NEW YORK, United States — Spotify has announced a partnership with Bookshop.org that will allow users to purchase audiobooks and physical books through local independent bookstores, marking a further expansion of the platform’s audiobook strategy.
The feature is expected to launch mid-year and will initially be available to users in the United States and the United Kingdom, before being rolled out globally.
Under the partnership, Spotify users browsing audiobooks on the platform will be directed to Bookshop.org to complete purchases. Spotify said proceeds from each sale will directly support independent bookstores and authors.
“We believe the future of reading needs listening to be flexible and fit more seamlessly into people’s lives,” said Owen Smith, Spotify’s Global Head of Audiobooks.
“Since launching audiobooks in Premium, we’ve seen that when books are easier to discover and enjoy, demand grows, making Spotify a real growth engine for the publishing industry and changing how people find their next great read,” he added.
Bookshop.org operates as an online marketplace designed to connect readers with independent bookshops, offering an alternative to dominant global e-commerce platforms. The organisation distributes profits from sales to local bookstores, even when buyers do not select a specific shop.
Andy Hunter, founder and chief executive of Bookshop.org, said the partnership would amplify support for independent booksellers.
“We are excited to see the impact Spotify’s scale will have for local bookstores,” Hunter said.
“By meeting readers where they are and linking to Bookshop.org, Spotify is financially supporting indie booksellers with each purchase.”
Spotify’s move reflects growing competition in the audiobook market, which has traditionally been dominated by established players such as Audible.
By integrating discovery with purchasing pathways that benefit independent retailers, Spotify appears to be positioning itself as both a distribution platform and a supporter of the broader publishing ecosystem.
The company has steadily expanded its audiobook offering as part of its strategy to diversify beyond music and podcasts, while Bookshop.org continues to seek partnerships that strengthen the economic sustainability of local bookstores.
Spotify said further details on international availability will be announced ahead of the global rollout.
