Spotify recently announced that it’s adding a new expansion to its content platform with the launch of a new trial feature, which introduces narrated long-form magazine articles. Starting today, users in markets with audiobook access can stream more than 650 curated audio articles in English, bridging the gap between shorter podcasts and full-length books.
Produced by the Spotify Audiobooks in-house team, the initial collection features content from some of the biggest culture, music, and lifestyle publications—partner publishers include Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Vogue, Variety, Billboard, Vibe, GQ, WIRED, Vanity Fair, and Pitchfork.
With that being said, each narrated article runs under two hours. Spotify Premium subscribers can stream the content as part of their existing monthly audiobook allowance, while users on the free tier can purchase individual articles for $1.99 each. Colleen Prendergast, Licensing Lead at Spotify Audiobooks states:
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.
