Spotify Now Narrates Magazine Articles for Listeners
▼ Summary
– Spotify is launching a new format for narrated long-form articles, starting with over 650 articles from publications like Rolling Stone and The Atlantic.
– The narrated articles are under two hours long and are included in the monthly audiobook allowance for Premium users.
– Free users can purchase articles individually for $1.99, though it is unclear if this is a per-article fee or an articles-only subscription.
– Spotify aims to extend its audio offerings beyond music, podcasts, and audiobooks to build healthy listening habits and grow engagement with books.
– Spotify did not confirm whether the articles are narrated by AI tools, stating only that they are produced by the in-house Spotify Audiobooks team.
Starting today, Spotify is rolling out a new feature that brings narrated long-form journalism directly into its platform. More than 650 articles from major publications like Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Vogue, Variety, Billboard, Vibe, GQ, Wired, Vanity Fair, and Pitchfork are now available in English, but only in regions where Spotify’s audiobooks are offered. For Premium subscribers, these narrated pieces , all under two hours , are included in the monthly audiobook allowance. Free users can also access them, though the pricing structure is a bit fuzzy. Spotify says non-subscribers can “purchase articles individually for $1.99,” but it’s unclear whether that’s a per-article fee or if it buys access to a broader articles-only subscription. We’ve asked Spotify for clarification.
“With Articles, we’re introducing long-form journalism in audio as a natural extension of the music, podcasts, and audiobooks people already come to Spotify for, focused on topics we know they love,” said Colleen Prendergast, Spotify Audiobooks licensing lead, in a statement. “By bringing shorter form content into the mix, we’re meeting audiences where they are to help build healthy listening habits, ultimately growing engagement with books over time.”
This move is just the latest in Spotify’s ongoing expansion beyond traditional music streaming. The company has recently launched a suite of AI-powered tools, including ones that generate daily podcasts, create audiobook playlists, and remix songs from artists under Universal Music Group. Notably, Spotify’s announcement doesn’t specify whether these articles are narrated by AI or human voice actors, only stating they’re produced by the in-house Spotify Audiobooks team. When we reached out for more detail, Spotify declined to comment on any AI use for article narration.
(Source: The Verge)