Audible vs Spotify

2024. Spotify Audiobooks launch in France, Belgium and Netherlands



Spotify is a cheeky, upstart musician in the concert hall of digital audiobooks, where giants like Audible and Storytel already hold court. Today it has taken a bold step onto the international stage, waving an audiobook flag in the direction of France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. With the subtlety of a tap dancer in a library, it’s now offering up a smorgasbord of literary voices from the likes of Gaël Faye, Maylis de Kerangal, Joël Dicker, Suzanne Vermeer and Saskia Noort—names that somehow sound better when whispered over a strong coffee. Premium subscribers in these newly inducted territories can dive into over 200,000 titles (that’s roughly one long book per day for 548 years), with a clever option to snag any elusive non-Premium titles à la carte. Meanwhile, non-subscribers are free to purchase anything they fancy, because, well, Spotify’s nothing if not accommodating.


2024. Audible implemented AI-generated recommendations



Audible, the Amazon-owned audiobook service, continues to experiment with AI to improve audiobook discovery and offer customized recommendations. The latest feature - AI-powered tags, which analyze customer feedback to offer suggestions according to individual preferences and topic pages that helps users to find similar audio books. The experiment is only available to USA users with iOS and Android devices. Through a new “Tags” carousel in the app, Audible’s AI analyzes customer reviews and briefly explains why other listeners enjoyed a specific audiobook. This allows you to quickly get to the point without having to read numerous reviews.


2024. Audible recruits actors to train voice-generating AI for audiobooks



Audible, Amazon’s audiobook division, revealed that it will develop AI trained on the voices of professional narrators to produce new audiobook recordings. A select group of audiobook narrators based in the U.S. will be invited to train the AI with their voices starting this week, according to Audible. The trained AI will be employed to generate recordings and narrators will have the opportunity to approve their synthetic voice for particular works, as well as modify the pronunciation and pacing. Audible states that narrators who engage in the program will be compensated for any audiobooks produced using their AI-generated voices on a title-by-title, royalty-sharing basis.


2024. Audible is testing an AI-powered search feature



In the sprawling, labyrinthine universe of audiobooks, where titles pile up like improbably verbose galaxies, Audible has unleashed "Maven," a shiny new AI-powered search contraption that aims to make sense of it all. Starting today—though only for a chosen few U.S. customers (roughly half, but who's counting?)—Maven acts as a delightfully well-read companion, offering personalized audiobook suggestions to those brave enough to type in natural language queries like, "I need an uplifting fiction novel with a female protagonist, please." Available on iOS and Android, this clever algorithm sifts through Audible's nearly one-million-title-strong catalog, though it’s currently dabbling in only a modest corner of the library. Think of it as a Hitchhiker's Guide to Audiobooks, but for now, only a few earthlings have a copy.


2024. Spotify adds countdown timers for Audiobooks



Spotify, in its infinite wisdom (or at least a reasonable facsimile thereof), has decided to spice up the audiobook game by rolling out Countdown Pages—shiny new digital pedestals designed to help listeners obsess over the exact second their next favorite tome hits the metaphorical shelves. These pages, dazzlingly precise, will let users pre-save upcoming audiobooks while authors, publishers, and narrators bask in the pre-launch promotional glow. In a stroke of intergalactic fairness, this feature will be available to both Premium subscribers and those freeloaders on the free tier. Drawing inspiration from its music-streaming escapades—where Countdown Pages helped luminaries like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish whip fans into a frenzy—Spotify is banking on a similar burst of engagement for audiobooks. After all, when 70 percent of pre-saving music fans dive into albums within a week, it’s not entirely unreasonable to imagine audiobook lovers might follow suit, or at least not wander off in search of tea and biscuits first.


2024. New AI tool helps authors release more audiobooks on Amazon



In a corner of the publishing universe, where the improbable meets the ineffable, Audible has managed to conjure up a rather astonishing feat: an astonishing 40,000 audiobook titles narrated by voices that, rather suspiciously, aren’t entirely human. Thanks to a beta-stage contrivance courtesy of Amazon, self-published authors linked to the Kindle Store can now wave a metaphorical wand (or possibly just click a button) and see their words transmogrified into audiobooks at speeds that would make even the most caffeinated human narrator weep. It’s all frightfully efficient, though it does leave listeners in the existential quandary of wondering whether their soothing bedtime voice belongs to an AI or a human. Meanwhile, the future of human narrators teeters on a precarious edge, as authors save time, money, and perhaps a tiny slice of their souls.


2024. Spotify brings its free audiobooks perk for Premium users to Canada, Ireland and New Zealand



Spotify, in a move that can only be described as whimsically magnanimous, has extended its free audiobook listening extravaganza to the good folk of Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. These lucky individuals now find themselves in possession of 15 hours a month to indulge in the soothing tones of 250,000 audiobook titles—an upgrade from the mere 200,000 that previously graced the platform. This audacious leap comes just two months after Spotify, with a self-assured swagger, announced its audiobook service is now the second-largest in the galaxy (or at least Earth), trailing only behind Audible, that hulking monolith of Amazonian proportions. Since its launch last November, over 150,000 titles have found their way into users’ ears. Accessing these treasures is delightfully simple—just wander into the Home feed or search tab of the Spotify app, and voilà! Although, as with all things in life, there’s a catch: audiobooks marked “Included in Premium” will gently nudge you toward the land of Spotify Premium subscribers. But don’t worry, dear listener, your precious listening hours are safely logged in the app’s settings, because even chaos has its spreadsheets.


2023. Audible launches app for smart watches



In a galaxy not so far away, Audible has flung open the doors of possibility for Android smartwatch users everywhere, releasing a Wear OS app that’s as close to magic as technology can get without actually summoning a wizard. This marvel allows intrepid audiobook explorers to download their treasured tales straight to their wrists, enjoy the fine art of audio at whatever tempo suits them, and even pluck stories directly from their personal library on a Galaxy Watch—no pesky smartphone required! With Audible on Wear OS, you’re free to wander, unshackled from your phone, basking in the glorious convenience of having a universe of books tucked snugly onto your wrist. Whether you’re boldly venturing out or simply refusing to pick up your phone, Audible has created a splendidly immersive way to slip into story worlds, anytime, anywhere.


2023. Spotify Tesla app now supports audiobooks



In an astonishing twist of cosmic inevitability, the Tesla Spotify app has finally had an update, which, as you might expect, brings thrillingly essential features that absolutely nobody could live without – like audiobooks. Yes, audiobooks! But that’s not all; the rather clunky login process has been revamped so dramatically that now you can simply hold up your smartphone, scan a QR code, and – quite miraculously – gain instant access to your app, without all that tediously painful password-typing nonsense. Imagine that! But wait, there's more. Borrowed from the celestial archives of the Spotify desktop app, you can now click on an artist’s name right from a playlist and immediately be whisked away to their artist page, or even, if you're feeling particularly bold, their album page. This feature, undoubtedly designed by hyper-intelligent beings, now graces the Tesla app as well, creating an experience as seamless as a Vogon poetry recital is torturous. If that weren’t enough, the entire app has been polished to a modern shine, so it not only works smoothly but looks absolutely stunning. Audiobook browsing is now so streamlined you might actually find what you’re looking for without losing your place. In sum, this update is a curious mix of visual splendor, intelligent redesign, and overall usability that Spotify aficionados are sure to find vaguely satisfying in the infinite stretch of time.


2023. Audible is testing ad-supported access



Audible is testing ad-supported access to select titles for non-members. The move indicates that the company may be exploring the possibility of an ad-based membership option. Audible declined to comment on any specific plans. The test includes audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals. Audible says the test applies to a limited subsection of titles on its platform. Content providers were informed of the change and given the chance to opt out of ads. Users who are part of the test will hear a total of eight ads within a 24-hour period. Audible says it has taken additional measures to make sure that ads won’t be heard too frequently within a short time span. The company currently offers an Audible Plus membership plan that costs $7.95 per month and includes a selection of Audible Originals, audiobooks, sleep tracks, meditation programs and podcasts.


2022. Spotify to sells audiobooks



Spotify is entering the audiobook market with its new section, Spotify Audiobooks. This means you'll be able to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts and books all in one location, whether or not you subscribe to Spotify Premium. However, unlike music and podcasts on Spotify, the audiobooks are not free. To buy an audiobook through Spotify, you'll be directed to the web from the app to finalize your purchase—similar to how you pay for Spotify Premium—and then returned to the app. Each audiobook is priced individually in line with industry norms. There is no discount for Spotify Premium subscribers. This feature allows users to download audiobooks that they can keep indefinitely; the platform offers over 300,000 titles across a wide range of genres.


2022. You can no longer buy audiobooks on Audible for Android



Audible is altering their app experience on the Android platform. They are transitioning to Google Play Billing, which will impact individual title purchases; you will no longer be able to buy them directly. Additionally, new Audible memberships will be billed through Google Play rather than directly through Audible. You will still be able to use Audible credits to purchase books within the app and can also acquire additional credits there. This change is due to a new Google Policy for developers, which now imposes a 30% fee on each digital good for larger companies that earn over $1 million annually.


2022. Audible ties up with Wattpad



Audible has teamed up with the online social reading platform Wattpad, according to Indianexpress. The partnership will make the most popular stories from Wattpad accessible to Audible members in audiobook format. The Amazon-owned platform intends to add more Wattpad titles throughout 2022. Additionally, the advantage for Audible members is that these stories will be available at no cost. Audible stated that they are investing heavily in the Indian market and believe that offering more regional language audiobooks and podcasts will help them reach a larger segment of the audience.


2021. Spotify sets its sights on audiobooks with Findaway acquisition



Spotify is enhancing its audio capabilities with the acquisition of Findaway, a prominent audiobook platform. The platform is used for both audiobook distribution and self-publishing for independent writers. Findaway runs several businesses, including distributing audiobooks to various platforms and providing audiobook production services through its branch, Findaway Voices. The company connects authors with narrators, which could become a new and lucrative revenue stream for Spotify. This isn’t the first time Spotify has explored audiobooks, having previously offered an exclusive audio experience for *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* in 2020. Earlier this year, Spotify introduced its first collection of audiobooks featuring classics read by celebrities.


2021. Waze now allows to stream Audible-audiobooks when driving a car



Mobile navigation app Waze, which provides driving directions, has integrated with Audible, enabling drivers to listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Audible subscribers can begin enjoying audio content directly within Waze, including Audible Originals, audiobooks and podcasts. Drivers can access over 600,000 Audible Originals and a vast amount of additional content. Waze already connects with numerous other audio apps, including Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, NPR and others.


2020. Audible is changing its subscription packages



Audible has introduced a new subscription package, Audible Plus, which will offer subscribers access to 68,000 hours of content from over 11,000 original productions, audiobooks and podcasts. The new plan will be available for $7.95 per month. They are also rebranding their Audible Gold program to Audible Premium Plus, which costs $14.95 per month. Essentially, Audible Plus will provide users with access to podcasts and original content but will not include credits. Current Audible members will be able to access the new Plus library starting today. New users will be able to subscribe to the Audible Plus service beginning August 27th.


2020. Audible updated library management on iOS



Audiobook service Audible has updated its library system in the iOS app. Users can now organize their audiobooks by genre or create custom collections. If you’re managing multiple audiobooks, you can now sort titles by listening status. The new “Titles” feature allows you to filter your titles into categories like started, not-started and finished. Books are automatically arranged by genre for effortless organization. You can also create your own custom folders and collections, naming them uniquely and adding titles for personalized organization. The new Favorites section provides easy access to your most frequently listened-to titles, allowing you to re-listen to them repeatedly.


2020. Audible is giving away hundreds of stories for kids



"For as long as schools are closed, we're open." That's Audible's new slogan, promising a significant impact in households around the globe. Audible has recently announced that hundreds of their child-friendly titles are available completely free of charge with no strings attached. There's no need to register or log in—just click the link and start listening. So, if your little ones are feeling restless and you don’t have time to read to them yourself, let Audible take over. There are stories suitable for all ages, from *Winnie-the-Pooh* for your young toddler to *The Mystery of Alice* for your tween. Additionally, there are numerous options in Spanish, French, German, Italian and Japanese. You can stream all these titles on your desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet.


2019. Audible.com brings Choose Your Own Adventure Stories to Alexa devices



Amazon's Audible is experimenting with Choose Your Own Adventure-style stories for Alexa devices by launching professionally narrated, voice-activated narratives in collaboration with the publisher of the original Choose Your Own Adventure book series, ChooseCo. You might recall ChooseCo from its lawsuit against Netflix over a *Black Mirror* episode. The company argued that Netflix didn't secure the appropriate license to use the “Choose Your Own Adventure” trademark. Nevertheless, ChooseCo appears to be leveraging the publicity and Netflix’s success in popularizing this interactive storytelling concept with a tech-savvy, younger audience.


2018. Audible brings its audiobook library to the Apple Watch



Amazon-owned audiobook platform Audible has just launched its Apple Watch app. You can listen to audiobooks and manage your library directly from the compact screen. It’s a logical advancement for the service, considering the emphasis Apple has placed on smartwatch audio, with last year’s introduction of an LTE version of the watch and the recent unveiling of a native podcasting app for the platform. This also contributes to justifying the recent addition of Aaptiv fitness routines, which Audible integrated a few weeks ago. The feature made some sense on the phone, but bringing the course directly to a fitness/health-oriented device like the Apple Watch helps complete that vision. Those workout and meditation resources are free to Audible users until September of next year.