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



Audible is testing a new AI-powered search feature called "Maven" to help users refine their audiobook searches. Starting today, a select group of U.S. customers can use Maven, a personal recommendation expert, to receive tailored title suggestions by entering natural language queries like "I’m looking for an uplifting fiction novel with a female protagonist." Maven, accessible on iOS and Android devices, draws recommendations from Audible's extensive catalog of nearly one million titles. Initially, around half of Audible's U.S. customers across all membership plans will have access to this feature, which currently applies to a limited portion of the audiobook library.


2024. Spotify adds countdown timers for Audiobooks



Spotify announced the introduction of Countdown Pages tailored for audiobooks, aiming to streamline the process for listeners to stay updated on forthcoming releases. These pages will exhibit precise launch times down to the seconds, enabling users to pre-save audiobooks and anticipate their release while providing authors, publishers and narrators a platform for pre-launch promotion. Accessible to both Premium and free-tier users across regions, Spotify draws from its successful utilization of Countdown Pages in music streaming, highlighting the accomplishments of renowned artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish in generating anticipation for their releases. With nearly 70 percent of pre-saving listeners engaging with albums within the initial week, Spotify anticipates similar engagement for audiobooks, envisioning comparable success for Countdown Pages in this domain.


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



Audible now boasts an impressive catalog of 40,000 audiobook titles narrated by AI-generated voices, made possible by a new tool introduced by Amazon. Available to self-published authors affiliated with the Kindle Store, this free tool, still in beta testing, facilitates the conversion of books into audiobooks with remarkable efficiency. The rapid production of audiobooks using this tool contrasts starkly with the prolonged process required with human narrators, offering significant time and cost savings for authors. However, concerns arise regarding the listener experience, as many struggle to distinguish AI-generated audiobooks from traditional ones, despite some being labeled accordingly. Additionally, there is apprehension regarding the potential impact on the livelihoods of human voice narrators in the future.


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



Spotify has announced the extension of its free audiobook offer to Canada, Ireland and New Zealand, granting users in these regions 15 hours of monthly free audiobook listening. Moreover, the platform is broadening its audiobook library from 200,000 to 250,000 titles. This expansion follows Spotify's declaration two months ago that its audiobook service ranks as the second-largest provider after Amazon's Audible. Since its launch last November, users have engaged with over 150,000 titles. Audiobooks are easily accessible through the Home feed or search tab within the Spotify app, with those labeled "Included in Premium" requiring a Spotify Premium subscription for listening. Listening hours can be monitored within the app's settings.


2023. Audible launches app for smart watches



Audible has unveiled its Wear OS application, broadening the horizons for audiobook enthusiasts using Android-based smartwatches. This app enables users to download audiobooks for offline listening and adjust the playback speed of their podcasts according to their preferences. Additionally, it allows users to directly choose audiobooks from their library on their Galaxy Watch that runs Wear OS. This integration provides newfound freedom to users, allowing them to enjoy their beloved books without being tied to their smartphones. Essentially, the Audible Wear OS app offers a seamless and intuitive audiobook experience for Android smartwatch users. Whether you're on the go or taking a break from your smartphone, Audible on Wear OS provides a fresh way to immerse yourself in your favorite books anytime, anywhere.


2023. Spotify Tesla app now supports audiobooks



The Tesla Spotify app has received an update, bringing exciting new features, including support for audiobooks. One significant change is the revamped login process, where you simply need to scan a QR code with your smartphone to access the app on your Tesla. This eliminates the need for typing your password every time, making it much more convenient. Additionally, the update introduces a long-awaited feature from the Spotify desktop app, allowing you to click on an artist's name while on a playlist to access a dedicated page for that artist or album. This feature is now available on the Tesla app as well, providing a seamless user experience. Furthermore, the app has been given a modern and refreshed look, enhancing the overall visual appeal. The search for audiobooks has been streamlined and you can easily browse audiobook chapters while listening to them. All in all, this update brings a collection of improvements that Spotify fans are sure to appreciate.


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.