Tag: Audiobooks Landing Page

Inside the 2025 Audiobook Trends on Spotify: Romantasy, Modern Classics, and What’s Next

December 3, 2025

From page-turning thrillers to inspiring memoirs, audiobooks are becoming a core part of the daily listening habits of fans around the world. And this year, audiobooks appear in the main Spotify Wrapped experience for the first time, highlighting how many titles a listener finished and their top audiobook and audiobook genre. It’s a major moment of visibility for the format.

To celebrate, we’re taking a closer look at the genres, authors, and moments that captured our imaginations in 2025.

The trends that defined audiobook listening in 2025

Listeners dove headfirst into spicy romance and romantasy, as series like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass dominated Spotify’s top audiobooks list.

These fan-favorite sagas are also part of another notable trend: the power of the backlist. Nearly all of 2025’s top audiobooks were released in previous years, with listeners creating a new canon of “modern classics.” And while fiction dominated the top 10, it was a big year for music memoirs, too, as releases from artists like Mark Ronson, Mark Hoppus, and Cher struck a chord.

For the Record spoke with three members of Spotify’s global Audiobook Editorial leadership team—North America Associate Director Katie del Rosario, European Manager Roshni Radia, and Director of Audiobooks Editorial Suzanne Galvez—about what drove book culture this year.

Looking back at 2025, what trends or shifts did you see in audiobook listening on Spotify?

Katie: The biggest trends were definitely spicy romance and romantasy, which continue to dominate book culture. We’ve also seen a real surge in music memoirs, with readers loving these behind-the-scenes looks at creative lives. And book-to-screen adaptations continue to be huge for us, with big hits like The Summer I Turned Pretty and Stephen King’s The Long Walk driving renewed interest in backlist titles.

What’s especially interesting this year is increased interest in what our team calls “dystopian anxiety.” We’re seeing a spike in interest not only in classic dystopias like Fahrenheit 451, I Who Have Never Known Men, and 1984, but also in contemporary fiction and nonfiction, like Moderation and Empire of AI, that explore themes of social unrest, climate change, and emerging technologies.

What’s your take on the romantasy boom? What do you think is driving the trend?

Roshni: Romantasy is a major cultural phenomenon. Driven by communities like BookTok and authors such as Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, the genre appeals to diverse audiences craving intense, character-driven plots, high stakes, and breathtaking romance. While historically popular with women, men now account for roughly 15% of listening in steamier subgenres, proving the desire for passion, power, and escape is universal.

Was there a single audiobook or moment this year that really popped?

Suzanne: Spotify is everywhere, which is why I love when we get to tap into moments that connect across formats in meaningful ways. From celebrating Ozzy Osbourne’s legendary life through not just his music but also books like I Am Ozzy, to pairing Tina Knowles’ Matriarch with the fans of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, Spotify continues to bridge culture and fandom like no one else can.

Share your predictions. What might be trending in audiobooks for 2026? Are there any emerging genres you’re keeping an eye on?

Katie: Romantasy isn’t going anywhere. There are some really big titles on the horizon, so I think 2026 is shaping up to be another blockbuster year for the genre. I also think the appetite for horror will keep growing, and that we’ll see continued growth in genre-blending fiction and in climate fiction, which tackles environmental and ecological themes in fresh, urgent ways. And I’d expect to see even more interest in books exploring AI and technology as readers look for stories that help them make sense of the world we’re moving toward.

How do you think listening on Spotify is changing the way people engage with books?

Suzanne: Spotify is blurring the lines between reading and listening, turning books into part of the same cultural ecosystem as music and podcasts. Nothing is more exciting to our editors than helping listeners connect with stories they might not have discovered otherwise. And with continued innovations like Recaps, videos, and follow-alongs, we’re expanding the experience and helping fans engage with books in a whole new rhythm.

Explore your personalized 2025 Wrapped and learn more about this year’s campaign and experience on our 2025 Wrapped hub.

10 Book Podcasts You Can’t Miss

November 26, 2025

Book podcasts are booming. On Spotify, you’ll find everything from celebrity book clubs to deep dives with bestselling authors. And in markets where audiobooks are available, you can listen to both the podcasts and many of the featured books all in one place. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most exciting podcasts for readers, with bonus behind-the-scenes insights from two hosts.

Beyond the page

What makes the book podcast format unique? We asked Olivia Ponton and Morgann Book to share their perspectives.

For Olivia, host of Booked & Busy, it’s about forming a close-knit, cozy community. “Starting a book-focused podcast definitely feels more niche,” she said, “but that’s honestly what I love about it! It gives me the chance to connect with my audience on such a personal level through a shared love of reading… It’s become this cozy space where listeners can hang out, unwind, make new friends, and get to know a side of me that I haven’t shared before.”

Morgann, who leads Off the Shelf, said the magic lies in having richer, more nuanced discussions that go deeper than the average review. “For me, book podcasts are unique because they let me go beyond quick reviews or aesthetic content,” Morgann explained. “I get to dig into how an author wrote their bestselling book, what was going through their brain on release day, and so much more. That long-form space lets me and my guest bring our personalities to the forefront of the conversation.”

That kind of conversation is why book podcasts have inspired passionate followers and turned reading into a vibrant shared experience. 

10 book podcasts to queue up

From literary legends to social media sensations, here are 10 podcasts to help fuel your reading obsession:

Off the Shelf with Morgann Book

Morgann hosts thoughtful conversations with authors, exploring their creative processes and the stories behind their books. Dream guest? “If I could have anyone, dead or alive, on my podcast, it would be Sarah J. Maas. I would love to sit down with her and learn about her writing process.”

Booked & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton

Olivia escapes into beloved books, creating a vibrant community around the joy of reading. Dream guest? “Colleen Hoover. She’s one of the authors who pulled me into the world of reading. Having her on Booked & Busy would feel like a full-circle moment!”

Fantasy Fangirls

Sisters Nicole and Lexi are your guides to magical realms, epic quests, and all things fantasy literature.

Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

Get insights from one of the world’s bestselling authors as James Patterson discusses writing, stories, and the literary world.

Zero to Well-Read

Hosts Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky broaden your literary horizons by diving into classics and new genres on this insightful show.

Good Noticings (Formerly Celebrity Memoir Book Club)

Hosted by comedians Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton, this popular show offers hilarious dissections of celebrity memoirs.

One Nightstand

Charlotte and Samantha delve into books that leave a lasting impression, plus the lives of their guests.

I’ll Read What She’s Reading

Explore diverse voices and narratives as hosts Reggie, Mikayla, and Kennedy share their reading journeys and recommendations.

Service95 Book Club with Dua Lipa
Global superstar Dua Lipa curates and discusses essential reads, sharing her perspective on the books she loves.

Open Book with Jenna

Jenna Bush Hager invites listeners into intimate conversations about books that move, challenge, and inspire.

Whether you’re seeking author insights, genre gems, or lively book club discussions, Spotify has your next favorite pod. Dive in and see what stories you’ll find.

Spotify Expands Audiobook Access for Premium Subscribers in Five More European Countries

November 18, 2025

Our mission to make Spotify the ultimate home for all things audio continues. Starting today, eligible Premium listeners in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Monaco can explore more than 300,000 audiobooks, now included with their existing subscriptions.

Listeners can dive into an expansive mix of local-language favorites and global bestsellers, including the region’s largest English-language catalog available on a consumption-based service. Our local-language catalog is thoughtfully curated in collaboration with independent publishers and major partners like Bonnier, ensuring something for every listener.

Premium subscribers in these five markets will receive 12 hours of audiobook listening each month, in addition to their music and podcasts options.

More ways to listen from day one

This launch is the first to include expanded options for audiobook listening from the start, offering listeners greater flexibility: 

    • If you use your full 12-hour allocation, you can purchase 10-hour top-ups as needed. 
    • For the first time at launch, Audiobooks+ is available. It’s a recurring monthly add-on that provides additional listening hours and enables plan managers to purchase audiobook access for sub-accounts on Family and Duo plans. 
    • Free users can also purchase individual audiobooks directly through Spotify.

A personalized experience

Spotify brings every kind of audio together—music, podcasts, and audiobooks—in one easy experience. For audiobook fans, this means a smoother, smarter way to listen:

    • Personalized discovery: Explore audiobook recommendations in your Home feed or visit the Audiobooks hub for editorial picks curated by our local experts.
    • Seamless listening: Automatic bookmarking saves your place so you can easily pick up where you left off, and a sleep timer lets you fall asleep to your favorite stories without missing a word.
    • Audiobook Recaps: This new feature, currently in beta for English-language titles, provides short, personalized summaries based on where you last stopped listening, making it easier to jump back into a book after a break.

A commitment to local publishing

The Nordics are home to some of the world’s most passionate audiobook listeners and some of Spotify’s most engaged communities. With Audiobooks in Premium now available in these countries, we’re opening new doors for both local and international authors and publishers to reach more listeners than ever before.

Our approach has already proven impactful. In our English-language markets, audiobook listeners are up 36% year-over-year, with total listening hours up 37%. More than half (52%) of Spotify’s global audiobook audience is between 18 and 34, underscoring how we’re connecting a new generation with the power of storytelling. Leading publishers such as Bloomsbury, HarperCollins, and Lagardère have even credited Spotify with driving double-digit growth in audio sales.

As part of this launch, local authors and publishers will gain access to the Spotify for Authors platform, which offers tools and insights to help them understand their audiences and expand their reach.As we bring audiobooks to more listeners around the world, we’ll continue working hand in hand with local authors and publishers to create a richer, more connected future for storytelling on Spotify.

Introducing Audiobook Recaps, a New Way to Reengage With Your Favorite Stories

November 13, 2025

Today, Spotify is beginning to roll out a powerful new feature designed to help listeners jump back into stories they’ve put down, whether it’s after a busy week or a doze during a bedtime story, or simply needing a quick refresher before diving back in. Introducing audiobook Recaps: short audio summaries tailored to your most recent listening point.

A tool to help great stories be heard . . . and finished

Recaps only cover the portion of the book you’ve already heard. Much like a “previously on” feature for TV, Recaps help you easily reengage with a story without needing to relisten. Designed to reduce friction and keep you immersed, Recaps are part of our ongoing effort to make audiobook listening more seamless, intuitive, and listener friendly.

J.H. Markert, author of Spider to the Fly, described Recaps as “an audio bookmark that speaks,” adding, “Using it once blew my mind. As sophisticated as it is smart, this feature is a must for any audiobook lovers out there.” 

How Recaps work 

Developed in collaboration with our publishing partners, Recaps reflect Spotify’s commitment to helping more stories get heard and giving authors new ways to engage listeners. Here’s how the feature works:

    • When you return to a story, tap the Recap button at the top of an audiobook’s page to hear a tailored summary of what’s happened so far.
    • Your first Recap will be available after you’ve listened to the first 15-20 minutes of a book. After that, they’re regularly updated to match your progress, helping you rejoin a story without spoilers or full book summaries. 
    • Recaps use AI technology to help you catch up, but the work of authors and narrators stays protected: We are not using audiobook content for LLM training purposes or voice generation, and Recaps do not replicate narration or replace the original audiobook in any way.

Recaps are currently in beta, available on iOS for a limited selection of English-language titles, with plans to expand over time. As with many of our features, we’re taking a feedback-driven approach and will continue to iterate and enhance Recaps as we learn.

We see endless potential to reimagine how people engage with books and believe Recaps will help more listeners finish the books they start, turning casual listeners into consistent audiobook fans and deepening the connection between authors and their audiences. We’ll continue investing in technology that makes Spotify more dynamic for booklovers, authors, and publishers alike.

5 Eerie Audiobooks to Listen to During the Halloween Season

October 27, 2025

As the days grow shorter and the nights get darker, there’s nothing like getting swept up in a story that sends shivers down your spine. In honor of spooky season, Spotify’s audiobooks editors have conjured up a selection of bone-chilling reads.

Whether you’re drawn to haunted history, supernatural fiction, cozy mysteries, or witchy romances, the top picks offer a spooky listen for every kind of fan.

Over My Dead Body: Unearthing the Hidden History of American Cemeteries

By Greg Melville
Narrated by Will Tulin

The summer before his senior year of college, Greg Melville worked at his hometown cemetery and developed a lifelong curiosity with how, where, and why we bury and commemorate our dead. Over My Dead Body offers a wide-ranging tour of cemeteries across America, exploring their history, artistic and political influence, and environmental impact.

What Hunger

By Catherine Dang
Narrated by Vyvy Nguyen

Ronny Nguyen’s parents rarely speak of their past in Vietnam, except through the lens of food. Raised to see meat as a dangerous luxury, Ronny is shaken by tragedy and develops an insatiable hunger for raw meat, a craving that could save or destroy her.

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter

By Stephen Graham Jones
Narrated by Shane Ghostkeeper, Marin Ireland, and Owen Teale

The discovery of a 1912 diary uncovers a haunting link to the deaths of 217 Blackfeet Native Americans. Told through transcribed interviews, the story follows a vampire who wanders the Blackfeet Reservation seeking justice for the past.

The Bewitching

By Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Narrated by Gisela Chipe

Graduate student Minerva is doing research into a forgotten author that leads to a vanished roommate, a sinister manuscript, and echoes of her great-grandmother’s witch stories. As past and present converge, Minerva realizes that a dark force may still be haunting her.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

By Sangu Mandanna
Narrated by Samara MacLaren

Mika Moon hides her magic but posts videos online “pretending” to be a witch. She thinks no one will take it seriously until she’s invited to mentor three young witches at the mysterious Nowhere House. Just as Mika begins to find her place, peril comes knocking.

From cozy mysteries to binge-worthy true crime, check out more audiobooks for spooky season on Spotify.

Spotify Publishes First Independent Author Releases Through Audiobook Selects, With More Planned Ahead

October 16, 2025

Earlier this year, our in-house publishing imprint, Spotify Audiobooks, put out an open call for independent authors to submit their short-form stories. That initiative has since been formalized as Spotify Audiobook Selects, and the program’s first cohort of 16 audiobooks is now available to listeners.

This program is a key part of our overall mission to uplift new voices, giving more creators the opportunity to live off their art. By producing and distributing these titles, we’re connecting talented independent authors with listeners around the world.

“With Spotify Audiobook Selects, we get to champion a hugely diverse range of authors and narrators, take chances on bold ideas, and bring these stories to millions of listeners who might never have discovered them otherwise,” said Colleen Prendergast, Spotify’s Associate Director of Licensing and Publishing, “all in a short, bingeable format we think Spotify listeners will love exploring.”

Meet the first Spotify Audiobook Selects cohort

From comedic space adventures to romantic small-town meet-cutes, the first collection features a variety of short audiobooks across the romance, mystery/thriller, and sci-fi/fantasy genres. Here’s what a couple of the authors from this first cohort had to say about the experience.

“It’s very cool to be a part of something new. I’ve never published an audiobook before, so having this team really championing it has been absolutely amazing,” said Stephanie Y. Yang, author of Strak’s Bad Day. “I feel really fortunate that I’ve had the chance to work with such an amazing team that is making my audiobook the best version that it could possibly be.”

“Let’s just say I screamed [when I got the offer],” added JC Savoy, author of Radio Romance. “I’ve been an indie author for over 30 books, but getting accepted into Spotify’s program was validation that my writing still connects with people. I’m still smiling, I have to be honest!”

Full list of titles (alphabetical by author last name):

The next chapter is yours to write

Our next submission window is now open, and this time, the theme is “swoon-worthy tropes.” Authors are encouraged to submit novelette-length stories (10,000–40,000 words) that creatively explore romance tropes like “friends to lovers,” “grumpy/sunshine,” and “only one bed.” Full details and the submission link are available here.

This is a global program, and any author with an English-language short-form story who controls their own audio rights can submit. If your story is selected, Spotify will publish your audiobook—paying an advance and royalties, managing all aspects of production, and distributing to major audiobook retailers.

The Spotify Audiobook Selects program is just one of the ways we’re working to write the next chapter for audio storytelling, and we can’t wait to hear what you create.

Audiobooks and Podcasts to Celebrate Latin Heritage Month on Spotify

September 23, 2025

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Latin Heritage Month, a time to honor the culture, creativity, and voices of Latin communities around the world. It’s the perfect chance to discover fresh perspectives, reconnect with favorite storytellers, or simply soak up the richness of Latin heritage. And of course, Spotify has you covered. From captivating audiobooks to thought-provoking podcasts, there’s plenty to explore all month long.

Audiobooks

Spotify’s audiobooks editors have curated a wide range of stories for our Latin Heritage Month audiobooks shelf, featuring titles in both English and Spanish.

“The Audiobooks team is excited to spotlight incredible stories from across the Latin diaspora with these standout audiobooks,” said Zack Knoll, Senior Editor, Audiobooks at Spotify. “These stories celebrate Latin life and experience, whether through sensational fiction like Trust by Hernan Diaz, recent gems like The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas, or moving true stories such as A Flower Traveled in My Blood by Haley Cohen Gilliland and Solito by Javier Zamora. These audiobooks showcase immense pride and admiration for Latin culture, and listeners will feel this in every line.”

Below, we’re highlighting five of our editors’ top picks to get you started.

Loca

By Alejandro Heredia
Narrated by André Santana

In Alejandro Heredia’s debut novel, best friends Sal and Charo are striving to hold on to their dreams in 1999 New York. Haunted by the past and navigating early motherhood, their worlds shift when they discover a vibrant queer community.

Hola Papi: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons

By John Paul Brammer
Narrated by John Paul Brammer

In this memoir-in-essays, LGBTQ advice columnist John Paul Brammer traces his journey from a closeted, mixed-race kid in small-town Oklahoma to the voice behind the viral ¡Hola Papi! column. Equal parts humor and heart, it’s a warm guide to love and belonging.

Our Share of Night: A Novel

By Mariana Enriquez
Narrated by Frankie Corzo

After his wife dies, a father takes their son on a road trip that leads them to confront her family’s occult order seeking immortality. From 1960s London to Argentina’s military dictatorship, Mariana Enriquez’s first novel translated into English blends history, horror, and the supernatural.

You Had Me at Hola: A Novel

By Alexis Daria
Narrated by Seraphine Valentine

After a messy breakup, soap star Jasmine Lin Rodriguez returns to New York to film a bilingual rom-com and finds herself paired with telenovela hunk Ashton Suárez. As rehearsals turn into something more, their behind-the-scenes romance complicates careers and reputations.

Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of “Latino”

By Hector Tobar
Narrated by André Santana

Pulitzer Prize winner Héctor Tobar reflects on his family history and the stories of his students to explore what “Latino” means in the modern United States. Both personal and wide-ranging, his meditation examines identity, culture, and the stereotypes that shape Latino life in the 21st century.

Dive into Spotify’s full curation of Latin Heritage Month audiobooks.

Podcasts

Podcasts offer another window into the diversity of Latin heritage. Spotify’s podcast editors have curated a selection of shows hosted by Latin voices and can’t-miss episodes that spotlight Latin stories.

“Latin culture has always been full of powerful stories, and these shows capture that spirit with raw authenticity and pride. The best part? They don’t stop at storytelling,” said Destinee Harrison, Podcast Editorial & Audience Development Manager. “These creators bring everything from sharp journalism to everyday conversations about identity, music, and culture. These podcasts fuel bigger conversations, connect listeners across borders, and celebrate heritage in ways that feel fresh and personal, capturing the richness and heart of the community.”

DOPE AS USUAL Podcast: “Fried to the Bone w/ That Mexican OT!”

Rapper That Mexican OT returns to the DOPE AS USUAL Podcast, which features unfiltered stories from top figures in sports, music, comedy, and online culture.

Hella Latin@: “Uncovering Black Latin History with Eileen Ivette”

Afro-Latina travel influencer Eileen Ivette joins Hella Latin@ to share how a solo trip to Puerto Rico inspired her to launch Black Latin History, a platform spotlighting the African diaspora across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Hand Me Down Podcast: “Ep 28 | Our Yo Sabo Redemption”

In this episode of the Hand Me Down Podcast, the hosts trade wild stories, unpack cringe culture’s impact on self-expression, and close with a round of “Yo Sabo the Game.”

Alt.Latino: “A Tribute to Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras”

This episode of Alt.Latino honors host Felix Contreras, recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism, with tributes from surprise guests.

Today, Explained: “Good Bunny”

This episode of Today, Explained explores how Bad Bunny’s 31-date concert residency in Puerto Rico this summer put the island in the global spotlight.

Chiquis and Chill: “Boss Bee Nation: Changing the World One Heart at a Time”

Chiquis dedicates this episode of Chiquis and Chill to Boss Bee Nation, her loyal fan community, celebrating the impact they make in the world.

LOUD

Hosted by reggaeton pioneer Ivy Queen, this Spotify and Futuro Studios series tells the story of how young artists from Jamaica, Panama, and Puerto Rico sparked a genre that became a global movement.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler: “Selena Gomez”

Amy Poehler chats with Selena Gomez about quirky home decor, working with comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short on Only Murders in the Building, and more.

Check out the full selection on Spotify.

Spotify and TikTok Launch ‘Big on BookTok’ Pilot Hub for Audiobook Fans

September 9, 2025

If you’re on BookTok, you know the drill. You scroll, you tap, and suddenly your “To Be Read” list is overflowing with trending must-reads. Not unlike Spotify, BookTok has become a cultural phenomenon, creating global bestsellers and connecting readers from every corner of the world. But after you’ve added a recommendation to your wish list, then what?

Enter the Big on BookTok hub on Spotify. We’re piloting a co-branded hub in partnership with TikTok that turns your BookTok wish list into a “To Be Listened” playlist. Through November, our community of book lovers in the US can dive into a dedicated space to press play and discover the audiobooks that are taking over their feeds.

A hub to curl up with

The Big on BookTok hub is your one-stop spot for all the trending audiobooks you won’t want to pause. Using data directly from TikTok, the hub will be updated every two weeks to feature the latest titles making waves in the #BookTok community.

To start, you’ll find shelves curated with the top BookTok audiobooks, alongside author playlists from Emily Henry to Jane Austen. We’re also rotating in trend-driven themes, with playlists like “audiobooks I would sell my soul to listen to again” and “audiobooks that got me back into reading.”

At launch, you can expect to see celebrated titles, including A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera, Becoming by Michelle Obama, and Beloved by Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison.

Our expert team of editors has curated shelves to help you find your next favorite story, including “BookTok’s current obsessions,” “Hottest authors,” and “The OGs of BookTok.”

This collaboration allows you to tap into literary engagement in a new way, bringing the books you love to the audio format you crave. It’s all about turning those never-ending wish lists into a seamless listening experience.

Ready to turn your TBR into a TBL? Dive in, press play, and start listening to the books that are Big on BookTok now.

8 Must-Listen Podcast Episodes to Fuel This Summer’s Blockbuster Hype

August 20, 2025

There’s still plenty of summer left to soak up—and time to catch its hottest flicks. This year, blockbuster season is alive with remakes, superhero sagas, and everything in between. But what about the conversations happening beyond the big screen?

That’s where Spotify’s “Summer at the Movies” shelf comes in—a curated selection of podcast episodes offering unparalleled insights, spirited debates, and exclusive peeks into the films everyone’s talking about. Handpicked by Spotify’s podcast editors, these episodes are your essential companion for diving deeper into the biggest releases from summer 2025.

“These episodes perfectly capture the spirit, scale, and spectacle of a summer blockbuster,” said Podcast Editorial & Audience Development Manager Destinee Harrison, “whether it’s diving into nostalgic favorites like Lilo & Stitch and Superman, unpacking the buzz around K-Pop Demon Hunters, or hearing directly from the minds behind some of the season’s most anticipated releases, like Weapons.”

8 essential podcast episodes for your summer at the movies

Podcast: Pop Culture Happy Hour
Episode: “Lilo & Stitch”

The hosts of Pop Culture Happy Hour break down the (mostly) live-action Lilo & Stitch, exploring how this adaptation honors the original while bringing new depth to its themes of family and belonging.

Podcast: House of R
Episode: “The ‘Superman’ Deep Dive”

Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, and Sean Fennessey share their unfiltered thoughts on Superman, dissecting James Gunn’s ambitious vision for the iconic hero. From David Corenswet’s acting to the film’s rich thematic layers, no stone is left unturned.

Podcast: Otaku’s Anonymous
Episode: “K-Pop Demon Hunters Is The Best Movie Of The Year?? – Otakus Anonymous Episode #120”

According to the hosts of Otaku’s Anonymous, K-Pop Demon Hunters has proven to be far more captivating than anticipated. Get an earful as they break down the film’s unique blend of K-Pop aesthetics and demon-hunting action.

Podcast: Raiders Of The Lost Podcast
Episode: “F1 THE MOVIE”

The roar of engines echoed through cinemas as F1 The Movie sped onto screens, dominating the global box office. Raiders Of The Lost Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes, from custom-built cars to groundbreaking camera rigs.

Podcast: The Ringer-Verse | The Midnight Boys
Episode: “‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys”

The Midnight Boys dedicate an entire episode to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, sharing instant reactions, fresh takes, and comic book context for Marvel’s iconic first family.

Podcast: The Weekly Planet
Episode: “582 Jurassic World Rebirth”

The dinosaurs are back! The Weekly Planet reviews Jurassic World Rebirth and rounds up more big movie news, from speculation about Paul Walker’s character returning for Fast & Furious: The Next One to rumors of an Indiana Jones reboot.

Podcast: The Next Best Picture Podcast
Episode: “Interview with ‘Weapons’ Filmmaker Zach Cregger”

Barbarian writer-director Zach Cregger returns to terrify audiences with his new horror film, Weapons. In an exclusive interview with Next Big Picture, he unpacks the creative process behind the film, which brings together an all-star cast for a shocking premise.

Podcast: RealTok Podcast
Episode: “How to Train Your Dragon & Materialists Review | Ep. 145”

The RealTok hosts soar into the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon and review Celine Song’s Materialists.

Stream the full selection on Spotify.

Audiobooks+ Brings More Choice and Flexibility to Spotify Premium Subscribers

July 16, 2025

Spotify’s goal with audiobooks is to help grow the publishing industry and create the best possible experience for booklovers, which is why we’re launching flexible subscription plans to suit every type of fan.

Following successful trials in Ireland and Canada, on July 16, Spotify Premium users in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein will now also have access to two new add-on subscriptions offering greater flexibility:

    • Audiobooks+: Available to Premium Individual subscribers as well as Family and Duo plan managers, this add-on unlocks an additional 15 hours of listening each month for the existing base plan—a great option for booklovers seeking more audiobook time, including fans of longer titles.
    • Audiobooks+ for Plan Members: For the first time, additional members on Premium Family and Duo can access 15 hours of monthly audiobook listening through this recurring add-on. Plan members just need to request audiobook access from their plan manager, who can purchase the add-on on their behalf. They can also purchase a one-time 10-hour top-up if they run out of hours before their monthly billing cycle refreshes.

And on August 5, Spotify Premium users in the U.S. will also enjoy the same great options.

Growing the audiobooks fan base

These new plan options give listeners more flexibility for their audiobook listening on Spotify, ultimately opening up the format to millions of new potential fans worldwide. This is all part of our goal to help publishers and authors reach new listeners, grow revenue, and together, help the book industry scale new heights.

Follow @SpotifyNews to stay up to date on the latest and head to Spotify to find your next great listen. Pricing for Audiobooks+ varies by market, for more please visit Spotify.com/audiobooks.

Spotify Delivers Growth for the Publishing Industry: Audiobooks Sales Continue to Grow

June 10, 2025

Since Audiobooks in Premium launched on Spotify in 2023, we’ve seen strong growth all around, with our catalog of English-language audiobooks nearly tripling in size to more than 400,000 titles.

And the number of audiobooks listeners and listening hours increased by more than 30% and 35% year-over-year, respectively, in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. More recently, since the launch of audiobooks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg last year, we’ve also seen audiobook listeners in those countries grow by a monthly average of 12%.

Much of this growth is driven by users who were listening to an audiobook for the very first time. This isn’t just (really) cool—we believe it’s playing a key role in the sales of the publishing industry overall.

A newly released survey by the Audiobook Publishers Association shows that audiobook sales grew by 13% in 2024, with 99% of the revenues generated by digital audiobooks.  

More specifically, our publishing partners are seeing growth and are citing Spotify as a key contributor to that growth.

    • U.K. publisher Bloomsbury reported that audio sales during its 2025 fiscal year “grew 57 percent in part driven by our new commercial relationship with Spotify.”
    • French publisher Lagadere mentioned in its 2024 financial report that “digital sales grew significantly in the audio segment (up 38%), driven by a new partnership with Spotify.”
    • U.S. publisher HarperCollins has also said that in the fourth quarter of 2024, audiobook sales rose by 13% compared to Q4 2023, with parent company News Corp pointing out our entrance into the audiobook market as a catalyst for that growth.

We want to help the industry maintain this momentum by introducing even more listeners to the world of audiobooks. And we’ll do that by continuing to provide the best experience for authors, publishers, and listeners alike. So far, we’ve done this by: 

Audiobooks have the power to transform the way stories are told and enjoyed, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this revolution.

Find your next great read by browsing the Audiobooks hub on Spotify.

Spotify Releases 51 Audiobooks From Bloomsbury’s Popular 33 ⅓ Series

May 13, 2025

Spotify aims to bring compelling audiobooks to as many consumers as possible, and we’re eager to give fans even more options as they discover their next great listens. For our latest chapter, Spotify Audiobooks—our in-house audiobook publishing imprint—is releasing 51 audiobooks from Bloomsbury’s 33 ⅓ series, a collection of short books about popular music.

The 33 ⅓ series has been devoured by fans, musicians, and scholars alike since launching in 2003. It dives deep into legendary artists, albums, and genres, counting Celine Dion’s Let’s Talk About Love, The Rolling Stones’ Some Girls, Madvillain’s Madvillainy, and Britney Spears’s Blackout among its entries. Music lovers on Spotify will also recognize 33 ⅓, as we teamed up with Bloomsbury in 2021 for the 33 ⅓ Podcast, which was hosted by renowned record producer and DJ Prince Paul.

“Following on from the success of Spotify’s 33 ⅓ Podcast, audiobooks are a natural next step for the books in the series,” said Leah Babb-Rosenfeld, Editorial Director and 33 ⅓ editor for Bloomsbury. “The format—including the newest enhancement of the ‘follow along’ feature and exclusive commentary from Spotify’s music editors—will be creative, exciting, and the first of its kind, much like the series itself. With its acclaimed status among music fans and now with over 200 titles, I’ve seen the series grow and transform over the years that I’ve worked on it, not just in size, but in scope, diversity, and audience. We value opportunities to continue to reach new music-loving readers.”

Continuing to enhance Spotify’s audiobooks experience

In addition to these new titles, several from the series—including Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, Pink Floyd’s The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, and Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace—will connect music to the audiobooks experience for the first time with Follow-Along. Follow-Along is an immersive experience we’ve been testing that allows users to see additional media, including illustrations, photos, graphics, and music, as they listen to an audiobook. When a song or album is mentioned in an audiobook from the series, the song link or album will appear in the Now Playing View window so listeners can easily save to their library.

These materials are also available in the “extras” section and allow users to easily find and listen to that content later. Additionally, there will be videos from Spotify’s music editors that highlight the significance of the album featured in a specific book. Users can access these companion editorial videos from the “Try This Book” audiobook page.

“This has been a dream project and a prime example of how Spotify is evolving the audiobook space,” said Henna Silvennoinen, Manager of Audiobooks Licensing for Spotify. “It is an honor to combine forces with Bloomsbury, a heavyweight in the publishing industry, to introduce this iconic, decades-long book series to a whole new audience of listeners on Spotify.”

This launch marks the beginning of cross-functional collaboration between Spotify’s music and audiobooks teams, further demonstrating how Spotify is the best place for fans to connect on an even deeper level to the music and artists that they love.

Explore Bloomsbury’s 33 ⅓ series on Spotify’s Audiobooks Hub.