Spotify is entering the physical book industry. Starting this spring, the Swedish streaming service platform will partner with Bookshop.org to offer its paid subscribers in the United States and the United Kingdom the ability to purchase hardcover and paperback books directly through its application. Spotify initially launched its audiobook service back in 2022.

Bookshop.org will be responsible for setting retail prices for the relevant books, managing inventory, and fulfilling orders. The platform will share a portion of its profits with local independent bookstores. Purchases made through the Spotify app will generate an undisclosed affiliate commission for the platform.

The launch of this new service will intensify Spotify's competition with retail giant Amazon. Amazon is the largest online bookseller in the United States and also owns Audible, which holds a dominant position in the audiobook market.

Owen Smith, Spotify's Global Head of Audiobooks, stated, "We want to bring more people into the world of books." In September 2022, Spotify began offering individual audiobook purchases to US users. The following year, the platform provided paid subscribers in select countries with a monthly allowance of 15 free hours of audiobook listening, with the option to purchase additional listening time.

Publishers have welcomed Spotify's entry into the audiobook market, viewing it as a significant competitor to challenge Amazon and as an opportunity to reach new audiences. News Corp reported that Spotify contributed to significant growth in audiobook sales for HarperCollins in the most recent fiscal year.

Chantal Restivo-Alessi, Global Chief Digital Officer and CEO of International at HarperCollins, noted, "Spotify has not only expanded the audiobook market but has also attracted a younger demographic of readers."

According to data from the Association of American Publishers, digital audiobook sales grew 2.4% year-over-year, reaching nearly $1 billion by November 2025. In contrast, data from Circana BookScan indicates that physical book sales remained flat with no growth in 2025.

The Founder and CEO of Bookshop.org observed that a growing number of readers now desire to own both the physical and audio versions of the same book. He said, "People read the physical book at night and then listen to the audiobook version during their commute to work, whether driving or on the subway."

Spotify has also introduced a feature called "Page Sync," which allows users to scan any page from a physical book or e-reader with their phone to locate the corresponding section in the audiobook, enabling synchronized reading and listening.

Smith mentioned that over half of Spotify's premium members are now engaging with the audiobook service. He stated, "Our service aligns well with users' real-life habits."