Tag: curated playlist

Corridos Motivadores: El Nuevo Sonido de la Resiliencia en México

August 28, 2025

Los corridos han sido un pilar de la Música Mexicana durante generaciones, contando historias enraizadas en la vida cotidiana. Ahora, un nuevo capítulo está tomando forma: los corridos motivadores. Inspirados en la resiliencia y la ambición, estas canciones están conectando con los más jóvenes, ofreciendo tanto mensajes de motivación y fuerza.

A diferencia de otros corridos, los corridos motivadores se enfocan en el trabajo duro, el progreso y el optimismo. Centran su narrativa en la gente común y sus aspiraciones, manteniendo a menudo las estructuras tradicionales y los sonidos característicos del norte de México, pero con cambios sutiles que resuenan con los fans más jóvenes.

“Los corridos motivadores destacan por usar el lenguaje como una herramienta de inspiración, y por recuperar la narrativa clásica del corrido desde una nueva perspectiva emocional”, explicó Alejandro Grageda, Head of Music en Spotify México. “Estas canciones están conectando de manera muy profunda con quienes buscan música que refleje sus propias experiencias”.

Voces de resiliencia

Los artistas impulsando el movimiento de corridos motivadores provienen de todos los rincones de México, cada uno usando el género para capturar lo que significa seguir adelante, sin importar desde dónde se empiece.

Antonin Padilla, quien alguna vez trabajó en un autolavado, describe cómo los corridos lo inspiraron:

“Cuando yo estaba en el car wash y quería entrarle de lleno al tema de la música, lo que me motivaba a seguirle atorando eran los corridos de Grupo Marca Registrada. Hay cierta música que no necesariamente tiene que tener relación con sus letras, pero la vibra motivacional te da para arriba y seguir trabajando”.

Raúl Beltran ha desarrollado su propio estilo, al que llama corridos metafísicos:

“Creé los Corridos Metafísicos con letras que llevan motivación y ánimo a la gente para que logre sus objetivos en la vida, que le echen ganas, que se puede lograr todo lo que se propongan. Que la vida se hace a base de tus pensamientos, lo que hablas y lo que escuchas”.

Grupo Selectivo encuentra inspiración en su propia historia de perseverancia:

“Las historias de motivación surgen de nuestras vivencias, porque Grupo Selectivo es una agrupación que viene desde abajo. Llevamos años buscándolo”.

Kane Rodriguez ve de primera mano cómo los corridos motivadores animan a los oyentes a superarse:

“Estos corridos de superación surgen viendo cómo la gente reacciona con los corridos y les entra la motivación de querer ganar más dinero y querer trabajar y por ello los sigo haciendo”.

Para Los Chavalitos, la autenticidad es la clave:

“Las historias de nuestros corridos es la vida de nosotros. Escribimos más del 90% de nuestra música y se basa en las situaciones emocionales que enfrentamos y cómo estamos en el momento. Que la gente sepa que en la vida hay dulces y amargas y hay que disfrutarlas todas; valorando lo que se tiene. Siempre echándole ganas para progresar”.

Música que une

Desde 2023, la Música Mexicana ha dado un giro hacia letras más introspectivas,  sensibles y universales. A medida que los artistas del país comenzaron a enfocarse en historias personales y mensajes de superación, los corridos motivadores crecieron de manera constante—ganando un lugar en playlists de Spotify como La Reina: Éxitos de la Música Mexicana, Corridos Perrones, Ruteando, Rancho Viral, y MEXCLA, hasta el lanzamiento de su propia playlist Corridos Motivadores, donde ahora tienen un espacio propio.

Este subgénero destaca por su autenticidad, ofreciendo música que alienta, inspira y refleja la vida real. Los corridos motivadores están ayudando a los oyentes a encontrar sentido en los retos cotidianos y a generar un sentimiento de pertenencia.

En Spotify, estamos orgullosos de apoyar la evolución de la Música Mexicana, donde el orgullo, la sensibilidad y el impulso por salir adelante suenan más fuerte que nunca.

Escucha nuestra playlist Corridos Motivadores y descubre a los artistas e historias que están en el corazón de este movimiento.

Enjoy the Ride with Your Ultimate Road Trip Podcast Playlist

August 27, 2025

It’s the waning days of summer, and for anyone trying to squeeze in one more road trip before the leaves begin to turn, Spotify is here with a collection of captivating stories that will melt the miles away. 

Our editors have hand-picked nine bingeable shows to make the most of your time behind the wheel. From sorority scandals to an Alaskan murder mystery, these podcasts will turn any drive into an adventure and help keep your mind engaged while your hands rest at 10 and 2.

BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural
By BuzzFeed Studios

Join Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej as they delve into notorious supernatural folklore, with Ryan trying to convince his skeptical friend that the paranormal is real. This series offers chills and a fun look at unexplained phenomena.

One Song
By Hartbeat

Emmy-nominated Diallo Riddle and music producer Blake “LUXXURY” Robin hilariously dissect a single pop music classic in each episode. Discover familiar tunes in an entirely new light.

Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska
By ABC News

When a beloved doctor is found dead in remote Ketchikan, Alaska, what first seems like natural causes unravels into a true-crime tale of murder, secret romances, theft, and suspicious characters.

Money for Couples with Ramit Sethi
By Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi guides real couples through candid conversations about the psychology of money, offering practical advice to turn everyday discussions into a shared financial vision.

Hands Tied
By iHeartPodcasts

Lizz Melgar Rose’s life was upended when her mother was found bound and her father murdered. Follow her relentless quest for answers and justice as a shocking crime unravels and a daughter fights to prove the wrong person is imprisoned.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler
By The Ringer

Join Amy Poehler for unscripted, laugh-out-loud conversations in a podcast that’s pure fun and the perfect escape for any journey.

StanLand
By The Sonar Network

When podcaster Melanie Hughes disappears, her recorder uncovers a satirical tale of an IKEA wardrobe leading to a magical realm threatened by commercialism. The story is brought to life by a star-studded cast, including Rhea Seehorn, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm.

The Retrievals, Season 2
By Serial Productions and the New York Times

After investigating the world of in-vitro fertilization in Season 1, this podcast returns with New York Times reporters uncovering the hidden truths behind the widespread yet underreported problem of severe pain during C-sections, and the efforts to solve this medical mystery.

Dirty Rush: The Truth about Sorority Life
By iHeartPodcasts

Go behind the veiled world of sorority life, from intense recruitment rituals to the surprising realities of sisterhood. Co-hosts Daisy Kent, Gia Giuduce, and Jennifer Fessler reveal the good, the bad, and the scandalous truths of Greek life.

How to Use, Create, and Share Spotify Codes

August 11, 2025

Whether you’re curating a playlist for your dorm, promoting an artist at a live show, or simply sharing your favorite album with friends, Spotify Codes make it easy to bring your listening experience into the real world. These scannable, QR-like tags allow you to quickly share and access any piece of content on Spotify, no typing or searching required.

What are Spotify Codes?

Spotify Codes are unique visual tags that can be scanned using the camera on your phone or within the Spotify app. Once scanned, they instantly take listeners to the linked content, whether it’s a song, album, playlist, artist profile, or even a branded page.

Using a Spotify Code is a breeze. Here’s how to scan a Spotify Code:

    1. Open the Spotify app on your phone.
    2. Hit the Search tab, then tap the camera icon in the top-right corner.
    3. Point your camera at the Spotify Code and let the app do the rest.

You can also create a Spotify Code:

    1. Open Spotify and find the content you want to share.
    2. Right-click on the content and hold “Option” (Mac) or “Alt” (PC) or tap the “…” icon on mobile or desktop.
    3. Select “Share,” then “Copy Spotify URI.”
    4. Paste the URI into SpotifyCodes.com, customize the design, and download your code.

You can adjust the color, size, and format to suit your needs, whether you’re designing flyers, posters, social posts, or stickers.

A few quick notes

Spotify Codes are designed to make sharing easier and more visual. However, if you’re planning to use them on physical products for sale, be sure to get the necessary permissions from the appropriate rights holders.

Spotify Codes offer a seamless way to share what you’re listening to online and off. From building community through a collaborative playlist to spotlighting an up-and-coming artist, these codes bring your musical world to others with just a scan.

4 Must-Try Features That Make Spotify the Best Place to Be a Fan

July 30, 2025

At Spotify, we’re always working to enhance your listening experience and connect you more deeply with the artists and music you love. That means helping you stay on top of upcoming releases, live shows, and exciting new tracks with features that make Spotify the ultimate destination for every music fan.

If you’re ready to step up your music fandom, here are four Spotify features you’ll love.

Introducing the Music Following feed

Similar to our popular Podcast Following feed, we’ve rolled out a brand-new Music Following feed. This dedicated space brings music from the artists you follow into one convenient destination so you can explore musicians’ latest releases the moment they hit. Quickly preview new tracks, play them right away, or save them for later. No matter when you listen, you’ll always be in the know.

Find out when your favorite artists are coming to town with our Concerts Near You playlist

There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live show. Our personalized Concerts Near You playlist makes it fun and easy to discover upcoming concerts in your area. Inspired by your listening habits, this weekly playlist brings you relevant concert listings, complete with full event details and convenient ticket links directly from expandable track rows. No more endless searching—just an easier way to see your favorite artists in person.

Stay ahead of the curve with the Upcoming Releases hub

Excited for that next big drop? The Upcoming Releases hub is your new go-to destination for discovering soon-to-be-released music. This hub serves as a dedicated place for listeners to explore upcoming music through personalized recommendations and trending Countdown Pages for anticipated releases. You can presave and literally count down the seconds until a new release, ensuring you’re hearing it right as it is available.

Additionally, the Countdown Charts on our Spotify and Spotify for Artists social channels give you more ways to keep tabs on what new music is coming. Every Wednesday, we post a fresh list of the top 10 Countdown Pages, highlighting the trending albums with the most total presaves globally.

Start the weekend off right with new-music Fridays

Every Friday, we light up your music feed on Home to bring you the freshest sounds. Our enhanced Friday experience highlights personalized new releases, upcoming releases via Countdown Pages, and the latest hits curated in our editorial playlists. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend with a constant stream of new discoveries.

With these exciting features, we’re committed to helping you build deeper connections with your favorite artists, so dive in and discover why Spotify is the best place to be a fan.

4 Spotify Tips to Create the Perfect Summer Soundtrack

July 28, 2025

Summer is here, and whether you’re road-tripping, relaxing poolside, or hosting friends for a backyard barbecue, the right soundtrack can make every moment unforgettable. And with Spotify Premium, it’s easy to put together a personalized summer listening experience.

Curate your ideal vibe

This year, your summer soundtrack is more personalized than ever thanks to recent product updates designed to bring you even closer to the music you love. With our latest enhancement to DJ, you can use your voice to request music and guide the vibe of your listening session in real time. Meanwhile, AI Playlist—now in beta in more than 50 markets—lets you generate custom playlists by entering a unique prompt into the chat.

For example, you might prompt AI Playlist to “create a reggaeton playlist for chillin’ by the pool,” or ask DJ to “play hot new releases for a day at the beach.” Whatever your mood, your ideal summer soundtrack is just a request away.

Discover live music near you

Nothing beats the energy of a live show. With Concerts Near You, a new personalized playlist that updates every Wednesday, you’ll get 30 songs from artists performing nearby, plus event details and ticket links right in the app. (This feature is also available to our Free users.) Just make sure your location is up-to-date in the “Live Events” section, and you’ll never miss a chance to turn a summer night into a memory.

Take your music anywhere

Headed off the grid? With Offline Backup, take your summer anthems wherever you go—no downloads or Wi-Fi required. This feature creates a unique playlist from your queued and recently streamed tracks so you can keep the music going whether you’re flying, hiking, or relaxing on a remote beach.

Fine-tune your listening

With our new user controls, it’s easier to make every playlist and listening session feel just right. Adjust your track list preferences with Add, Sort, and Edit; guide your session with a refreshed Queue; and use the Hide button to temporarily remove tracks from your recommendations so your music always fits the moment, all summer long.

If you love diving deep into your saved music, curation is now even more intuitive. In the U.K., U.S., Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa, you can filter your Liked Songs by genre and tap “Make this a playlist” to instantly create custom mixes from your favorites. 

Stay tuned for more tips to personalize your listening and get the most out of your Spotify Premium experience, with new features and enhancements always on the horizon.

10 Wild Card Tracks Join Spotify’s Songs of Summer 2025 Editorial Picks

July 23, 2025

The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and the soundtrack of summer keeps evolving. Back in May, Spotify’s global editors kicked off the season with our annual Songs of Summer predictions, blending cultural expertise, editorial instinct, and streaming data to spotlight contenders for this year’s defining anthems.

But summer never stands still. Now that we’re halfway through the season, our editors are shaking up the list with 10 new “wild card” tracks—songs released since our initial reveal or experiencing a recent surge in global streams. These wild cards reflect what’s resonating with listeners right now, capturing the moments and moods dominating culture across the globe. For example, global streams of “Illegal” by PinkPantheress shot up 155% on Spotify in the last month, while Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” and Addison Rae’s “Fame is a Gun” both charted on Spotify’s Global Top 50 following their releases.

From high-speed dance floor bangers to bold main-character anthems, this year’s wild cards cut across genres and tap into the euphoric feeling of summer. There’s breezy optimism, infectious energy, and a few surprises along the way.

Spotify’s 2025 Songs of Summer: Midseason update

Listed alphabetically by artist first name; wild card picks in italics

“Our team of editors are constantly monitoring listening trends and cultural signals from around the world to understand what’s truly connecting with audiences,” said J.J. Italiano, Head of Global Music Curation and Discovery at Spotify. “Our wild card additions are a reflection of that real-time curation. Whether it’s the innovative production of ‘No Broke Boys’ or the intensity of ‘ALAMBRE PùA,’ each of these songs has captured a specific energy that listeners are gravitating toward right now. They represent the diverse sounds and stories shaping the season across borders.”

A summer celebration in Los Angeles

To toast summer’s next musical moment, Spotify’s annual Songs of Summer party landed Wednesday in Beverly Hills, featuring performances from Ravyn Lenae and Jessie Murph—two artists making waves on this year’s list.

Spotify and Travis Barker Team Up to Host Run Travis Run Races Across the U.S.

July 22, 2025

After legendary blink-182 drummer and producer Travis Barker survived a horrific, life-threatening plane crash in 2008, his doctors told him he may never walk or play the drums the same again. Travis started on his journey to overall wellness, which included daily runs, to motivate himself and prove the doctors wrong. 

Travis’s commitment to fitness led to his starting a series of Run Travis Run races, which evolved into a mission to inspire others in their personal journeys of physical, mental, and overall wellness. 

To help amplify the momentum, Spotify and Run Travis Run are teaming up this fall to unite fans and runners alike with energizing 5K events in four cities:

September 20: Chicago

October 5: Palm Springs

October 18: Las Vegas

November 9: Santa Monica

Produced by sports and experiential marketing agency Mascot Sports, these races will merge Travis’s high-energy world with Spotify’s passion for helping fans find connection and community through music. Ahead of the fall races, Spotify and Run Travis Run will also launch a social campaign that explores the blink-182 drummer’s love for wellness and music.

Get race ready with the official Run Travis Run playlist

With more than 12 million “running” playlists available on our platform, Spotify is the ultimate running companion, creating experiences that leave people feeling more energized and inspired. And to help fans train for the 5Ks, we’re adding one more to the list with the launch of the official Run Travis Run playlist, curated by Travis himself. 

“I’m always hyped to bring Run Travis Run to the public. It’s about community, getting people moving, being outside, and feeling connected,” Travis said. “Music has always been a part of my life. Every genre means something to me in a different way. I built this Spotify playlist with my go-to tracks for working out. Hope it fuels you.”

Featuring a high-voltage blend of punk, hardcore, breakbeat, and hip-hop, the playlist helps runners get into a zone with the help of songs like Death Grips’ “Guillotine,” Refused’s “New Noise,” and The Prodigy’s “Firestarter.”

Top Spotify fans get early access to Run Travis Run tickets

Starting on July 22, top Travis Barker fans in each host city will receive an early-access invite from Spotify prompting them to purchase a ticket to the event. An artist presale will begin on July 23, followed by general sales opening on July 25.  

North American fans who live outside of the event cities will be able to buy virtual tickets and participate in the races from anywhere. As part of their virtual experience, participants will be mailed a race bib and medal. 

A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to CORE, a humanitarian organization founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee that empowers underserved communities in and beyond crisis. 

Spotify’s partnership with Run Travis Run is the latest way we’re tapping into the energy and connection of the running community. Whether moving with the pack or running solo, fans of all kinds can find their communities and rhythm with Spotify.

General ticket sales for Run Travis Run 2025 are now open here.

Spotify’s Editors Pick Their Best Podcasts of the Year (So Far)

July 16, 2025

Spotify’s podcast editorial team is always on the hunt for shows and episodes that spark conversation, push boundaries, and keep us coming back for more. As 2025 hits its halfway mark, our editors have curated their picks for the year’s standout podcasts so far—spanning celebrity-driven interviews, deep-dive investigations, true crime, comedy, and the best in film and TV commentary.

“It would be impossible to overlook all the famous faces on our ‘Best New Podcasts of 2025 (So Far)’ list. From Michelle Obama’s heartfelt real talk on IMO to Amy Poehler’s star-studded hangouts (did we mention Kylie Kelce and the Living Single ladies also made the cut?), shows hosted by megawatt talent have definitely stepped up their game this year,” said Rachel Selvin, Editorial and Audience Development Manager, Spotify. “But even with all the buzz around viral celebrity moments, the old rules of podcasting still hold true: A great investigation usually equals a great show. That’s why half of our picks focus on a single issue, unspooling it in all its complexity through a compassionate lens.”

From breakout new series to unforgettable episodes, here’s what topped our editors’ lists for 2025 (so far):

Best New Podcasts of 2025 (So Far)

Best Episodes of 2025 (So Far)

Best True Crime of 2025 (So Far)

Funniest Episodes of 2025 (So Far)

Best Movies of 2025 (So Far)

Best TV of 2025 (So Far)

Explore the Best of the Year (So Far) hub on Spotify to find your next favorite show or episode.

‘Superman’ Filmmaker James Gunn Reveals the Playlists Inspired by Your Favorite Characters

July 11, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered what might be playing in Clark Kent’s headphones when he’s not saving the world as Superman, today is your lucky day.

With the highly anticipated Superman debuting in theaters today, Spotify has teamed up with DC Studios and filmmaker James Gunn to curate a playlist, with song selections inspired by the film’s cast of characters, including Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor.

At the start of each character’s section in the playlist, fans can find an exclusive voice note from James where he explains the collection of songs that he hand-picked for each character. 

“I probably had more fun doing this than anything else I’ve done in the past couple of years,” James said. “I had to really think about who they were as people and imagine what kind of music they’d be into.”

 

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Here’s what you can expect for some of the playlist’s featured characters.

Clark Kent

Packed with edgy feel-good anthems, the songs that keep Superman flying high include “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey and “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World. 

Lex Luthor

An eclectic mix of anthems to fuel a villain’s ego, the songs for Lex include “Fame” by David Bowie and “This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us” by Sparks. 

Eve 

Featuring songs like “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter and “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift, this collection of songs channels the Metropolis it girl’s energy.

Metamorpho

A collection of moody, synthy songs with a melancholy edge, Metamorpho is soundtracked by  “Digging Your Scene” by The Blow Monkeys and “I Was Never a Normal Boy” by Nightmare of You.

The Engineer 

Full of dark, serious tracks pulsing with mechanical beats, The Engineer’s songs include “La Mer” by Nine Inch Nails and “Archangel” by Burial. 

Mister Terrific 

A dynamic blend of intricate musicianship and adventurous energy, featuring tracks like “Cafo” by Animals as Leaders and “Shibuya” by Covet and San Holo that invite you into a world of bold, experimental soundscapes.

Hawkgirl

 A fearless mix of indie cool and bold attitude, this list includes “San Diego” by Hinds and “whathegirlmuthafuckinwannadoo” by The Coup and Janelle Monáe that blend raw emotion with unapologetic edge.

Green Lantern

Rowdy and brash, this tracklist features hits like “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” by AC/DC and “Batwitdaba” by Kid Rock.

DC’s Ultraman

Featuring explosive Japanese metal tracks like “Marionette” by Mary’s Blood and “Nippon Manju” by LADYBABY, this playlist hits as hard as the punches thrown by DCs’ Ultraman.

In addition, we’ve just added the film’s original score to the playlist, which was composed by John Murphy and David Fleming. And starting today, the covers of the Superman Official Playlist will also adapt to match listeners’ music taste, revealing which Superman character aligns most closely with them. Check out the playlist now to find out who you match with.

Spotify Toasts Oasis’s Return With Exclusive Ways for Fans to Get Closer to the Music That Defined a Generation

July 10, 2025

This is not a drill: Oasis is back on the road—marking its first live performances in more than 16 years. The band’s highly anticipated tour kicked off in Cardiff on July 4 and 5, where it roared through a greatest-hits-heavy set to a rapturous reception. Reflecting the excitement, following the first weekend shows, streams of Oasis surged by nearly 320% on Spotify globally.

To celebrate the long-awaited reunion and reignite the spirit of one of the most iconic British bands of all time, Spotify has rolled out a brand-new campaign and experience designed specifically for the fans who never stopped believing.

Forever for the fans, fueling anticipation

Spotify has launched a campaign to spotlight Oasis’s diverse, cross-generational fan base and capture the band’s enduring legacy. Anchored by a short film directed by George Muncey, the campaign also features compelling and intimate fan portraits shot by longtime Oasis collaborator and photographer Kevin Cummins. Showcasing unique individuals from across the community, the campaign delivers a rich multiformat experience—placing Spotify at the heart of one of the most iconic cultural moments of the decade.

Check out the video here:

And take a look at some of the pics, which are also featured across billboards in the U.K. and on Spotify’s social channels.

Spotify’s ‘Our Game, Our Sound’ Campaign Champions Community and Joy in Women’s Football

July 8, 2025

This summer, as the energy builds for one of the biggest moments in women’s football, we’re launching “Our Game, Our Sound,” a Europe-wide social impact campaign that spotlights the powerful connection between music, football, and community. The initiative is designed to foster belonging, joy, and mental well-being for Gen Z women, using Spotify’s cultural reach to create meaningful, connection-driven experiences.

The ultimate playlist

At the heart of “Our Game, Our Sound” is a new playlist co-curated by some of the most exciting names in European football. Global stars like Aggie Beever-Jones, Jess Park, Andrea Medina, and Laura Giuliani have selected the tracks that soundtrack their most important social moments. These are the songs that fill the locker room, the tour bus, and all the times at home and away that bring them together as a team. The playlist is an invitation for fans to find and celebrate their own communities this summer.

We’ve also partnered with Footballco and INDIVISA to cocreate and amplify content around the playlist. Through first-person narratives, short-form videos, and Instagram stories, the players will share authentic moments, connecting the dots between the music and their real-life experiences as fans and athletes.

Spotify Partners With The Reading Agency to Bring the Summer Reading Challenge to Life Through Audio

July 4, 2025

The Summer Reading Challenge has inspired children across the U.K. to embrace a love of reading for years now. But as technology evolves, so do the ways people engage with books, with audio playing a complementary role to sitting down with a good book. That’s why Spotify is thrilled to announce that we’re partnering with The Reading Agency to provide even more options for families and children to easily find and access books. 

Returning on July 5 with the theme “Story Garden,” the Summer Reading Challenge has been a cornerstone of literacy efforts since 1999, encouraging kids to visit their local libraries and dive into new worlds. And to make it a breeze to locate the audio components, we’ve created an official playlist of the Summer Reading Challenge titles that are available within Audiobooks in Premium.  

“Many in the Audiobooks team at Spotify grew up doing the Summer Reading Challenge, so it’s an initiative close to our hearts,” said Duncan Bruce, Director of Partnerships & Licensing, Spotify. “Audiobooks are a powerful way to help children discover the joy of books in ways that work for them—at bedtime, in the car, or curled up in the garden. We’re supporting the Summer Reading Challenge’s mission to help spark a lifelong love of books in every child, regardless of background, ability, or learning style. We hope all of these books, in all their formats, spark a love of reading that lasts well beyond summer.”

The Story Garden theme entices young readers to explore the great outdoors through magical tales of nature, imagination, and adventure, with enchanting illustrations from award-winning artist Dapo Adeola. As libraries transform into immersive gardens of discovery, we want to help make these stories accessible to every child, in every format.

The future of reading

Audiobooks offer a powerful way to bridge the reading gap, making stories enjoyable for everyone, including neurodiverse learners, the seeing impaired, and those who may struggle with traditional reading formats. According to the Reading Agency, just one in three children enjoy reading today (a 33% decrease since 2005), making initiatives like this more vital than ever. Last year, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 600,000 children and led to over 13 million book loans. We are proud to support its continued success and help even more children discover the magic of reading.

At Spotify, we know that listening to stories can build comprehension, expand vocabulary, and spark imagination. Audiobooks complement—but don’t replace—print reading. With our official Summer Reading Challenge playlist, families can easily find, stream, and enjoy these inspiring tales of nature and adventure, whether they’re at home on the sofa or exploring the great outdoors.

Dive into the Story Garden with the official Summer Reading Challenge playlist on Spotify. To explore the full Summer Reading Challenge booklist and learn how to sign up, visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.