Spotify Unveils New Audiobook Charts for U.S. and U.K. Users
Spotify, the renowned streaming service, has recently announced the launch of Audiobook Charts for its U.S. and U.K. audiences. Akin to the Music and Podcast Charts already on the platform, the new Audiobook Charts will be updated weekly, showcasing the most popular audiobooks overall as well as by genre. The rankings are determined based on user listening habits and engagement on the platform. This development is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhance its audiobook offering and provide a more comprehensive and enjoyable listening experience. [1]
Accessing the New Audiobook Charts
The Audiobook Charts are available to both free and premium Spotify users within the app’s Audiobooks hub. To access the charts, users need to tap on the search button in the app, select the “Audiobooks” tile to enter the hub, and then scroll down to the “Dive deeper” section. The company has ensured easy accessibility to these charts, making it simpler for users to discover and engage with popular audiobooks. [1]
Spotify’s Investment in Audiobooks
Spotify’s launch of the Audiobook Charts is a testament to its continued investment in the audiobook space. This follows its official support for the audiobook format in 2022. Since then, Spotify has introduced several audiobook-related features, including the “Page Match” tool that allows users to seamlessly shift from physical reading to listening and “Audiobook Recaps,” a feature that provides concise audio summaries of your reading progress. These features are designed to enrich the user experience and bring more flexibility to the way users interact with books. [1]
Benefits for Readers and Authors
Spotify believes that the new Audiobook Charts will be beneficial for both readers and authors. For readers, it provides an easy and reliable method to discover popular titles. For authors and the publishing industry, it opens up new avenues for reaching wider audiences. Duncan Bruce, Spotify’s Director of Audiobook Partnerships and Licensing, stated, “As we’ve proven with Music and Podcasts Charts, when content is easier to access, discover, and enjoy, the demand grows. We are delighted to now bring that to audiobooks, to help provide even more ways for users, publishers, and authors to discover what’s trending on Spotify, and make books more connected with culture in real time.” [1]
Spotify’s Expansion into Physical Book Sales
Notably, Spotify’s interest in books extends beyond audiobooks. The streaming giant has recently embarked on physical book sales, announcing a partnership with Bookshop.org earlier this month. This collaboration will enable users in the U.S. and the U.K. to purchase physical copies of books directly within the Spotify app, exemplifying Spotify’s commitment to fostering a holistic reading culture among its users. [1]
Source: TechCrunch
