Spotify is expanding its audiobook offerings with the launch of a new narrated content format called “Articles,” bringing long-form magazine journalism into audio form for listeners on the platform.
Starting May 26, Spotify is making more than 650 English-language narrated magazine articles available in markets where audiobooks are supported. The content is produced by Spotify Audiobooks’ in-house team and features stories from publications including Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Vogue, Variety, Billboard, WIRED, Vanity Fair, and Pitchfork.
The narrated Articles are each under two hours long and are included within Premium subscribers’ monthly audiobook listening allowance. Free-tier users can purchase individual narrated articles for $1.99 each.
Spotify said the new format is designed to bridge the gap between podcasts and longer-form audiobooks by introducing listeners to shorter audio journalism experiences.
The company believes the initiative could help cultivate broader audiobook engagement by making audio storytelling more approachable and easier to integrate into daily routines.
Spotify also said its recommendation and personalization features will help publishers distribute stories to audiences most likely to engage with their content, creating new discovery opportunities for magazine partners.
The launch comes as Spotify continues to expand its audiobook business. Since entering the audiobook market more than two years ago, the company said it has expanded audiobook availability to 22 markets, reached tens of millions of new readers, and increased listening hours by 60% year over year. Spotify has also introduced audiobook-focused features, including Page Match, Recaps, and Follow Along.
KEY QUOTES:
“With Articles, we’re introducing long-form journalism in audio as a natural extension of the music, podcasts, and audiobooks people already come to Spotify for, focused on topics we know they love. By bringing shorter form content into the mix, we’re meeting audiences where they are to help build healthy listening habits, ultimately growing engagement with books over time.”
Colleen Prendergast, Licensing Lead, Spotify Audiobooks
“We’re thrilled to partner with Spotify in what we see as a natural synergy between two platforms that celebrate music and culture. This collaboration with Articles allows us to deepen the connection between our readers and the artists, stories, and features they care about, while also providing an opportunity for discovery. By making Rolling Stone’s journalism more accessible on Spotify, we’re excited to bring our storytelling to an even wider audience.”
Julian Holguin, CEO, Rolling Stone
