Spotify – Swedish Audio Streaming Platform – has introduced some new features during the pilot phase to improve the listening experience of audiobooks. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of video clips in the audiobook, which enables users to view short clips containing information about them, even messages from the author before pressing Play. The music streaming platform claims it is also testing other features such as author pages and subsequent features to select titles.
It is worth noting that Spotify recently launched one of its largest updates for Spotify for Podcaster, its all-in-one podcast platform, bringing new identities, a partner program for monetization of video podcasts, and more tools for audience engagement.
Video clips, author pages and other new Spotify features
Spotify details several new features in its blog post. The music streaming platform emphasizes that it is testing video clips for audiobooks. With its launch, authors and publishers can publish short video clips about specific audiobook titles. It can be a clip from an interview, a message from the author, or a glimpse of a recording session. These videos will be played before the user presses Play.
The arrival of this feature is consistent with Spotify’s recent strategy to promote video content on its platform.
The Swedish company said it also tested the author page during the pilot phase. As the name implies, the author will have a dedicated profile containing his biographical information such as his background and famous works. It will also contain a collection of their entire catalog, including previous works and new versions.
Another addition to the music streaming platform is “follow up”. This feature displays illustrations, photos and graphics to synchronize as audiobooks in real time, so that stories can be better contextualized. The platform says it is similar to the supporting materials provided in the paper book. The follow-up function will be in additional Audiobook section.
Spotify also highlights the importance of existing features such as sleep timers, countdown pages and playlists that help enhance the audiobook experience.
