YouTube could be coming for Spotify and Audibles audiobook listeners

YouTube might be coming for your next audiobook listen.

The Google-owned video platform is reportedly looking to expand into audiobooks, potentially putting it in direct competition with Spotify and Amazon Audible.

According to the Wall Street Journal , YouTube has been in talks with book publishers in recent months about developing an audiobook feature that could launch as early as 2027.

The company has also reportedly considered bundling audiobooks with YouTube Premium , its ad-free subscription service that currently costs $15.99 per month.

However, it's unclear whether subscribers would get unlimited listening, a monthly allotment of hours (like Spotify offers its Premium subscribers ), or the option to purchase individual titles.

YouTube has not officially announced the feature.

Of course, audiobooks aren't exactly new to YouTube.

The platform already hosts countless audiobook recordings, including public-domain classics and uploads from authors and publishers.

But it also has a piracy problem.

Unauthorized recordings, including AI-narrated versions of copyrighted books, have become increasingly common on the platform.

An official audiobook offering could give publishers another way to monetize their titles while potentially addressing some of those concerns.

SEE ALSO: Spotify moves beyond audiobooks to offer physical books YouTube would also be entering an increasingly competitive market.

Spotify, which expanded into audiobooks in 2023, currently offers eligible Premium subscribers 15 hours of audiobook listening per month, with additional listening time available for purchase.

Spotify currently offers eligible Premium subscribers 15 hours of audiobook listening per month, with the option to purchase additional listening time.