Spotify is letting writers market like musicians

This week, Spotify introduced a brand new characteristic to let audiobook authors and publishers share their new releases. The countdown web page, which debuted final 12 months for music artists and has been utilized by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, lets followers save an upcoming title upfront and pop it into their library when it's launched. The web page is adorned with a big countdown clock – with one timer main as much as the following – to get the listeners excited. This characteristic isn't revolutionary, nevertheless it's consistent with how Spotify differentiates itself as an audiobook supplier.

Transferring on from a brand new audiobook is fairly normal. On conventional platforms like Audible, you may preorder the title, and it’ll seem in your library on launch day. However the majority of individuals consuming audiobooks on Spotify are doing so by means of premium streaming slightly than buy, breaking the normal launch mannequin. Mixed with the promo web page and countdown timer, this characteristic permits writers to attach with followers in a method that’s extra particular to music than publishing. It can launch in mid-April.

I’ve a sense this gained't be the final music-style characteristic we'll be including to Spotify's audiobooks vertical. After a rocky begin, the image is turning into clearer as to what the corporate's method to audiobooks will probably be. That doesn't imply all the things will work – I'm particularly skeptical of the audiobook-only tier, which prices solely a greenback lower than an everyday premium subscription. However to this point, the information means that Spotify is increasing the market.