Tag: books

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 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.

Spotify Brings Romantasy to Life With Our Dark and Mysterious Forbid-Inn Audiobooks Experience

August 21, 2025

From enemies-to-lovers banter to star-crossed soulmates battling curses, romantasy has taken over Spotify playlists thanks to Audiobooks in Premium. Blending the heart-racing tension of romance with the magic, danger, and wonder of fantasy worlds, this unique fusion has attracted a legion of loyal listeners who can’t get enough of the genre.

“Romantasy has absolutely exploded into a cultural phenomenon, largely driven by authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros. Social media—particularly the BookTok community—has definitely contributed to this conversation,” says Spotify Audiobooks Editor Katie del Rosario. “But at the core of it, we think readers are really craving a lot of what romantasy delivers: intense, character-driven plots; stakes that feel like they really matter; empowered, complex female protagonists who hold real power; and romance that takes your breath away.”

Earlier this week, romantasy fans were invited to step into the Forbid-Inn as New York’s Bowery Hotel was transformed for two days into a romantasy-themed space, immersing visitors in the magical worlds of the books they love and blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

Inside the Forbid-Inn: A celebration of magic and storytelling

During the day, fans wandered through candlelit halls, velvet-draped lounges, and enchanted nooks, each space inspired by the worlds of their favorite audiobooks. At check-in, guests received ornate room keys and a single gold token to spend on one of three whimsical quests.

Some chose Drawn by Destiny, where artists sketched fantastical portraits infused with magical details. Others opted for Written in the Cards, a romantasy-themed card-reading that revealed their romantic archetype. And for the bold, The Marking Ritual offered intricate temporary tattoos worthy of any fantasy hero.

In the evening, the inn shifted into an intimate salon where guests mingled with authors, sipped themed cocktails, and enjoyed a surprise appearance from one of the genre’s most beloved storytellers, who shared behind-the-scenes insights into their creative process.

More than just an experience, the Forbid-Inn was a celebration of the stories, the voices, and the fans who’ve made romantasy a cultural phenomenon.

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.

Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club Podcast Is Launching on Spotify, Plus Her Summer Reading Picks

June 4, 2025

Whether she’s in the studio, on a tour bus, or traveling the world, there’s one thing Dua Lipa always carries with her: a good book. And now, the star’s acclaimed Service95 Book Club video interview series is expanding its reach with a new presence on Spotify. Starting June 10, Dua’s conversations with authors will be available for Spotify’s vast audience to view, creating new avenues for discovery and connection.

The Service95 Book Club has become a beloved space for Dua’s fans and literary enthusiasts alike, featuring her personally curated monthly reads and exclusive Q&As with authors, plus reading recommendations from the Service95 team. The Service95 Book Club With Dua Lipa podcast will feature both brand-new interviews with authors of Dua’s monthly reads and a treasure trove of conversations from the Service95 archives.

“For me, one of the best things about reading is getting to chat with my friends about the book that’s just blown my mind,” said Dua. “But surely the ultimate fantasy would be to have the author in the room there with us, answering all our questions about the incredible world they’ve created. Well, I get to live out my fantasy with the Service95 Book Club podcast, where in each episode I share a book I love and I’m joined by the author themselves. As someone who really is obsessed with books, it’s a dream come true.”

To celebrate the launch, here are a few of Dua’s summer 2025 book picks: 

  • This House of Grief by Helen Garner: “It wouldn’t be my book pile without at least one harrowing story. [This is] a nonfiction account of a case that follows an accused father driving his car into a dam with his three sons in the back. I couldn’t put it down.”
  • Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: “This has been in my TBR [to-be-read] pile for a while and I can’t wait to have time to read it this summer.”
  • Fearless and Free by Josephine Baker: “Formed from over 20 years of conversations with French journalist Marcel Sauvage, this memoir has just been published in English for the first time.”

“It’s a genuine thrill to welcome Dua Lipa and the Service95 Book Club to Spotify,” said Roshni Radia, Audiobooks Editor at Spotify. “Dua’s unique style and clear passion for literature make this a perfect fit for us, and it really showcases the full ecosystem of creative talent on Spotify. We’re excited to see fans of Dua’s music fall in love with this interview series, and then go on to discover new authors whose audiobooks they can listen to right there on Spotify, too.”

Check out the trailer for the Service95 Book Club With Dua Lipa, launching June 10 on Spotify.

Spotify Expands Its Audiobooks Offering To Listeners In Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein

April 15, 2025

As the world’s most popular audio-streaming subscription service, Spotify is committed to expanding the audiobook industry, enabling more listeners than ever to discover and engage, and paving the way for future innovation.

We saw early adoption of podcasts and audiobooks in Germany, with labels and fans embracing both formats. Recognizing this potential, we spoke to our users and began innovating and building podcasts globally. 

There’s already a strong appetite for audiobooks across German-speaking markets. With millions of people enjoying audiobooks on Spotify in Germany, we’re excited to enhance this experience by providing a Premium experience for our users of Spotify Individual and Duo or Family Plan Managers.

Today we’re launching an enhanced audiobooks offering in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Eligible Premium listeners in these markets will have access to 350,000 audiobooks, including titles in German, French, and Italian.

Eligible Premium subscribers will receive 12 hours of audiobook listening each month, and additional 10-hour allocations can be purchased as needed from €9.99. Listeners without an eligible Premium subscription will be able to pay to unlock access to individual audiobook titles a la carte. 

Delivering a better listening experience 

In Germany, there’s a rich tradition of storytelling and “Hörspiele” (audio plays), which has paved the way for the popularity of audiobooks. Today, audiobooks are a significant part of the cultural landscape, preserving and promoting literature in a modern format. 

With Audiobooks in Premium, users will find a host of new benefits that will make the listening experience even better. Along with an expanded catalog—which includes titles like Cornelia Funke’s Tintenherz, Caroline Wahl’s 22 Bahnen, and Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing—listeners can:

    • Search more easily via our dedicated Audiobooks tab.
    • Explore recommendations from our Home feed.
    • Access our hub to discover top titles curated by our editorial experts. 
    • Save their progress in an audiobook, ensuring they can easily pick up where they left off during their next listening session. 
    • Pre-save upcoming releases from their favorite authors with Countdown Pages.
    • Use our Spotify Sleep Timer so they don’t lose their place.

“We are turning up the volume on where people are already listening, and getting even more great stories to them with this new catalog and listening experience,” said David Kaefer, VP Audiobooks Business. “In the markets where we have already launched, we’ve already accelerated growth for the audiobook business, and that’s what we’re committed to doing here in Germany and across Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.”

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

*Terms apply. 12 hours/month from our subscriber catalog available to Individual and Duo or Family Plan Managers only.

Audiobook Authors and Publishers Get a New Suite of Tools With the Launch of Spotify for Authors

November 26, 2024

Spotify’s audiobook catalog brings more than 300,000 titles—and counting—to the ears of listeners around the world. Now we’re launching a new platform to offer more for the authors and publishers behind the audiobook content we all love. Introducing Spotify for Authors.

Much like Spotify for Artists and Spotify for Creators, the new Spotify for Authors platform empowers authors and publishers with better tools and data to maximize their success on Spotify.

For publishers

We have worked alongside publishers to develop impactful tools that deliver better insights and growth for publishers and authors alike. For publishers, Spotify for Authors expands on the catalog management and royalty reporting currently offered in Passport, with insights and analytics to help them better understand their audiences and catalog consumption on Spotify. The platform also provides promotional tools to help publishers enhance their presence on Spotify and expand their listener bases.

For authors

For authors invited by publishers, Spotify for Authors offers direct access to industry-leading insights, as well as growth and promotional tools to help them grow their listeners and catalogs, including:

  • Aggregated age and gender demographics that provide more insight than ever before, to let them know who is listening to their content on Spotify. 
  • Redemption codes to share royalty-free copies of titles with reviewers, superfans, and collaborators (if enabled by their publishers).
  • Promo cards to generate professional and shareable social assets for their titles in just one click.
  • Early access to author profiles, a new feature rolling out to Spotify so fans can easily discover more about the authors behind their favorite books.

For the Record caught up with Owen Smith, VP of Audiobooks Product and Technology at Spotify, to learn more about Spotify for Authors and what this new platform means for the people and teams behind the audiobooks listeners love.

What makes Spotify for Authors unique in the publishing industry?

We believe that one of the best ways to support authors and publishers is by giving them access to the right tools and data. With Spotify for Authors, we’re giving our partners across the audiobooks industry more comprehensive insights and marketing features to make the most of their presence on Spotify. 

This platform is unique for the industry because it is built to support any author or publisher — we’re not gating any features or limiting them based on exclusivity. Our aim is to push the entire industry forward for the benefit of all authors and publishers, and we believe they need the right tools and technology to reach their maximum potential. We’re just beginning to roll out access to Spotify for Authors but are eager to see the impact a platform like this can have for publishers and authors of any size.  

How will Spotify for Authors help publishers and authors reach new audiences?

The more we give rich and granular insights to publishers and authors, the more they can understand their audience and make strategic decisions about how to market their audiobook. For example, they can now see the age and demographic info of who is listening to their titles on Spotify, and also what genres of podcasts they’re listening to. This is important because podcasts are a big part of any book’s release campaign and ongoing success—so now they will have a better sense of what kinds of shows to target. I’m also excited to see authors leverage redemption codes to promote their titles and draw in new and existing fans. 

How will Spotify continue to innovate and update its audiobook offerings?

With audiobooks, we know Spotify can uniquely reimagine the format, and Spotify for Authors is the foundation on which we’ll expand the much-requested creative options for authors and publishers. We have a lot in store for audiobooks on Spotify in 2025: bringing our partners better tools and more insights through Spotify for Authors so they can connect more authentically with their readers and fans, building richer and more dynamic experiences for listeners (like our follow-along experience we’re currently testing), and enhancing our discovery and cross-promotion efforts across content verticals to introduce new audiences to the format. 

Lastly, I’ll say: We’ve worked closely with authors and publishers to develop Spotify for Authors, prioritizing what to build based on their feedback and needs, and will continue to iterate and partner with them along the way. So, if you’re an author or publisher using our tools, please send us your notes! 

Today’s launch is just the first step as we help authors and publishers reach new audiences, connect more deeply with their fans, and drive listening. 

Spotify for Authors is available in all Spotify markets, enabling authors and publishers to utilize Spotify’s tools regardless of where they publish from. Publishers can access Spotify for Authors with their Spotify logins and can invite authors to join at authors.spotify.com. We will be expanding access to authors using Findaway Voices early next year. 

If you’re an author or publisher, visit this link to learn more.

Bingeworthy Audiobooks and Podcasts to Nourish Your Soul

November 25, 2024

‘Tis the season for gathering with family and friends! As we come together around our communal tables to celebrate, whet your appetite with some of Spotify editors’ favorite audiobooks and podcasts focused on food.

Appetizing Audiobooks

Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals

By Dolly Parton, Rachel Parton George
Narrated by Dolly Parton, Rachel Parton George, Maurice Miner

“Hey, good lookin’—what ya got cookin’?” That’s what Dolly Parton sings to her sister Rachel Parton George whenever she walks into her kitchen. Now you’re invited to pull up a chair to a year of meals, friends, and fun with the Partons, as Dolly and her sister (and favorite cook) share beloved, crowd-pleasing recipes and family stories.

Sobremesa: A Memoir of Food and Love in Thirteen Courses

By Josephine Caminos Oría
Narrated by Julie Gonzalo

We often overlook the soulful nourishment and magic that happens at sobremesa—the time spent talking after a meal—due to busy lives. In this coming-of-age adventure, Josephine Caminos Oría travels to her family’s homeland of Argentina in search of that magic. Steeped in the lure of Latin culture, she pieces together her mom and abuela’s pasts, along with the nourishing dishes that formed their kitchen arsenal. 

Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends

By benny blanco and Jess Damuck
Narrated by benny blanco

The debut cookbook from benny blanco—pop music super-producer, artist, actor on FXX’s Dave, and consummate food freak—teaches you everything you need to know about cooking, enjoying life, and throwing the greatest dinner party of all time. 

Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious, and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirations

By Tabitha Brown
Narrated by Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Feeding the Soul, presents her first cookbook—full of easy, family-friendly vegan recipes and stories from the spirit, inspired by her health journey and love of delicious food. After living with a terrible undiagnosed illness for more than a year and a half, Brown tried a 30-day vegan challenge—and never looked back. 

 Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking

By Michael Ruhlman
Narrated by Michael Ruhlman

Michael Ruhlman’s New York Times bestseller takes us to the very “truth” of cooking: it is not about recipes but rather about basic ratios and fundamental techniques that make all food come together. Why spend time sorting through the millions of cookie recipes? Isn’t it easier just to remember 1-2-3? That’s the ratio of ingredients that always make a basic, delicious cookie dough: 1 part sugar, 2 parts fat, and 3 parts flour. 

Palate-Pleasing Podcasts

Ringer Food

Juliet Litman and David Jacoby sample various snacks, share personal tales about food, and round up the latest in food news from around the world. And then come hang with Joe House and his culinary comrades on their House of Carbs segments to devour the latest additions to the food universe’s menu with a slate of tasty episodes throughout the year.

The Dave Chang Show

Momofuku restaurant-founder, and creator and host of Netflix’s Ugly Delicious, Dave Chang is also an avid student and fan of sports, music, art, and film. In wide-ranging conversations that cover everything from the creative process to his guest’s guiltiest pleasures, Dave and a rotating cast of smart, thought-provoking guests talk about their inspirations, failures, successes, fame, and identities.

 Gastropod

Co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley explore the hidden history and surprising science behind a different food or farming-related topic, from aquaculture to ancient feasts, from cutlery to chile peppers, and from microbes to Malbec. They interview experts, visit labs, fields, and archaeological digs, and generally have lots of fun while discovering new ways to think about and understand the world through food.

Food People by Bon Appétit

Bon Appétit’s Editor-in-Chief Jamila Robinson engages in discussions about how we eat and why food matters. The show includes interviews with renowned voices from the food world, behind-the-scenes details into how the magazine is made, and insight from the latest stories.

The Sporkful

We obsess about food to learn more about people, and The Sporkful isn’t for foodies, it’s for eaters. Hosted by Dan Pashman, who’s also the inventor of the new pasta shape cascatelli, the show is a James Beard and Webby Award winner for Best Food Podcast.

A Hot Dog Is a Sandwich 

Mythical Chefs Josh Scherer and Nicole Enayati discuss, debate, and dissect the web’s most hilariously controversial culinary quandaries.

Food Network Obsessed 

Host Jaymee Sire sits down with chefs, food influencers, and Food Network personalities to dish on all things delicious in the food world. From exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, first (and worst) jobs in food, to cooking fails and culinary triumphs, no topic is off the menu. 

Spotify Inks a New Partnership With Bloomsbury To Offer A Greater Assortment of Audiobooks

November 22, 2024

Our library continues to grow. In 2022, we announced the addition of audiobooks to Spotify, and since then we’ve worked with publishers around the world to deliver more titles to our digital shelves. Today marks another exciting chapter for audiobook lovers thanks to a new partnership with Bloomsbury, one of the largest publishers in the U.K.

“As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of Audiobooks in Premium, there’s no better way to build on our momentum than with the addition of Bloomsbury’s beloved library,” said Duncan Bruce, Director of Audiobook Partnerships and Licensing at Spotify. “This partnership allows us to expand our author lineup and give listeners an even wider array of titles to enjoy, taking us another step forward in our goal of reimagining the audiobook experience.”

Spotify users will have access to more than 1,000 new titles from Bloomsbury’s award-winning catalog. It includes an array of stellar titles from acclaimed authors including Sarah J. Maas, William Dalrymple, Alan Moore, Madeline Miller, Dan Jones, Samantha Shannon, and Ann Patchett, all paired with narrations from top-tier talent such as Meryl Streep, Emilia Clarke, Adjoa Andoh, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Listeners can lose themselves in epic, sweeping fantasies for adults, like Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, award winners such as Cuddy by Benjamin Myers (which won the Goldsmith’s prize in 2023), and the IPG Audiobook of the Year, Ghosts, read by the cast of the show. Listeners will also find thrilling adventures for kids, such as Katherine Rundell‘s Children’s Book of the Year, Impossible Creatures, read by Sam West. For lovers of nonfiction, Bloomsbury has works written and read by many distinguished historians, including Peter Frankopan, William Dalrymple, Dan Jones, and the recent number-one bestselling title, Want, Submitted by Anonymous, Collected by Gillian Anderson.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Spotify to bring our catalog of audiobooks to even more listeners. We are passionate about bringing the creative talents of our authors and narrators to as many listeners as possible, through our mission to inform, educate, entertain, and inspire readers of all ages and backgrounds. We feel confident that this partnership will help to introduce a whole new generation of listeners to audiobooks for years to come,” said Sam Halstead, Director of Audio at Bloomsbury.

The addition of this catalog continues our commitment to introducing the audiobook format to new listeners while also expanding opportunities and creating an additional revenue stream for the industry. Since launching audiobooks, Spotify has paid hundreds of millions of dollars to publishers on an annualized basis. Spotify’s aim is to be the best place for authors and publishers to get their books heard, and to bring great audio stories to as many people as possible. With a global audience of more than 615 million listeners, Spotify provides a new platform for authors and rights holders to share their content. 

There’s no experience quite like getting lost in an audiobook, and we’re thrilled to continue bringing more options and varieties to Spotify. Head to Spotify to discover your next great “read.”

6 Spotify Audiobook Features That Level Up Your Listening Experience

November 21, 2024

Since launching our audiobooks offering, we’ve continuously upped our game on designing a user experience that provides seamless and engaging listening. You may be so quick to get into your next “read” on Spotify that you don’t even notice some of the features in the app. ICYMI: Check out the innovations we’ve launched—and are testing—to enhance your audiobooks experience.

1. Author Pages

Currently in pilot mode with a select number of authors, these dedicated profiles for audiobook authors include biographical information about their backgrounds and works. Author Pages will aggregate their entire catalogs available on Spotify, making it easier for you to explore an author’s previous works, as well as new releases on our platform.

2. Sleep Timer for audiobooks

Our built-in Sleep Timer lets you enjoy an audiobook and drift off without having to worry about it continuing on until the end. You can decide how long you want it to play before it automatically stops. For eligible Spotify Premium users who get access to a certain amount of audiobook listening hours a month as part of their subscription, this feature is a great way to ensure you’re catching every minute. Visit this article to learn more about how to make our Sleep Timer part of any bedtime routine. 

3. Video clips for exploring audiobooks 

Fear of commitment? We’re testing a new video feature that allows select authors and publishers to submit a short video about a specific title. This can be an interview snippet, a backstage video from the audio recording session, a video message from the author, or something else. Much like a book’s jacket, these videos give you a taste of an audiobook before pressing play, offering an engaging way to explore and evaluate audiobook offerings.

4. Audiobook Countdown Pages

Countdown Pages allow you to save an audiobook prior to its release date so you can easily find it in your Spotify library once it’s live. Every time you visit the page, you can see how long you have until the title is available. Authors, publishers, and narrators can also use these pages to help promote their upcoming titles ahead of launch. Learn more about how to use this feature here.

5. Follow-Along

We’re also testing a “follow-along” feature on select titles. Follow-Along is an immersive visual experience that allows you to see time-synchronized illustrations, photos, and graphics (think: the supporting material usually included in paper books) as you listen to an audiobook. These listening enhancements that help contextualize a story are available in the “extras” section of the audiobook.

6. Audiobook playlists

Track all the books you want to read—old favorites, new discoveries—with our audiobook playlists. These curations can help you keep your library organized, and be a place for you to aggregate the audiobooks on your reading list. You’ll also find editorial playlists created by our audiobook team that highlight and categorize recommendations.

Now pull up your app and find your next audiobook obsession here.

Spotify Launches Audiobooks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—and Premium Listeners Get Instant Access

October 14, 2024

Since its launch just over a year ago, Spotify’s Audiobooks in Premium offering has helped introduce the format to an entirely new audience across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. We’re seeing more listeners try audiobooks for the first time and embrace new and different books, with hundreds of thousands of unique titles streamed.

Today, we’re thrilled to announce that listeners in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg will now have access to audiobooks, which includes exciting work from local authors such as Gaël Faye, Maylis de Kerangal, Joël Dicker, Suzanne Vermeer, and Saskia Noort, to name a few.

Eligible Spotify Premium subscribers in those countries will be able to access more than 200,000 audiobook titles as part of their subscriptions. Any title not included in our Audiobooks in Premium offering can be purchased à la carte. Listeners in these regions without a Premium subscription can also purchase any title on Spotify.

 

 

In partnership with publishers from across these markets, Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, has the potential to grow the size of the audiobook industry overall. We are enabling more listeners than ever to discover and engage with a rich catalog of titles, including in their own language, and paving the way for future innovation of the audiobook format.

“Spotify’s reach presents a significant opportunity to expand the audiobooks market across France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg,” said Antoine Monin, Managing Director, Spotify Western Europe. “Since our launch in Western Europe 16 years ago, Spotify has evolved into a leading platform for music, podcasts, and now audiobooks. We are proud to spotlight this region’s rich literary tradition, with 15,000 French and 15,000 Dutch and Flemish titles joining our catalog, advancing our mission to empower audio creators globally and connect them with audiences both locally and internationally.”

One year of Audiobooks in Premium

While it’s still early days, the reaction to Audiobooks in Premium from authors, publishers, and listeners in available markets has been remarkable. On Spotify, we’ve seen user engagement increase among listeners who started an audiobook for the first time. In the U.S., these users spend an average of five additional hours on Spotify over their first two months after starting a book.

This launch opens up new opportunities for local authors and rights holders and helps create an additional revenue stream for the industry. With 28% of Spotify’s users located in Europe, we’ll continue investing in and growing the available audience and revenue pies for publishers and authors.

Spotify announced this latest expansion today in Paris with a panel featuring voices from across the industry: Laure Saget, CEO of Hachette’s Audiolib and Audiobook Commission President at the French Publishers Association, Liza Faja, Head of Lizzie, the audiobook imprint of Editis, Éric Marbeau, Head of Digital Distribution at Madrigall, parent company of Éditions Gallimard and Editions Flammarion, and Timothée Borne, CEO of the immersive audio content production company Blynd Media.