Spotify's latest app upgrade is going to appeal to audiobook fans — here's what's new
Spotify is adding audiobook charts into its appThe charts will make it easier to discover new audiobooksAll users in the US and the UK are getting the update
We've seen quite a few Spotify feature updates in recent weeks, and the latest to arrive is specifically aimed at audiobook fans: the Spotify app is now introducing audiobook charts, to make it easier to discover new titles to listen to.
"Similar to our Music and Podcast Charts, Audiobook Charts will be updated weekly, spotlighting the Top Audiobooks overall and by genre," says Spotify. "The rankings are based on listening behavior and engagement on Spotify."
This is a feature that everyone can access, both free and Premium users, though initially at least it's only going to be available to listeners in the US and the UK. Spotify hasn't mentioned a wider rollout, but it seems like the sort of feature that would be pretty easy to introduce in other countries as well.
To find the charts, you need to head to the Search or Browse page in the app, and pick Audiobooks — from there you should find Audiobook Charts. When I tried to access the new feature in the UK, there were five different charts available.
The updates continue
Having the charts inside the app should give you some extra inspiration when you're wondering what to listen to next — and of course it should also drive more audiobook sales as well, which Spotify won't mind.
"As we've proven with Music and Podcasts Charts, when content is easier to access, discover, and enjoy, the demand grows," says Spotify's Duncan Bruce. "We are delighted to now bring that to audiobooks."
Last month, Spotify also gave audiobook listeners a new feature called Page Match. It lets you scan the pages of physical books so you can sync up your reading in the real world with your audiobook listening in Spotify – letting you switch between different ways of reading as you prefer.
And before the turn of the year, there was another new feature: AI recaps for your audiobooks, so you can remind yourself of previous plot points. Spotify is clearly keen to keep pushing audiobooks alongside music and podcast streaming on its platform.
