Amazon made a significant announcement on Tuesday, stating that its Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers will now be able to access one audiobook per month from Audible's extensive catalog without any additional cost. This strategic move is aimed at curbing Spotify's rapid growth in the audiobook domain and enticing some of its Amazon Music subscribers to explore and potentially purchase Audible books or plans.

Expanding Subscription Benefits

The company highlighted that subscribers of the top-tier plan in the US, UK, and Canada have the privilege of choosing any audiobook they desire. Once a selection is made, users can continue to enjoy listening to the chosen audiobook throughout subsequent billing cycles or opt for a new title. This flexibility allows subscribers to fully immerse themselves in the world of audiobooks and discover new literary experiences.

Introducing Audiobooks to a New Audience

Steve Boom, the Vice President of Audio, Twitch, and Games at Amazon, emphasized in a statement that "Today, Amazon Music introduces the audiobook category to a brand-new audience by making Audible's industry-leading catalog of audiobooks available to Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers." This initiative opens up a whole new realm of entertainment for those who were previously unaware of the vast collection of audiobooks available on Audible.

Countering Competitors

Last year, Amazon increased the price of its Amazon Music Unlimited plan for both individuals and families. In contrast, Audible's rival, Spotify, has been making significant inroads in the audiobook market. This year, Spotify became the No. 2 audiobook provider, and it already offers a selection of free audiobooks with its Premium subscription in several countries. Additionally, Spotify debuted an audiobook-only plan in March, providing free access to its catalog with a 15-hour listening cap for users on its free tier. By offering free audiobook access to Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers, Amazon is looking to stay competitive in the evolving audiobook landscape.

Enhancing the Book Experience

Audible provides two subscription plans - a $7.95 per month plan that includes original audiobooks, sleep tracks, and podcasts, and a $14.95 plan that offers one title per month from the company's premium selection, including bestsellers and new releases. This diverse range of offerings allows users to choose a plan that suits their preferences and reading habits. The e-commerce giant has been actively working on bolstering its recommendation engine for books across platforms. Last December, Amazon launched the "Your Books" tracker, which integrates titles purchased or saved from Amazon, including those on Kindle and Audible. This integration provides a seamless reading experience and helps users discover new books based on their past purchases and interests. Earlier this year, Amazon also announced plans to use Prime Video data to present tailored audiobook suggestions to Audible users, further enhancing the personalized book discovery process.