YouTube could be coming for Spotify and Audibles audiobook listeners

YouTube, owned by Google, is considering entering the audiobook market, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal. The company has been in discussions with book publishers about creating an audiobook feature that could launch as early as 2027. YouTube has also been contemplating bundling audiobooks with its ad-free subscription service, YouTube Premium, which costs $15.99 per month.

However, it remains unclear whether subscribers would have unlimited access, a monthly limit on listening time, or the ability to purchase individual titles.

Audiobooks are not entirely new to YouTube, as the platform already hosts numerous audiobook recordings, including public-domain classics and content from authors and publishers. However, YouTube has faced issues with unauthorized recordings, including AI-narrated versions of copyrighted books. An official audiobook offering could provide publishers with a new revenue stream and help address piracy concerns.

The audiobook market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Spotify, which entered the audiobook space in 2023, offering eligible Premium subscribers 15 hours of listening per month. Spotify's U.S. catalog includes over 700,000 titles, and the company recently announced plans to expand its audiobook offerings to more than 180 markets by the end of 2026.

Spotify's audiobook sales have grown nearly 40 percent over the past year, while Amazon's Audible provides subscription plans with access to audiobooks through monthly selections, credits, and an included catalog.

YouTube's entry into the audiobook market could attract more users to the platform, potentially boosting YouTube Premium subscriptions. However, the success of an official offering will depend on factors such as the catalog, pricing, and listening experience. YouTube's advantage lies in its millions of existing users who already consume content on the platform.