Users in the US will be able to purchase and listen to more than 300,000 audiobook titles.
The company is trying to make the platform a one-stop shop for all things audio. According to its second quarter earnings report, more than 4% of the world's population can be found on the streaming service.
According to Tuesday's release, the company decided to introduce audiobooks because they represent a "substantial undiscovered market." The segment is growing by 20% a year even though it makes up just a small percentage of the book market.
According to Codex Group,Audible was the leader in the market with a 41% market share, and Amazon also sells e- books under its own brand. Walmart and Apple have a partnership.
The audiobooks can be found in the search, library and on the home page of the service. There is a lock icon over the play button that indicates that the audiobook needs to be purchased.
Users will be able to control their listening speed, bookmarks their place in the audiobook, and download the content for offline listening once a book is purchased.
New markets and features will be added after the initial US launch.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
