Spotify Tests Author Pages Audiobook Video Clips, and More

Spotify quickly expanded and began broadcasting podcasts after becoming dissatisfied with just offering music on demand. After introducing audiobooks more recently, the business has now revealed a number of additional features for audiobooks.

In an effort to enhance the audiobook listening experience, Spotify,  has launched a number of new features in its test program. The addition of video clips to audiobooks, which allow listeners to watch a brief excerpt with details about the book or even a message from the author before hitting play, is one of the most noticeable changes. According to the music streaming service, it is also exploring other features including author pages and the ability to follow certain titles.

The all-in-one podcasting platform Spotify for Podcasters just received one of the largest improvements from Spotify, which included additional tools for audience interaction, a partner program for video podcast monetization, and a new brand.

These three new experiments are being implemented by Spotify to improve the audiobook experience for premium members: author pages, video clips, and the addition of images that play while users listen. These programs are a part of Spotify’s endeavour to enhance its selection of audiobooks and help users connect with their favourite writers and tales.

The ability for authors or publishers to contribute a little video, up to 30 seconds, for their audiobooks is one noteworthy feature being added. A passage from an interview, behind-the-scenes film from the audio recording process, or even a statement from the author could be included in the videos.

In a blog post, Spotify described a number of new features. The music streaming service made it clear that it is experimenting with audiobook video segments. Its release allows publishers and authors to share a little video clip about a particular audiobook product. It might be a brief excerpt from an interview, an author’s message, or a sneak peek at the audio recording. Before the user hits play, these videos will start playing.

Spotify’s recent strategy of boosting video content on its platform aligns with the introduction of this service.

According to the Swedish business, author sites are also being tested in the pilot stage. Authors will get a special profile with their biographical details, including their background and noteworthy works, as the name of the feature implies. A selection of their complete discography, including both new and old releases, will also be included.

Since video consumption has been more popular on Spotify, especially after the introduction of music videos and video podcasts, the addition of video clips for audiobooks is consistent with the company’s continued commitment in the genre. CEO Daniel Ek hinted at an upcoming expansion of the company’s video offerings during a recent earnings call.

Additionally, Spotify is experimenting with audiobook visualizations.  This feature, called “Follow Along. The “Follow-along” is another feature added to the music streaming service. This is an attempt to provide customers a more engaging experience by simulating them turning pages of a book using pictures, graphics, and illustrations.With real-time synchronization, this function also shows pictures, graphics, and images that enhance the audiobook and help put the story in context. According to the platform, it is comparable to the supporting information found in paper books. These images will show up on the screen in place of the book cover. It is located in the “extras” section, and users can skip to particular chapters using the timestamps. The audiobook’s extras section will include follow-along features.

The site is testing “Author Pages,” which expand on Spotify’s earlier Artist pages. Users will find it easier to browse an author’s complete catalogue thanks to these specialised profiles that highlight the writers’ backgrounds, works, and other pertinent details.

In every area where Spotify audiobooks are accessible, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, these tests are now live for premium listeners.

Access is restricted to a few authors and publishers, and it is now only available on mobile devices.

Spotify also emphasized the value of already-available features that improve the audiobook experience, like playlists, countdown pages, and a sleep timer.