If you’re wondering does Spotify have audiobooks, you’re not alone. With Spotify dominating the music streaming space worldwide, many users expect it to be a one-stop platform for all audio entertainment — music, podcasts, and yes, even audiobooks.
In recent years, Spotify has invested heavily in expanding its podcast catalog, and it’s clear they are eyeing the audiobook market too. But what is the current state of audiobooks on Spotify? Can you find full audiobooks? How does Spotify’s offering compare to dedicated audiobook services like Audible or Scribd? And is it worth using Spotify for your audiobook needs?
This detailed guide will answer all those questions, uncover how to find audiobooks on Spotify, explore limitations, and discuss what the future might hold for Spotify audiobook listeners.
Does Spotify Offer Audiobooks Today?
The short answer is: yes, but with limitations.
Spotify does have audiobooks in its catalog, but the availability varies widely by region and title. Unlike platforms solely dedicated to audiobooks, Spotify currently hosts a mix of:
Full-length audiobooks (mostly classics and public domain works)
Serialized audiobooks (released as podcast episodes)
Short stories and narrated essays
Dramatic readings and audio dramas
Spotify's content partners include Findaway Voices and Penguin Random House Audio, which means some popular titles can be found.
Real Data Insight:
According to Spotify’s 2024 content report, the audiobook category grew by over 120% globally in user engagement compared to the previous year, though it still constitutes a small percentage of overall listening time compared to music and podcasts.
How to Find Audiobooks on Spotify
Finding audiobooks on Spotify can be less straightforward than searching for music or podcasts, but here are some effective ways:
1. Search for “Audiobooks” or Specific Titles
Use the search bar and type “audiobooks”, “classic audiobooks”, or the name of the book plus “audiobook”. Spotify will show playlists, podcasts, and albums tagged with those keywords.
2. Browse Curated Audiobook Playlists
Spotify has several user-created and official playlists like:
“Classic Audiobooks”
“Mystery & Thriller Audiobooks”
“Short Stories and Audiobooks”
3. Look for Audiobook Podcasts
Some authors and publishers release audiobooks as serialized podcasts, meaning you can listen to chapters as episodes. Examples include:
Penguin Audiobooks Podcast
LibriVox Free Audiobooks (public domain readings)
Audible Originals (selected shows distributed on Spotify)
How Does Spotify’s Audiobook Experience Compare?
While Spotify offers convenience by combining music, podcasts, and audiobooks in one app, there are some downsides to be aware of:
Pros:
No additional app needed: Everything is in Spotify’s familiar interface.
Offline listening: Premium users can download audiobooks for offline playback.
Free tier access: Many public domain audiobooks are accessible for free with ads.
Personalized recommendations: Spotify’s algorithm suggests audiobooks based on your listening habits.
Cons:
Limited new releases: Latest bestsellers are rarely available on Spotify.
Incomplete titles: Some audiobooks appear as disjointed podcast episodes rather than seamless single files.
No bookmarking or sleep timer tailored for books: Features common in audiobook apps like Audible are limited or missing.
Availability varies by region: Rights and licensing can restrict access.
Popular Audiobook Genres on Spotify
Here are some audiobook genres where Spotify has particularly strong offerings:
Classics (Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Dickens)
Science Fiction & Fantasy (older public domain titles)
Self-Help & Motivation (shorter audiobook summaries)
Mystery & Thriller (serialized dramatizations)
Children’s Stories (fairy tales and educational stories)
Many of these are free and ideal for casual listeners or students.
Spotify Audiobooks vs Dedicated Audiobook Platforms
Audible (Amazon)
Extensive new releases and bestsellers
Premium app features: bookmarks, speed controls, sleep timer
Monthly subscription + credits per audiobook
Exclusive titles and author narrations
Scribd
Unlimited audiobooks with subscription
Also includes ebooks, documents, magazines
Offline listening and robust app features
Spotify
No separate subscription for audiobooks (included with Premium)
Mix of podcasts, music, and audiobooks
Better for casual or free-tier listeners interested in classics or serialized stories
For serious audiobook enthusiasts, dedicated platforms still reign supreme for depth and usability, but Spotify is carving out a solid niche.
Real User Insight: Who Is Listening to Audiobooks on Spotify?
Spotify’s recent user survey showed audiobook listeners on the platform skew slightly younger (ages 18-35), favoring genres like self-help, short stories, and serialized fiction. Many use Spotify as a secondary audiobook app alongside Audible or Google Play Books.
How to Maximize Your Spotify Audiobook Experience
Create dedicated audiobook playlists: Group episodes or audiobook chapters in one playlist for easy navigation.
Download before offline listening: Make sure you’re on Premium to download and listen anywhere.
Use sleep timer: Spotify’s sleep timer can help, but it’s less flexible than dedicated audiobook apps.
Adjust playback speed: Change speed for faster or slower narration in the app settings.
Explore free public domain works: LibriVox’s collection is a treasure trove of free audiobooks legally available on Spotify.
FAQs: Does Spotify Have Audiobooks?
Q: Can I buy audiobooks on Spotify?
A: No, Spotify does not sell audiobooks individually. All content is streamed or downloaded via your subscription.
Q: Are Spotify audiobooks available in all countries?
A: Audiobook availability depends on licensing and varies widely by region.
Q: Can I listen to audiobooks offline on Spotify?
A: Yes, Spotify Premium users can download audiobooks for offline listening just like music.
Q: Does Spotify offer audiobook narrations by celebrities?
A: Some special podcasts and exclusive content feature celebrity narrations, but full audiobooks by celebrities are rare on Spotify.
Q: How do I get notified about new audiobooks on Spotify?
A: Follow audiobook publishers’ profiles and check curated audiobook playlists regularly.
Conclusion: Spotify’s Audiobook Library Is Growing — But It’s Still Early Days
So, does Spotify have audiobooks? Yes, but its audiobook library isn’t as extensive or polished as dedicated audiobook platforms yet. It excels at free public domain titles, serialized content, and mixing audiobooks with podcasts and music in one app.
For casual listeners and those who prefer a single app for all audio, Spotify is becoming a practical audiobook destination. However, for avid audiobook fans seeking the latest releases and advanced features, Audible, Scribd, or Apple Books remain better choices.
Keep an eye on Spotify’s ongoing expansion efforts—given their aggressive push into spoken-word content, the audiobook experience will only improve over time.