Brief
Spotify to roll out Audiobooks+ to 180 countries by year‑end
The Swedish streamer said the expansion will cover most of its global user base and add new subscription tiers.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Spotify said on Oct. 7 that its Audiobooks+ subscription will be available to users in 180 countries, covering virtually all of its 750 million monthly active users, by the end of 2026.
What happened
The company first launched audiobooks in the U.S. and U.K. three years ago and later expanded to 22 markets. Listening hours rose 60 % from 2024 to 2025, according to a May investor presentation. In mid‑2025 Spotify introduced Audiobooks+, an $11.99‑per‑month add‑on that doubles the monthly listening allowance from 15 to 30 hours.
What the reports add
Billboard reported that more than 1 million premium subscribers have already signed up for Audiobooks+, generating about $100 million in annual recurring revenue as of July. The service is aimed at younger listeners, with roughly half of audiobook users under 35, according to Spotify executives.
What was said
"These are very valuable users," co‑CEO Alex Norström told investors, adding that Audiobooks+ subscribers have a lifetime value multiple of standard premium users. Owen Smith, global head of books, said the new Page Match feature helps users finish books twice as fast and that two‑thirds of its users are under 35.
How it came about
Spotify’s expansion follows earlier rollout steps detailed in Felo’s Oct. 7 coverage of the service’s market growth, which noted a catalogue of over 350,000 titles for new markets and partnerships with more than 300 publishers.
Key facts
- Spotify will expand Audiobooks+ to 180 countries by the end of 2026. (billboard.com)
- Audiobooks+ costs $11.99 per month and doubles the listening allowance to 30 hours. (billboard.com)
- Over 1 million premium users have subscribed to Audiobooks+, generating about $100 million ARR. (billboard.com)
- Half of audiobook listeners are under 35, according to Spotify executives. (billboard.com)
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “The Next Chapter of Spotify’s Audiobooks Speaks Volumes About Where the Streamer Is Heading”
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