Spotify's latest move to dominate the audio space is a big one: they're bringing narrated magazine articles to their app. As of today, Premium subscribers can access over 650 long-form articles from publications like Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, and Vogue.

These articles were produced in-house by Spotify's audiobooks team and are part of the 15 hours of audiobook listening time Premium users get each month. Free users aren't left out, though - they can buy standalone articles for $1.99.

The articles are only available in English for now, but this expansion is significant for Spotify, which has been rapidly expanding its audio offerings. The company already has a huge library of podcasts, and this move puts it in direct competition with other audiobook and magazine platforms.

The list of participating publications is impressive, with names like Variety, Billboard, Vibe, GQ, Wired, Vanity Fair, and Pitchfork on board. It's unclear how often new articles will be added, but with over 650 stories available at launch, there's plenty for users to dive into.

For users who want to try out the new feature, it's easy to get started. Just open the Spotify app, search for 'narrated articles', and start listening. The articles are fully narrated, so you can listen while you're on the go.

'The articles were produced in-house by our audiobooks team,' a Spotify spokesperson said. 'We're excited to offer this new feature to our Premium subscribers and to provide a new way for users to access high-quality, long-form content.'

The move is likely to be a hit with users who already rely on Spotify for their music and podcast needs. With the addition of narrated magazine articles, the app is becoming a one-stop shop for all things audio.

As for the publications involved, they're likely to see a boost in reach and engagement. By partnering with Spotify, they can get their content in front of a whole new audience - one that's already primed to listen.

This move could also have implications for the way we consume long-form content. With the rise of podcasts and audiobooks, it's clear that people are hungry for in-depth storytelling. Spotify's move into narrated articles is just the latest example of this trend.

  • Over 650 narrated magazine articles are available at launch.
  • The articles are only available in English for now.
  • Premium subscribers get access as part of their 15 hours of audiobook listening time.
  • Free users can buy individual articles for $1.99.
  • Participating publications include Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, Vogue, and more.

The future of audio is clearly bright, and Spotify is at the forefront of the trend. With its latest move into narrated magazine articles, the company is cementing its position as a leader in the space. Spotify won't stop here, and we can't wait to see what they'll do next. They're likely to continue expanding their audio offerings, and that's good news for users who don't want to switch between apps to access their favorite content.