YouTube in Talks to Add Audiobooks to Premium, WSJ Reports
YouTube is negotiating with publishers to bundle audiobook listening into its ad-free Premium plan, with an announcement possible next year.
YouTube is in talks with publishers to add audiobooks to its service, the Wall Street Journal reported. The feature would bundle audiobook listening with YouTube Premium, the company's ad-free subscription plan, according to the Journal.
An official announcement could come next year. Google, YouTube's parent company, has not commented on the matter.
Google has some history in the category: the Google Play Store has offered audiobooks since 2018, though listeners must buy each book individually rather than through a subscription. Google also added podcast support to YouTube Music in 2023, available with a Premium subscription.
The move would put YouTube into closer competition with Spotify, which launched an audiobook-only tier a couple of years ago and also includes audiobooks in its Premium plan. Spotify expanded its audiobook service to over 180 markets earlier this year.
Quick answers
Will audiobooks be included in YouTube Premium?
According to the Wall Street Journal, YouTube plans to bundle audiobook listening with its ad-free Premium plan. No official confirmation has been made by Google.
When could YouTube announce audiobooks?
The feature could be officially announced next year, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Does Google already offer audiobooks anywhere?
Yes. The Google Play Store has offered audiobooks since 2018, but each book must be purchased individually with no subscription.