In a booming audiobook market, Spotify and Audible are waging a veritable battle to attract new users and gain market share. The two audio streaming platforms have recently announced a number of new features designed to appeal to consumers.
Spotify, a serious competitor for Audible
After entering the audiobook market a year ago, Spotify recently unveiled an attractive offer for its paying subscribers. From now on, subscribers will be able to enjoy 15 hours of free audiobook listening every month, equivalent to around two full titles. This initiative is designed to attract new customers and compete directly with Audible, the market leader and Amazon subsidiary. Currently, Audible subscriptions in the U.S. cost $15 a month, allowing access to a single audiobook. To access a second title, users must take out a new subscription, at the same price. Spotify is therefore banking on this difference in business model to attract consumers looking to get more listens for the same price.
Audible on connected watches
For its part, Audible is not standing still, and is also looking to expand its audience. The platform has just integrated the Wear OS 4 operating system into Samsung’s connected watches. Thanks to this new feature, users can now listen to audio books directly from their watch, without having to take out their smartphone. This feature joins other audio streaming services already available on Wear OS 4, such as Spotify or Deezer, so competition between Spotify and Audible is intensifying with these new offerings and features. Both platforms are seeking to differentiate themselves in order to attract as many users as possible and establish themselves as leaders in the audiobook market.
Gradual international expansion
For the moment, Spotify’s 15 hours of free listening is only available in the UK and Australia. However, it is due to be extended to the USA this winter, demonstrating the Swedish platform’s ambition to conquer new markets. For its part, Audible continues to expand by integrating into new technologies, such as Samsung’s connected watches. The battle between Spotify and Audible in the audiobook market is becoming increasingly fierce. Both platforms are vying with each other to attract new users and differentiate themselves. Consumers now have more choice and options to enjoy their favorite books in audio version, which is great news for reading enthusiasts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc34hHnGagI