Spotify Storytel Partnership: 500,000 Audiobooks on Spotify
Spotify Storytel Partnership brings 500,000 Storytel audiobooks into Spotify for linked subscribers, per May 2021 announcements.
Spotify Storytel Partnership lets Storytel subscribers stream more than 500,000 audiobooks inside Spotify after linking accounts, as announced in May 2021. Storytel said in its regulatory press release dated May 20, 2021 that the rollout would start later in 2021 across 25 markets. Spotify reported 356 million users and 158 million subscribers across 178 markets as of May 2021, while Storytel reported 1.6 million subscribers as of May 2021. Our data methodology counts only dated announcements like this one, with no extra estimates added here.
How does the Spotify Storytel Partnership work for subscribers?
The Spotify Storytel Partnership lets 1.6 million Storytel subscribers unlock Spotify playback by linking accounts as of May 2021. Storytel said in its regulatory press release dated May 20, 2021: “Later in 2021, Storytel subscribers will be able enjoy Storytel’s library of audiobooks on Spotify by linking the two accounts.” Storytel keeps login and billing control under this setup.
TechCrunch reported on May 20, 2021 that Storytel was the first major publisher to use Spotify Open Access Platform. Subscribers use existing Storytel logins to stream inside Spotify. Existing listeners keep the Storytel app. New playback happens in Spotify.
Why the Spotify Storytel Partnership matters for audiobook buyers
The Spotify Storytel Partnership puts 500,000 titles from 25 markets inside a service with 356 million users as of May 2021. Storytel said in its regulatory press release dated May 20, 2021 that its catalog covered more than 500,000 audiobooks across 25 markets. Spotify reported 356 million users, including 158 million subscribers, across 178 markets as of May 2021. TechCrunch reported on May 20, 2021 that Storytel had 1.6 million subscribers.
| Service | Scale as of May 2021 | Catalog or reach |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | 356 million users, 158 million subscribers | 178 markets |
| Storytel | 1.6 million subscribers | 500,000 audiobooks in 25 markets |
Storytel charged around $20 per month with variation by market as of May 2021, according to TechCrunch reporting on May 20, 2021. Unlimited access fits listeners who finish more than one book per month. Buyers in the Greek book market faced different pricing and print pressure in the same period.
Spotify Storytel Partnership signals wider streaming shift
The Spotify Storytel Partnership made Storytel the first major publisher on Open Access Platform in May 2021. TechCrunch reported on May 20, 2021 that the platform lets publishers deliver paid content to existing subscribers inside Spotify. Publishers keep account control. Spotify adds listening time without buying catalogs.
Spotify had tested classics in January 2021, including Frankenstein, Jane Eyre and Persuasion, according to TechCrunch reporting on May 20, 2021. The Storytel deal moved from tests to paid library distribution. The Swedish audiobook market shows why Nordic services led this shift.
Spotify Storytel Partnership FAQ
How does the Spotify Storytel Partnership work for existing subscribers?
The Spotify Storytel Partnership works by account linking for 1.6 million Storytel subscribers as of May 2021. Storytel said in its regulatory press release dated May 20, 2021 that linking would start later in 2021. Users sign in with Storytel credentials and stream inside Spotify. Storytel retains subscription control under the Open Access Platform model described in May 2021.
What does the Spotify Storytel Partnership include for audiobook buyers?
The Spotify Storytel Partnership includes more than 500,000 audiobooks from 25 markets as of May 2021. Storytel reported that catalog size in its regulatory press release dated May 20, 2021. Buyers get Spotify playback with Storytel subscription control. The price was around $20 per month with variation by market as of May 2021, per TechCrunch reporting on May 20, 2021.
Why does the Spotify Storytel Partnership matter for the US audiobook market?
The Spotify Storytel Partnership matters because it placed 500,000 titles in front of 356 million Spotify users as of May 2021. Spotify reported that user base across 178 markets as of May 2021. US buyers gained a subscription alternative to per-title stores. The deal previewed later Spotify audiobook expansion without changing Storytel billing control.