Spotify has introduced a feature enabling users in the US and UK to order physical books directly through its app. This initiative, launched on Wednesday, is part of a partnership with Bookshop.org, an online platform dedicated to supporting independent bookstores by donating 80% of its profits to them. Since its inception in 2020, Bookshop.org has generated over $46 million for local bookstores.
Owen Smith, Spotify's global head of audiobooks, emphasized the company's goal to integrate reading into modern life and enhance engagement with books while fostering growth for authors and publishers. The feature is currently being rolled out to Android users, with plans for iOS accessibility next week. However, details about the availability for all Spotify Premium subscribers remain unclear.
The collaboration was first announced in February and aims to bridge the gap between digital and physical book formats. Users can access the new feature on audiobook "About" pages, where they will find an option to obtain the print edition, leading them to Bookshop.org to complete their purchase. Despite the rise of digital media, market research indicates that hard-copy books will represent over 78% of book sales revenue by 2025.