Why are audiobooks removed from Spotify?

Spotify, the popular streaming service known for its extensive music library and podcast offerings, has recently made waves in the world of audiobooks. However, recently the option to purchase audiobooks has been removed for Apple users, leaving users wondering why. In this article, we'll explore why you can no longer buy audiobooks from the Spotify app if you’re an Apple user and how you can still access and purchase audiobooks through the platform.

Spotify's history and functionality

Founded in 2006, Spotify has become one of the leading music streaming platforms worldwide. It allows users to access a vast collection of music, podcasts, and other audio content. With the Spotify app available on various devices, including iOS, Android, and desktop, users can create playlists, discover new music, and enjoy personalized recommendations.

Spotify memberships

Spotify offers multiple memberships for music lovers. However, it’s important to note that Spotify audiobooks are not included in the Spotify membership subscription plans. All audiobook titles must be purchased à la carte. Nonetheless, the music membership plans are as follows:

• Individual plan (1 user) - $9.99/month
• Student plan (1 user) - $4.99/month
• Duo plan ( 2 users) - $12.99/month
• Family plan (6 users) - $15.99/month

Spotify audiobook pricing

While some platforms, like Audible or Amazon, offer audiobook subscriptions, allowing you to enjoy a vast selection without the need to buy them separately, Spotify requires users to buy audiobooks one by one. Each book varies in pricing due to licensing agreements, but most audiobooks on Spotify can be purchased for between $5 and $35. While users are not able to currently purchase audiobooks through Spotify’s mobile app on iPhone, IOS users can order books via open.spotify.com. Once purchased through the web, the audiobooks will then appear in your library for playback on mobile.

Did Spotify remove audiobooks?

Although some audiobooks may leave Spotify’s library from time to time due to licensing agreements, content restrictions, or changes in business strategies, Spotify still offers audiobooks. However, due to an ongoing dispute with Apple, Apple users can unfortunately not currently order audiobooks through the IOS Spotify mobile app.

How to buy audiobooks on Spotify web

While users can still browse the audiobook section, they have to complete their audiobook purchases via their web browser directly from the Spotify website. Luckily, once users download their audiobooks, they will appear on their account, and they can still enjoying listening on the IOS Spotify app. To find audiobooks, simply visit open.spotify.com and log in to your Spotify account. Next, use the search bar to look for your desired audiobook titles or authors. You can search for specific titles like “Harry Potter” or “Michelle Obama” to find popular audiobooks. Additionally, exploring curated playlists or trending sections may lead you to new audiobook discoveries. If you come across an audiobook you wish to purchase, tap the buy button and insert your credit card information.

Why Spotify removed the ability to buy audiobooks on the Spotify IOS app

One significant factor contributing to the removal of audiobook purchases from Spotify is Apple's rules and guidelines for in-app purchases. Apple, the company behind the iOS App Store and Apple Music, has certain policies that affect how apps like Spotify can handle transactions within their iOS app. For example, Apple requires apps to handle transactions through in-app purchases that pass through the app store. This allows Apple to take a commission fee per transaction. Spotify refused to comply, so the functionality has been removed for Apple users.

As mentioned above, users now have to first visit Spotify's website to purchase the book, pay Spotify directly, then return to the app to actually access the title.

Accessing audiobooks through other platforms

While Apple users may no longer be able to easily purchase audiobooks from Spotify, there are other platforms dedicated to audiobook streaming and purchasing that offer a seamless user experience and buying process on mobile, including Audible, Apple Books, Libby, Hoopla, and Speechify Audiobooks,

Speechify Audiobooks — The #1 alternative to Spotify Audiobooks

Speechify Audiobooks boasts a diverse collection of over 70,000 titles spanning various genres, catering to audiobook enthusiasts of all age groups. Whether it's romance, a gripping detective mystery, chilling horror, delightful children's tales, sci-fi suspense, top New York Times bestsellers, or new releases, Speechify Audiobooks ensures every reader finds the best book to meet their needs. Dive into the world of audiobooks with Speechify Audiobooks for free today and enjoy a plethora of public domain titles and your first premium audiobook at no cost.

FAQ

Who is CEO Daniel Ek?

Daniel Ek is Spotify's CEO.

What is Findaway Voices?

Findaway Voices is a platform that connects authors and publishers with narrators to produce and distribute audiobooks.

Who owns Findaway Voices?

Spotify now owns Findaway Voices after acquiring it in 2022.

Who owns Audible?

Audible is an Amazon-owned platform.

When is Prime Day?

Prime Day happens in July, usually on July 11th or 12th.

Can you buy audiobooks on Spotify’s iPad app?

No, due to an ongoing dispute with Apple, Spotify users cannot buy audiobooks on the Spotify app. They have to complete the transactions in their web browser, and then the audiobooks will appear in their library for mobile listening.

Can you buy audiobooks on Spotify’s desktop app?

Yes, you can buy audiobooks through Spotify’s desktop app.