Spotify Tests Narrated Magazine Articles for Premium Users

Spotify has begun testing a new content format for its premium subscribers—narrated articles from authoritative magazines. The platform’s catalog already features over 650 English-language pieces from publications such as Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Vogue, Wired, and Vanity Fair. The articles are narrated by professional voice actors from Spotify’s audiobook team.

The new format is integrated into the existing audiobook catalog and is available within the monthly listening limit of 15 hours for premium subscribers. Free-tier Spotify users can purchase individual articles for 143 ₽ each. According to the company, demand for audiobooks is rising: listening hours have increased by 60% over the past year, with nearly half of audiobook listeners having started using the format less than a year ago.

The narrated articles experiment is part of Spotify’s strategy to expand audio formats. Previously, the platform introduced AI-powered track remixing in partnership with Universal Music Group, as well as new features for artists and subscribers, including early access to concert tickets. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the service temporarily updated its logo in the iOS app.