Tag: listicle

Spotify Editors Reveal Their Picks for Best Book of the Century (So Far)

April 15, 2026

From gripping thrillers to poignant memoirs, the 21st century has had no shortage of unforgettable books. To celebrate the standout storytelling of our modern era, we’re launching Best of the Century So Far — a curated audiobook collection of titles released each year between 2001 and 2025, hand‑picked by our North American Audiobook editors.

For the Record caught up with a few of the editors behind the collection to discover which books earned their personal number‑one spot—and why these stories should be on everyone’s radar.

“Ling Ma‘s Severance (2018) is truly one of my favorites of all time. It’s a razor-sharp, bleakly funny reckoning with what it means to sleepwalk through work, routine, and the end of the world—and the most unputdownable indictment of late-stage capitalism I’ve ever read.” — Katie del Rosario, Associate Director, Audiobooks Editorial

“Any list of my all-time favorite books would have to start with Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad (2010). At first glance, it’s the story of an aging punk rocker’s descent into obscurity as he’s battered by the inevitable passage of time—but the book’s magic is in its reminder that our stories live on, in the fabric of memory, long after we’re gone.” — Zack Knoll, Senior Editor, Audiobooks

“Piranesi (2020) by Susanna Clarke is a singular experience—it’s dreamy and labyrinthine, with a tinge of horror, all anchored by one of the most endearing protagonists you’ll ever meet. The audiobook, which I’ve listened to three times, no less, is a treat for the ears. Who can resist narration by Chiwetel Ejiofor!?” — Lena Yang, Senior Editor, Audiobooks

“A forever favorite—and pure magic in audio—The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (2017) by Taylor Jenkins Reid sweeps you into a world of love, sacrifice, and heartbreak.” — Annie Pritchard, Senior Editor, Audiobooks

“I have to go with The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2008) by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer. It’s everything I love in a book, and the multi-cast audiobook really elevates it. It’s epistolary (told through letters) so each character is sharing their own perspective. You get all these different voices and a kind of intimacy that’s hard to achieve outside of an epistolary novel. This style of storytelling is my favorite.” — Jamie Belardo, Managing Editor, Audiobooks

Did your favorites make our list? Check out the Best of the Century So Far audiobook collection on Spotify now.

Get Festival-Ready With These 4 Spotify Features

April 9, 2026

Festival season is upon us. From sun-soaked weekends out west to iconic stages in Chicago and New York, fans are getting ready to see their favorite artists live. And there’s no better place to start than Spotify, where playlist creation picks up each April as listeners build their festival soundtracks. In total, users have created nearly 340,000 playlists for those back-to-back weekends in the California desert.

Here are four Spotify features to help you make the most of festival season.

See how artists across the lineup are connected

Did you know that Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Bieber are linked through producer Ian Kirkpatrick? Or that KAROL G and Turnstile are connected via Snoop Dogg and producer Mike Elizondo?

With SongDNA, you can explore the creative threads linking acts from this year’s lineups. For supported tracks, just tap the SongDNA card in the Now Playing view to reveal the network of writers, producers, and samples behind them. It’s an interactive way to trace an artist’s creative lineage and dive deeper into the music you love.

SongDNA is currently rolling out in beta to Premium users globally on iOS and Android.

Get the pre-show playlist going with friends

The pre-festival hype is a group activity, and your playlist should be too. With Collaborative Playlists, you and your friends can all contribute to one shared soundtrack for the road trip or pre-show hang.

After everyone’s added their picks, Premium users can take it further by customizing the transitions between tracks. Tap “Mix” in the toolbar and use “Auto” for an instant blend, or fine-tune it manually. For an even smoother flow, try Smart Reorder, which instantly rearranges the playlist by BPM and key.

Discover your must-see acts with a personalized playlist

Looking to dial in your festival sound? With Prompted Playlist, you can describe exactly what you’re in the mood for, and Spotify will generate a personalized mix. It draws on your listening history and real-time information like trends and charts, helping surface artists you already love, along with new ones worth catching.

As you’re getting ready for the weekend, try something like: “Make me a playlist for festival season featuring artists on the 2026 lineups. Focus on artists I love, mixed with new ones I can’t miss.” You can also set your playlist to refresh daily or weekly so it evolves with you—make sure notifications are turned on to check out the latest updates.

This feature is available in beta for Premium users in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden. Tap “Create” and select Prompted Playlist to get started.

Keep the music going, even off the grid

Service can be spotty when you’re on the way to the festival, between sets, or heading home after a long day. Available to Premium users globally, Offline Backup automatically saves your recently streamed tracks in a playlist, no downloads required. You can also filter it by mood or genre to match the vibe.

 

With the right prep, you’re all set for a season of unforgettable live music. Just make sure your Spotify app is up to date so you can access all the latest features and get the most out of the experience.

3 Easy Ways to Discover Music That Fits Your Moment on Spotify

January 28, 2026

Music discovery should feel intuitive and personal. That’s why we’re continuing to give you more control, so you can ask for what you want, shape what you hear, and get to the right music faster. This is part of how we’re making discovery feel more natural over time, whether you’re exploring something new or finding the perfect sound for a moment or mood.

Request your vibe, right from your Home screen

Since its launch three years ago, DJ has become one of Spotify’s most popular features. With the addition of requests in 2025, we gave DJ listeners a more intuitive way to switch up the vibe and decide what comes next.

Now, Premium users can instantly start a personalized session—or make a request by text or voice—using a new, dedicated DJ button on the Spotify Home screen, located just under Shortcuts. Whether you’re in the mood for “upbeat hits for a workout” or “tracks like my top songs from 2025,” DJ serves up a curated mix of music and commentary tailored to you.

DJ on Home is rolling out in English in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Sweden, and Ireland.

Design your own discovery with Prompted Playlist

When you know exactly what you want to listen to—a mood, a memory, a moment—building the perfect playlist from scratch can feel daunting. That’s where Prompted Playlist comes in.

Currently in beta, Prompted Playlist puts you in control by letting you describe what you want to hear using your own words, then turning that into a personalized playlist. What makes this feature special is the depth behind it: Spotify brings your idea to life by drawing from your entire listening history and what’s trending across music and culture right now.

Not sure where to start? Try out prompts like these to discover music you’ll love:

    • “Find one artist I haven’t listened to yet but would probably love, or an artist I’ve only heard one or two songs from, and introduce me to them. Build a playlist of songs that’ll give me an overview of their catalog so it feels like I’m getting to know them. Put the songs you think I’ll like the most in the top five spots.”
    • “Make me a playlist of songs I’ve saved to my Library (playlists or Liked Songs) that I either haven’t played yet or have only listened to once. The goal is to round up those songs I found, saved, and then totally forgot to revisit. Give me a chance to finally hear what I’ve been missing.”

Just tap “Create” and select Prompted Playlist to get started. You can tap “Ideas” for quick suggestions, refine your prompt anytime, set your playlist to refresh daily or weekly so it evolves with your world, or start fresh whenever inspiration hits.

Prompted Playlist is available in beta for Premium users in New Zealand, the U.S., and Canada.

Fine-tune your Discover Weekly with genre controls

A Monday ritual for millions, Discover Weekly has been connecting listeners with their next favorite music for more than a decade. As Spotify’s original personalized playlist, it’s a trusted source for finding new favorites and deep cuts from artists you already love.

After a refresh last year, Discover Weekly became even more personalized. For Premium users, controls at the top of your playlist let you choose from up to five genres to shape a fresh 30-track playlist.

Together, these features make it easier to find the right music, right when you want it.

Spotify’s Artists to Watch 2026 Are Ready for the Spotlight

January 12, 2026

2026 Artists to watch on a neon background

At Spotify, we listen to a lot of music. And every year, our global editors and artist partnerships teams come together to spotlight the emerging voices we believe are about to make a serious impact. Enter our Artists to Watch list.

These are the artists turning heads on our playlists, gaining momentum around the world, and pushing their genres into new territory. Whether they’re rewriting the rules of pop, bringing raw energy to hip-hop, or blending global sounds into something entirely new, they’re all redefining what’s next in music.

To celebrate this year’s stars, our team has handpicked one standout track from each artist and then compiled them into the Artists to Watch 2026 playlist, a genre-spanning, culture-driven collection of what’s around the corner.

Ready to find your next favorite artist? Dive into the list below, organized by genre, and start exploring the sounds of 2026.

Afrobeats

MOLIY

Essential track: “Shake It To the Max (FLY) (Remix)”

Christian

Jamie MacDonald

Essential track: “Desperate”

Country

Vincent Mason

Essential track: “Damned If I Do”

Zach John King

Essential track: “Happy For You”

Laci Kaye Booth

Essential track: “Luck Of The Draw”

Max McNown

Essential track: “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)”

Dance

KETTAMA

Essential track: “Man With a Second Face”

Prospa

Essential track: “Love Songs (feat. Kosmo Kint)”

Jackie Hollander

Essential track: “You Go I Go”

Hip-hop

Hurricane Wisdom

Essential track: “Drugs Callin”

PLUTO

Essential track: “WHIM WHAMIEE”

sosocamo

Essential track: “soulless”

Ovrkast.

Essential track: “Small Talk”

Indie/folk

Hudson Freeman

Essential track: “If You Know Me”

Dove Ellis

Essential track: “Pale Song”

Folk Bitch Trio

Essential track: “The Actor”

Fcukers

Essential track: “Bon Bon”

After

Essential track: “300 dreams” 

fakemink

Essential track: “MAKKA”

Latin

Young Cister

Essential track: “QLOO*”

María Isabel

Essential track: “Bien Bien”

rusowsky

Essential track: “malibU”

Hermanos Espinoza

Essential track: “DIOS POR DELANTE”

Pop

Haute & Freddy

Essential track: “Freaks”

Baby Nova

Essential track: “Too Pretty For Buffalo”

Noah Rinker

Essential track: “The Pines”

ADÉLA

Essential track: “Superscar”

Mikayla Geier

Essential track: “piano in the sky”

R&B

Isaia Huron

Essential track: “I CHOSE YOU”

Jai’Len Josey

Essential track: “Won’t Force You”

Mack Keane

Essential track: “Candycrush”

JayDon

Essential track: “Lullaby”

Rock/alternative

Ecca Vandal

Essential track: “CRUISING TO SELF SOOTHE”

Speed

Essential track: “PEACE”

Die Spitz

Essential track: “Throw Yourself to the Sword”

Check out the full playlist on Spotify and get to know the voices shaping the soundtrack of the year. 

25 Ways Spotify Leveled Up Your Listening in 2025

December 29, 2025

From crisper Lossless audio and immersive music videos in beta to new Audiobooks+ plans, custom transitions between tracks, and in-app Messages, we keep leveling up the way people experience Spotify.

It was a standout year of bold new features, reimagined favorites, and fresh ways of bringing listeners even closer to the artists and creators they love. After a record-breaking Wrapped and countless delightful moments of discovery across music, podcasts, and audiobooks, here’s a look at 25 things Spotify delivered in 2025.

Effortlessly discover your next favorite song or podcast

1. DJ requests: DJ now takes requests (by voice or by text)! Ask DJ X in English or DJ Livi in Spanish to get music that matches any mood or moment.

2. AI Playlist expansion: Our AI Playlist feature rolled out in beta to Premium listeners in more than 40 new markets, giving you one more way to turn your ideas into the perfect playlist.

3. Improved podcast discovery: We made it easier than ever to discover new shows on Home. We also added an “In this episode” section, allowing creators to link out to other content on Spotify and helping users dive deeper into each episode.

4. A feed for what’s new: We debuted Following feeds for music and podcasts, creating a dedicated space to find the latest tracks and episodes the moment they drop.

5. Upcoming Releases hub: The new Upcoming Releases hub became a go-to place for soon-to-be-released albums we think you’ll love based on your listening history.

6. A refreshed Discover Weekly: With an updated look and new controls, you can guide your mix by choosing up to five genre options, personalized based on your listening history.

Unlock new ways to listen, watch, and explore 

7. Lossless audio arrived: One of our most highly-anticipated features (finally) rolled out. Premium listeners in select markets now have access to higher quality, Lossless audio, unlocking greater detail across nearly every song on Spotify.

8. Upgrades to the Free experience: Our Free experience is even better now that listeners can search and play any song with a single tap.

9. Managed Accounts expansion: We expanded family plan controls with Managed Accounts, giving young listeners their own space to explore, with parents and guardians still at the helm.

10. Spotify + ChatGPT: Free and Premium users can now bring Spotify into their ChatGPT conversations for personalized music and podcast recommendations right in the chat.

11. Audiobook Recaps: We launched audiobook Recaps that help you jump back into stories after time away.

12. Audiobooks+ plans: Our add-on plan options give booklovers a new way to extend their listening time.

13. Music videos in beta: We expanded music videos in beta to Premium listeners in the U.S. and Canada, giving fans a new way to experience their favorite songs on Spotify. 

14. Shuffle updates: An updated Shuffle means you have more control over how your playlists serve up tracks.

Take control over your sound

15. Smooth mix transitions: We introduced new ways to mix up your playlists. You can now seamlessly transition between tracks, customize how they flow together, and enhance mixes like a pro.

16. Taste Profiles got sharper: The option to exclude songs from your Taste Profile means one-off listens don’t throw off your recommendations.

17. More controls for discovery: Upgraded queue controls and smarter Hide and Snooze options give you more ways to fine-tune recommendations and curate your playlists.

18. Better playlist tools: We made it easier to Add, Sort, and Edit playlists. We also launched custom cover art and the ability to turn filtered Liked Songs into full playlists in select markets.

19. Smart Filters: We launched Smart Filters in Your Library so you can sort saved music, podcasts, and audiobooks by activity, mood, or genre.

20. Playlist transfer tool: With our latest TuneMyMusic integration, we made it simple to transfer playlists from other streaming services into your Spotify library.

Get closer to the stage

21. Find concerts near you: Our new personalized playlist highlights artists performing near you, making it fun and easy to discover upcoming shows and new artists.

22. Search and follow venues: You can now follow your favorite venues, discover new spots nearby, and explore upcoming lineups, all in the Spotify app.

See your stats and sync with friends

23. Listening stats: The new weekly listening snapshot shows you your top songs and artists every week, perfect for tracking trends between Wrapped.

24. Wrapped: For 2025, Wrapped went bigger than ever with more layers, stories, and connection than ever before.

25. In-app Messages: You can now share music, podcasts, and audiobooks you’re excited about with friends and family right inside Spotify.

The momentum of 2025 has us inspired for what’s ahead in the new year. We’re excited to carry that energy into 2026 as we explore new ways to strengthen the connection between listeners, artists, and creators and bring you even more moments worth pressing play on. Thanks for listening!

Ring In the New Year With New Playlists Mixed by Artists, and More Spotify Hacks

December 17, 2025

Featured musical artists on a purple background

The right playlist is essential on New Year’s Eve, building the energy as you get ready and keeping it high as you count down to midnight. This year, Spotify has your every moment covered. From pro-level party mixes to your own customized creations, here’s how to make your soundtrack unforgettable.

Set the vibe with new mixed playlists

Looking for the perfect party starter? We tapped some of your favorite artists to mix their own New Year’s Eve playlists on Spotify. Head to our Mixed By hub to find and save these new playlists from Anyma and Solomun, Rawayana, Amaarae, Cash Cobain, Jessie Ware, SG Lewis, Rochelle Jordan, Jim E-Stack, and Tiësto.

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.

5 Reasons to Try Spotify Premium This Holiday Season

November 25, 2025

The best playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks bring a little extra magic to your daily routine. With new features and offerings, Spotify Premium delivers even more flexibility and enjoyment. If you’re curious about the latest, here are five reasons to check out Premium this holiday season.

1. Unlock a holiday trial offer

From now through December 31, users who are new to Premium can get up to four months of Premium free on the Individual plan, and returning subscribers may be eligible for two months free or at a discount. 

The exact offer features vary per market, so visit spotify.com/premium to see what’s available where you are. Monthly subscription fees will apply after the trial period has ended unless canceled beforehand.

2. Stream music in Lossless audio

Experience music in Spotify’s highest sound quality yet with Lossless, now available for Premium users in eligible markets. Listen in up to 24-bit/44.1kHz FLAC on supported devices by enabling “Lossless” in your settings.

3. Create seamless playlist transitions

Premium’s new mixing tool (currently in beta) lets you add and customize transitions between tracks in your playlists. Blend with presets like “Fade” or “Rise” and personalize your mix for a unique listening experience—no DJ skills required.

4. Request music from DJ by voice or text

Premium users in eligible markets can interact with DJ, Spotify’s in-app music guide, using voice or text requests in English and Spanish. DJ updates your session instantly with music for any mood, genre, or activity and offers personalized prompts to inspire your listening.

5. Enjoy audiobooks as part of your plan

Audiobooks in Premium continues to expand globally. Eligible subscribers in 22 markets now get allocated monthly audiobook listening time included with their plans, and if you need more hours or want to share access, audiobook add-ons are available to purchase for yourself or other members of your Premium household plan. Discover your next favorite story alongside your music and podcasts, all in one place.

Explore this year’s holiday offer and get started at spotify.com/premium.

5 Ways to Get More out of Your Playlists on Spotify

November 20, 2025

Your playlists are personal. They’re the soundtracks to your road trips, your quiet mornings, and your biggest celebrations; collections of memories and discoveries you’ve curated over the years.

On Spotify, your playlists can grow and evolve with you. With powerful tools for discovery, collaboration, and personalization, you can shape them in new ways, making them feel and sound fresh. They’ll also help you explore your own taste as well as the tastes of your friends and family.

Here are five ways to get more out of your music collections on Spotify.

1. Easily move your playlists to Spotify

First things first: getting your playlists onto Spotify. Our latest TuneMyMusic integration, available on mobile and rolling out globally over the coming days, makes it incredibly simple to transfer playlists from other streaming services straight into your Spotify library so you don’t have to start from scratch. No lost favorites, just an easy, built-in way to bring your music home.

Here’s how it works:

    • Head to Your Library in the Spotify mobile app and scroll to the bottom.
    • Tap “Import your music” and follow the prompts to connect with TuneMyMusic.
    • Choose the platform you’d like to transfer from, and watch your playlists appear in Spotify.

2. Make your playlists your own

Once your playlists are on Spotify, you can make them your own with a suite of creative tools. Invite friends to collaborate on a shared playlist or design custom cover art to give it a unique touch. And with newer features like the ability to mix your own playlist transitions so every track flows smoothly into the next, and Smart Filters (available in select markets) to organize your Library by mood, genre, or activity, Premium users have even more ways to shape how they listen.

3. Get personalized recommendations faster

As soon as you start listening to your imported playlists, Spotify’s personalization engine begins to learn your taste. For new listeners, that means Spotify gets to know your taste early on, so personalized playlists like daylist and Release Radar start feeling familiar from the start.

4. Share and listen together with friends

A playlist is a labor of love, a reflection of who you are and what you enjoy. And on Spotify, you can easily collaborate on playlists with friends. With Messages, you can instantly share your favorite playlists and chat about what you’re listening to with friends right in the app (available for users 16+ in select markets). Want to create something new together? See how your tastes match up with Blend, or, if you’re a Premium user, start a real-time listening session with Jam.

5. Give your playlists the sound they deserve

Your music collections can now sound better than ever. With Lossless, Premium listeners in eligible markets can stream their favorite tracks in Spotify’s highest sound quality yet. And with Spotify available across more than 2,000 supported devices, you can enjoy your playlists wherever you listen.

Head to the Spotify app to bring over your favorite playlists and fall in love with your music all over again. You’ll also find millions of podcasts and audiobooks waiting for you—everything you love to listen to, all in one place.

Ready to dive in? Visit spotify.com/premium to see the latest Premium offers in your market. In the US, first-time subscribers can get four months of Premium Individual free through December 31, 2025.

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.

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.