In its newest try and turn out to be the one audio streaming service you want, Spotify is reportedly planning to check a free audiobook bundle for paid members quickly. Based on The Wall Avenue Journal, Spotify is teaming up with among the prime publishers within the US on the upcoming pilot program. These invited to check the brand new characteristic will be capable to hearken to audiobooks for as much as 20 hours with out paying greater than they already do, sources declare.
The report additionally says that the take a look at will doubtless be restricted to English-speaking nations, such because the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada. There will even supposedly be all kinds of audiobooks obtainable, however the actual providing remains to be being finalized.
If the take a look at is profitable and Spotify does convey free audiobooks to Premium members, it will make the latest worth hike sting a bit much less. In July, Spotify raised the costs of all its plans for the primary time because the streaming service launched within the US. Spotify Premium elevated from $9.99 to $10.99 a month, Premium Duo elevated from $12.99 to $14.99, Premium Household elevated from $15.99 to $16.99, and Premium Scholar elevated from $4.99 to $5.99.
Paying a greenback or two extra for 20 hours of free audiobook streaming isn’t a nasty deal.
Spotify started promoting audiobooks in 2022. There are already over 350,000 titles obtainable on the service, however they will solely be bought on the internet. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek blames Apple’s App Retailer insurance policies, as Apple takes a 30% reduce of each sale from an iOS app. Consequently, you must purchase audiobooks in a browser earlier than you may hearken to them within the app.
The free audiobook bundle would function a helpful commercial for Spotify’s audiobook retailer as properly. Personally, regardless of having had a Spotify Premium subscription for years, I wasn’t actually conscious of the service’s sizable audiobook retailer till now. The free bundle wouldn’t be topic to Apple’s 30% price, which suggests it may very well be supplied immediately by means of the app.
The bundle might additionally give Spotify an opportunity to compete with Amazon’s Audible, which has been the undisputed king of the trade for years. Knocking Audible off its perch could be a tall job, however that $0 price ticket will tempt loads of avid e book listeners.
