Spotify announces the release of audiobooks for U.S. users

More than 300,000 distinct audiobook titles will now be available for purchase and listening by Spotify customers in the United States, the firm announced on Tuesday. The streaming service’s entry into the audiobook market represents its most recent effort to position the website as a one-stop shop for all things audio. According to its second-quarter financial report, Spotify added over 4.4 million podcasts in 2015. The decision also puts Spotify in more direct rivalry with Amazon-owned Audible, which, according to Codex Group, had a 41% market share in 2018 and was the industry leader. After the U.S. launch, Spotify intends to expand into more territories and add new features.