In an effort to diversify its content offerings, Spotify has introduced narrated magazine articles as part of its premium subscription service. Starting today, users can access over 650 long-form articles from well-known publications like The Atlantic and Vogue.

These articles will be available to Premium subscribers within their 15 hours of audiobook listening time per month. Free users have the option to purchase standalone articles for $1.99 each.

Produced in-house by Spotify’s audiobooks team, the narrated articles use a mix of human and digital voice narration, with the latter clearly labelled for users. This move is part of Spotify's broader strategy to encourage different types of listening beyond music, potentially leading to greater engagement with its more profitable audiobook offerings.

Colleen Prendergast, Licensing Lead at Spotify Audiobooks, believes that by adding shorter-form content, the company can help build healthy listening habits and increase engagement with books over time. Currently, Spotify offers audio hours through a variety of plans for both paid and free subscribers.