Spotify launches physical book sales in the US and UK

Spotify has launched the ability to purchase physical books in the US and UK. The feature, which is a collaboration with Bookshop.org, allows users to buy physical copies directly through the app. Bookshop.org operates as an online marketplace dedicated to supporting local, independent bookstores. On audiobook pages within the app, users will see a button labeled “Get a copy for your bookshelf,” which directs them to Bookshop.org’s website to manage pricing, inventory, and shipping. Currently, the physical book purchase feature is available only on Android devices, though iOS users are set to gain access next week.

Alongside the launch, Spotify expanded its Page Match feature—a tool that allows users to scan a physical book or e-book to find the corresponding section in an audiobook—to support more than 30 additional languages, including French, German, and Swedish. Page Match allows users to scan a page from a physical book or e-book using their smartphone camera. The tool then analyzes the content and directs users to the corresponding section in the audiobook. Since the feature’s initial launch for English language books in February, Spotify reports that users who use Page Match stream an average of 55% more audiobook hours each week compared to other listeners. Additionally, 62% of Page Matched audiobook titles on Spotify are books that users had never streamed before.

These updates support Spotify’s broader strategy focused on profitability, which has also included increasing subscription prices in the US and Europe. The company recently reached 751 million monthly active listeners. To further engage this audience, Spotify rolled out additional feature updates:

• Audiobook Recaps: Officially available on Android devices, this feature provides short audio summaries tailored to the user’s most recent point in the story, making it easier to jump back into listening.
• Audiobook Charts: Now available in Germany following its previous rollout in the US and UK, these charts showcase popular and trending books on Spotify to help users discover new titles, similar to the platform’s existing Music and Podcast Charts.

Why it matters

The expansion positions Spotify as a direct competitor to major booksellers, transforming the platform into a one-stop shop for book lovers. The move also aligns with the company’s broader strategy focused on profitability.