Spotify’s Audiobook Boom: 36% Surge in Listeners Redefines Streaming Habits This Year

audiobook listener growth surge

A digital revolution is unfolding in the literary world as Spotify reports unprecedented growth in its audiobook segment, with listeners increasing by 36% and listening hours climbing 37% year-over-year. These figures notably outpace Spotify’s overall user growth of 11% and premium subscription increase of 12%, signaling a profound shift in digital content consumption habits.

The streaming giant has aggressively expanded its audiobook catalog, which now exceeds 500,000 titles—more than triple its initial offering—and has launched the service across 14 global markets since its debut two years ago.

Traditional publishing strongholds like the U.S., U.K., and Australia have seen audiobook engagement surge over 30% annually, while newer European markets report impressive monthly growth rates, including a 12% monthly increase in the Benelux region. This growth has been significantly driven by first-time audiobook listeners discovering the format through Spotify’s integrated platform.

Publishers are taking notice of Spotify’s impact on the industry landscape. Bloomsbury recently reported a remarkable 57% increase in audio sales, attributing much of this growth to their partnership with Spotify.

Curiously, seven of the top 10 audiobooks on Spotify’s U.K. platform in 2024 were backlist titles, with five being over five years old—evidence of the platform’s ability to breathe new life into established works.

Demographics reveal a particularly strong adoption among younger audiences, with 52% of Spotify’s global audiobook listeners falling between 18 and 34 years old. This aligns with broader industry trends toward on-demand media consumption patterns favored by younger generations. Spotify has successfully attracted younger audience members who comprise the majority of their audiobook listeners under age 35.

The financial implications are substantial in a rapidly expanding market. While Spotify paid $10 billion in music royalties in 2024, the global audiobook market—currently valued at $8.7 billion—is projected to reach $35.47 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 26.2%.

North America continues to dominate with 44% of market share, while Europe’s audiobook sector exceeds $850 million and is expected to grow at 18.6% annually through 2025. This audiobook growth presents a new opportunity for musicians to diversify their income streams through sync deals with narration and background scoring for popular literary works. Many independent artists are leveraging distribution tools to simultaneously release music and audiobook content, creating cross-platform promotional opportunities.