Spotify is making significant strides in the audiobook market by introducing a new initiative aimed at self-published authors, offering them an opportunity to have their short-form stories produced and distributed as audiobooks. This move strengthens Spotify’s growing presence in digital publishing and makes it easier for independent writers to reach wider audiences through audiobooks on Spotify.
A New Platform for Independent Authors
Spotify’s latest program invites self-published writers to submit their novelettes—stories ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 words—in three primary genres: romance, mystery/thriller, and sci-fi/fantasy. While cross-genre submissions are welcome, the company has excluded children’s books and erotica from consideration.
Spotify Audiobooks producer Leah Kleynhans emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding its catalog with engaging short-form content. She noted that this initiative would provide Spotify users with more choices and allow authors to share their stories in a widely accessible format.
For selected works, Spotify will handle the entire audiobook production process, including paying an advance and royalties. The platform will also distribute the finished audiobooks to major retailers, ensuring global reach. The program is open to authors who retain full control of their audio rights and write in English.
Lowering Barriers for Audiobook Creators
To further support independent authors, Spotify is also encouraging writers to upload existing short-form audiobooks via Findaway Voices, its audiobook distribution service. This move allows multiple entry points for self-published authors, making it easier for them to monetize their content and reach new audiences.
Spotify’s latest initiative intensifies its competition with Audible, Amazon’s leading audiobook platform. Audible’s Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) has allowed authors to collaborate with voice actors and studios to produce audiobooks since 2011. With Spotify stepping further into this space, the audiobook industry is seeing increased opportunities for independent authors.
Spotify’s Audiobook Market Growth
At the London Book Fair, Duncan Bruce, Spotify’s director of partnerships and licensing, shared insights into the platform’s audiobook performance since launching its premium audiobook service in late 2023.
- The English-language audiobook catalog has expanded from 150,000 titles to over 400,000 in just over a year.
- New partnerships with Podium, Bloomsbury, and other publishers have strengthened its global catalog, including expansions into French and Dutch markets.
- The platform has seen a 30% year-on-year increase in users across its initial launch regions, with listening hours rising by 35%.
- Nearly 60% of Spotify’s audiobook audience falls in the 18-35 age range, proving the format’s popularity among younger listeners.
Bruce highlighted that discovery is at the heart of Spotify’s audiobook strategy. Unlike traditional credit-based models, Spotify offers 15 free listening hours per month for premium subscribers, allowing users to explore various authors and genres without commitment. The availability of free Spotify audiobooks has helped new listeners engage with content they might not have otherwise considered.
A Booming Audiobook Industry
Spotify’s aggressive push into audiobooks reflects the rapid growth of the industry. According to the Association of American Publishers, audiobook revenues have grown 23% year-on-year, contributing to an overall 6.5% revenue increase for the book industry.
Bruce noted that Spotify now pays hundreds of millions of dollars to rights holders annually from audiobook consumption, a clear indicator of the rising demand for digital audio content. The expansion of audiobooks on Spotify has also led to the revival of older titles, with seven of the top 10 audiobooks in the UK in 2024 being backlist titles—five of which were over five years old.
Final Thoughts
Spotify’s new self-publishing initiative marks an exciting opportunity for independent authors to break into the audiobook industry with minimal barriers. By offering global distribution, financial incentives, and built-in audience reach, Spotify is creating a compelling alternative to Audible. With its growing user base and personalized discovery features, the platform is well-positioned to become a key player in the audiobook market.
For self-published writers, this could be the perfect moment to turn their short stories into professionally produced audiobooks, reaching a wider audience than ever before. The addition of free Spotify audiobooks for premium subscribers further enhances accessibility, making this an attractive opportunity for both authors and listeners.