Spotify expands audiobooks access to family plan members in the US for the first time

In a significant move, Spotify has announced the rollout of its Audiobooks+ plan, allowing U.S. subscribers to enjoy audiobooks alongside their existing subscriptions. Priced at $11.99 per month, this new feature enables users on Family or Duo plans to access an additional 15 hours of audiobook content each month, marking a first for household members in the U.S. Previously, Spotify's audiobooks service, which launched in 2022, had excluded family plan members from accessing its vast catalog. However, with the introduction of Audiobooks+, these users can now dive into audiobooks, enhancing their overall listening experience. The Audiobooks+ plan complements Spotify Premium, which already includes 15 hours of audiobook access per month, with the option to purchase extra hours if needed. This new offering is particularly beneficial for avid listeners who consume more than the standard allotment. Spotify’s expansion into the U.S. market comes on the heels of a challenging quarter for the company, where it reported disappointing earnings and a decline in advertising revenue. Despite this setback, Spotify's CEO Daniel Ek highlighted a positive trend in user growth, with active users increasing by 11% to reach 696 million, and paid subscribers growing by 12% to 276 million in the second quarter. The Audiobooks+ initiative was hinted at by HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray, who noted in December that Spotify was working on resolving technical issues that had limited audiobook access to only the primary account holder. Last month, Spotify fulfilled that promise by launching the Audiobooks+ feature in various markets outside the U.S., paving the way for this U.S. launch. While Spotify has not disclosed specific statistics on how many of its Premium members listen to audiobooks, it has reported a notable 35% year-over-year increase in audiobook listening hours in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. The company is also exploring additional options for book enthusiasts, including direct sales in the future, as it seeks to enhance its services further.