Spotify is expanding its literary offerings by allowing users to purchase physical books through the platform. The music streaming giant has launched a new integration with Bookshop.org, according to theverge.com.
Currently, the feature is rolling out to Android users in the United States and the United Kingdom. iOS users can expect support for the new shopping capability to arrive next week.
This partnership aims to bridge the gap between digital audio and physical reading. The outlet reported that the collaboration was first announced in February.
Andy Hunter, the founder and CEO of Bookshop.org, previously expressed enthusiasm for the expansion. “Spotify is bringing in more readers, and I’m all for anything that grows the size of the pie,” Hunter said.
New reading tools and AI features
Spotify is also rolling out several technical updates to improve the transition between different reading mediums. The 'Page Match' feature is expanding its reach to more than 30 additional languages, including Swedish, German, and French.
This tool utilizes a device's camera to sync a user's place in a physical or ebook with their current progress in an audiobook. The platform is also bringing its AI-powered audiobook recap feature to Android users, following its initial iOS release in November.
Beyond shopping and syncing, the company is updating its discovery tools. Audiobook Charts are expanding into Germany, and a new dedicated chart for family-friendly audiobooks is launching in the UK and US.
Owen Smith, Spotify’s Global Head of Audiobooks, stated that these updates aim to make reading fit into modern life. He noted that the platform wants to make it easier for people to engage with books while supporting the growth of authors and publishers.
Smith explained that whether users are discovering books like they find podcasts or using Page Match to switch to a physical copy at home, the goal is seamless engagement.
