Spotify has teamed up with Bookshop.org — the online bookstore that connects readers with local booksellers across the U.S. — to begin selling books through its app. The service is meant to be used in tandem with Shopify’s new Page Match tool, which helps readers seamlessly switch between the audio and physical versions of a book so they don’t have to stop reading when they, say, leave the couch to hop in the car or go on a run.
Spotify first entered the realm of audiobooks in 2022, but the fact is that physical books remain the dominant format for most readers, accounting for nearly 73% of trade publishing revenue last year. With these new offerings, Spotify hopes to become the go-to for readers no matter their format preference. The partnership with Bookshop.org will launch later this spring for Spotify users in the U.S. and UK.
“We believe the future of reading or listening needs to be flexible and fit more seamlessly into people’s lives,” said Owen Smith, Spotify’s Global Head of Audiobooks in a statement. “Since launching Audiobooks in Premium, we’ve seen that when books are easier to discover and enjoy, demand grows, making Spotify a real growth engine for the publishing industry and changing how people find their next great read. Now we’re extending Spotify’s discovery and engagement strengths across both audio and physical formats, so authors can build deeper connections with their audiences and books can follow readers wherever they go.”
“This is the most exciting development in reading technology I’ve heard about in years because it will get more people reading and listening to books,” added author Harlan Coben in a statement.
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Available to audiobook listeners on iOS and Android on most English-language titles by the end of February, Page Match ensures readers can pick up right where they left off. To use Page Match, readers identify the title they’re reading in the Spotify app and tap the “Page Match” button. Using their camera, they then scan the page they are on in the physical or e-book, and Spotify will find their spot in the audio version. The tool also works in reverse, with the Spotify app able to tell audiobook listeners what page they are on in the physical version.
“We are excited to see the impact Spotify’s scale will have for local bookstores,” said Andy Hunter, Founder and CEO of Bookshop.org. “By meeting readers where they are and linking to Bookshop.org, Spotify is financially supporting indie booksellers with each purchase.”
