In February, Spotify ventured into the realm of physical book sales, and as of this week, the feature has officially launched in the U.S. and the U.K. This initiative is a collaboration with Bookshop.org, an online platform aimed at promoting local bookstores. Users can now purchase physical books directly from the Spotify app by clicking the “Get a copy for your bookshelf” button found on audiobook pages. This action redirects them to Bookshop’s website, which handles pricing, inventory, and shipping.
Currently, the ability to buy physical books is available exclusively on Android devices, with iOS support expected next week. This development positions Spotify as a competitor to traditional booksellers and aligns with the company’s broader strategy of enhancing profitability, evidenced by recent subscription price increases in the U.S. and Europe. Spotify recently announced reaching an impressive 751 million monthly active users.
In addition to physical book sales, Spotify unveiled several other features. Notably, the “Page Match” functionality has expanded to include over 30 new languages, such as French, German, and Swedish. This tool allows users to scan pages from physical or electronic books with their smartphone camera, linking them to the relevant sections in the audiobook version. Since its English-language launch, users of Page Match have reported streaming an average of 55% more audiobook hours weekly, with 62% of Page Matched titles being previously unheard of by users.
Furthermore, Spotify has rolled out “Audiobook Recaps” for Android users. This feature provides concise audio summaries based on the user’s last listening point, facilitating a seamless return to the story.
The company has also launched “Audiobook Charts” in Germany, expanding from its initial rollout in the U.S. and U.K. These charts curate popular and trending audiobooks to help users discover their next read, reflecting Spotify’s commitment to becoming a comprehensive destination for book lovers.
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