcasts, that don’t count towards this limit.

While some users may find this limit restrictive, one must remember that Spotify’s primary offering is music, with the addition of audiobooks being a relatively new feature.

The 15-hour limit, while not typical of dedicated audiobook platforms, reflects Spotify’s unique approach to content distribution and its ongoing commitment to providing diverse and high-quality audio entertainment to its premium subscribers.

It’s a business decision that seeks to prevent inefficient content consumption. After all, audiobooks shouldn’t be consumed in the same manner as songs or podcasts.

Is Spotify A Worthy Subscription?

A Spotify Premium subscription costs $10.99 per month for individual use.

This price is highly competitive compared to standalone audiobook platforms like Audible, which offers a pricier basic plan.

With Spotify, not only do you get access to over 200,000 audiobooks, but you also have unlimited access to their vast music library, podcasts, and other audio content.

Given the vast assortment of titles, from bestsellers to classics, Spotify offers an expansive selection to cater to every listener’s taste.

Other plan options for families and students offer even more affordability, making Spotify a worthy investment for all your audio entertainment requirements.

Why Choose Spotify for Audiobooks Over Audible?

Audiobooks have transformed the way we consume literature, making it possible to delve into stories while on the go.

While Amazon has long been a popular choice for audiobook lovers, Spotify has recently emerged as a formidable competitor.

Ease of Access

Spotify is primarily known for its music streaming services, but it has expanded its library to include a vast range of audiobooks. One of the biggest advantages of Spotify is the ease of access.

If you’re already a Spotify user for music, adding audiobooks to your routine is seamless. There’s no need to switch between different apps or platforms, making the user experience smooth and hassle-free.

Subscription Model

Unlike Amazon, where audiobooks are generally purchased individually or through a separate subscription like Audible, Spotify offers a more integrated experience.

If you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber, you can access audiobooks without any additional cost, depending on the available library.

This can be more economical for regular listeners who also enjoy music and podcasts on the same platform.

Discoverability

Spotify’s recommendation system is one of its strongest features.

Just as it introduces you to new music and podcasts based on your listening habits, it can do the same with audiobooks.

This feature enhances the discoverability of new titles and authors that you might not encounter on Amazon, where recommendations are often based on purchasing history.

User Interface and Experience

Spotify’s user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, designed for seamless audio listening.

The transition from listening to music or podcasts to audiobooks is smooth. Features like bookmarking, sleep timer, and variable playback speed enhance the audiobook listening experience.

Integration with Music and Podcasts

For those who enjoy a mix of music, podcasts, and audiobooks, Spotify provides an all-in-one solution.

You can create playlists that include a mix of media types, including your favorite songs, podcast episodes, and chapters from audiobooks.

This integrated experience is something that Amazon, with its separate platforms for music and audiobooks, doesn’t offer as seamlessly.

Choosing Your Audiobook Platform: Spotify vs. Amazon

When deciding between Spotify and Amazon for audiobooks, your choice largely depends on your listening habits and what you value in your audio experience.

If you’re a music lover or a casual listener of audiobooks, Spotify might be the more convenient and cost-effective choice.

As a Spotify user, you’ll enjoy the simplicity of having both your music and a selection of audiobooks in one app.

This integration is ideal for those who prefer not to juggle multiple subscriptions or apps for different types of audio entertainment.

Plus, the user interface on Spotify, which you might already be familiar with for music, offers a comfortable and seamless experience when transitioning to audiobooks.

On the other hand, if you’re an avid audiobook listener, Amazon’s Audible is likely to be a better fit.

Audible is specifically designed for audiobooks, which means it comes with features that can significantly enhance your listening experience, like bookmarking, sleep timers, and adjustable playback speeds.

The platform’s extensive library, including a wide range of genres and exclusive titles, is a treasure trove for serious audiobook enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the advantage of owning the audiobooks you purchase on Audible – even if you cancel your subscription – is a major draw for those who like to revisit their books or build a personal collection.

The focus on audiobooks also means that you can expect high production quality, including professional narration and sound engineering, making the listening experience more enjoyable.

Before making a decision, you might also want to consider device compatibility and the availability of trial periods on both platforms.

Trying out their premium services during these trials can provide valuable insight into what each platform has to offer and help you make a more informed choice.

Ultimately, Spotify is ideal for those seeking a mix of music and occasional audiobooks without needing an additional subscription.

In contrast, Audible caters to dedicated audiobook listeners who prioritize a wide selection and specialized features for an enhanced audiobook experience.

Last Thoughts On How Many Audiobooks There on Spotify

While Amazon has been a dominant player in the audiobook market, Spotify’s entry brings a fresh perspective and offers several advantages.

Its integrated platform, user-friendly interface, and excellent discoverability make it an appealing option for audiobook enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a voracious reader or just dipping your toes into the world of audiobooks, Spotify provides a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the vast world of stories and narratives.

So next time you’re looking for a new audiobook, consider browsing Spotify’s growing library.