Spotify isn’t just for music and podcasts anymore—now, you can enjoy audiobooks on the same platform. Whether you want to purchase the latest bestseller, explore free public-domain works, or upload your own audiobook files, this guide will walk you through every method available. Read on to learn how to get audiobooks on Spotify, tailored to your preferences and region.
1. Introduction
1.1 Quick Answer to “How to Get Audiobooks on Spotify”
You can find and listen to audiobooks on Spotify in three ways:
- Purchase from Spotify’s audiobook store (in supported regions).
- Discover free or public-domain audiobooks on user-generated playlists.
- Upload and sync your own audiobook files using the Local Files feature.
Depending on where you live, you may or may not have access to official paid audiobooks. However, free options and local file uploads remain widely available everywhere.
1.2 Why Audiobooks on Spotify?
Spotify integrates music, podcasts, and audiobooks in a single platform. This makes it incredibly convenient to switch between your favorite music tracks, podcasts, and audiobook chapters without juggling multiple apps. Recent updates have also expanded audiobook availability, giving more users access to both free and paid titles.
2. Understanding Spotify’s Audiobook Models
2.1 Paid Audiobooks (Pay-Per-Title Model)
In select regions—like the United States—Spotify offers a dedicated audiobook store. You pay for each audiobook you want to access, and it shows up in your library once the purchase is complete. This is different from Spotify Premium. Premium lets you listen ad-free to music and podcasts, but audiobooks require separate purchases (unless they are free public-domain or user-uploaded works).
2.2 Free Audiobooks & Public Domain
Many older, classic works are in the public domain, and these titles are often uploaded to Spotify by various organizations or individuals. You can typically find these by searching for the title + “free audiobook.” However, be aware of potential issues such as missing chapters or variable audio quality.
2.3 Local Files Method
If you already own digital audiobook files in formats like MP3 or M4A, you can upload them to your Spotify library on desktop. Afterward, sync them to your phone for on-the-go listening. This doesn’t cost anything extra, but you’ll only be able to play these audiobooks on devices that are logged into your Spotify account and have the files synced.
3. Regional Availability & Restrictions
3.1 Where Audiobooks Are Officially Supported
Spotify’s paid audiobook store is steadily rolling out. Initially available in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, it continues to expand. Keep your Spotify app updated or check the Spotify website to see if it’s supported in your country.
3.2 Alternative Options if Audiobooks Not Supported
Even if your region doesn’t officially support paid audiobooks yet, you can:
- Look for user-generated playlists featuring free or public-domain works.
- Upload your own audiobook files via Local Files.
- Use a library app (e.g., Libby/OverDrive) or other audiobook platforms until Spotify’s store arrives in your area.
4. How to Find and Purchase Audiobooks on Spotify
4.1 Step-by-Step Guide
- Open the Spotify App
Launch Spotify on your desktop or mobile device. - Search “Audiobooks”
In the Search bar, type “Audiobooks” or enter a specific title or author’s name. - Filter by Audiobooks Category
If the audiobook store is available in your region, Spotify may show a dedicated “Audiobooks” category. - Select a Title to Buy
Paid audiobooks are typically marked with a lock or “Buy” button. Tapping it usually redirects you to Spotify’s website for the transaction (due to in-app purchase rules). - Complete the Purchase
Enter your payment details on the web page. Once the purchase is successful, return to the Spotify app. - Play from Your Library
The audiobook should now appear under your library. You can stream it any time, even offline if you download it.
4.2 Troubleshooting Purchase Issues
- No “Buy” button? Audiobooks might not be available in your country yet.
- Payment method declined? Ensure your card or PayPal (depending on availability) is set up correctly.
- Lock icon remains after purchase? Try closing and reopening the Spotify app to refresh your library.
5. Finding Free Audiobooks and User-Generated Playlists
5.1 Searching for Free Audiobooks
Type relevant phrases like “Free Audiobook,” “Public Domain Audiobooks,” or the specific title plus “Audiobook.” Check the playlist or album description to confirm it’s the complete audiobook.
5.2 Verifying Quality and Completeness
Because many free audiobooks on Spotify are user-generated, they can have:
- Missing chapters
- Varying narrators
- Different audio levels
Preview the first few tracks to ensure you’re comfortable with the narrator’s voice and recording quality.
5.3 Recommended Public Domain Authors
Authors whose works are in the public domain include Mark Twain, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and many more. These classics are often uploaded chapter-by-chapter in labeled playlists, so you can navigate them easily.
6. Uploading Your Own Audiobook Files (Local Files)
6.1 Preparing Your Audiobook Files
Make sure your audiobook files are in a Spotify-supported format (e.g., MP3, M4A). If they’re broken into multiple tracks (one per chapter), organize them in a dedicated folder and name them sequentially.
6.2 Step-by-Step Guide for Desktop and Mobile
- Enable Local Files on Desktop
- Open Spotify on your computer.
- Click your profile icon → Settings → scroll to Local Files.
- Toggle the switch to “On” and select the folder containing your audiobook.
- Create a Playlist
- In Spotify’s left-hand panel, find Local Files.
- Select the desired files (chapters) and right-click → Add to Playlist → create a new playlist or add to an existing one.
- Sync to Mobile
- Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
- Open the playlist on your phone, tap the Download switch to begin syncing.
- Once synced, you can listen offline or on-the-go.
6.3 Potential Errors and Solutions
- Files Not Showing on Mobile: Ensure the names of files contain no special characters and your desktop and mobile are on the same Spotify account.
- Track Order Mixed Up: Sort tracks by track number or rename files “01-Chapter1,” “02-Chapter2,” etc.
- Metadata Issues: Spotify might sometimes mix up the cover art or labels. Custom ID3 tagging software can help fix this.
7. Comparison: Spotify’s Paid vs. Free vs. Local Files
Below is a quick reference table to help you decide which method suits your needs:
| Criteria | Paid Audiobooks | Free / Public Domain | Local Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Pay-per-title | Free | Already owned files (no extra cost) |
| Availability | Selected regions | Varies (user playlists, public-domain works) | Only on your devices |
| Quality & Completeness | High-quality official releases | May vary | Depends on your source files |
| Ease of Use | Easy to search & purchase via Spotify | Moderate (must search for correct playlists) | Requires setup & syncing |
| Offline Listening | Yes, after purchase | Yes (if downloaded) | Yes (once synced) |
8. Expert Tips for a Better Audiobook Experience
8.1 Organizing Chapters
If your audiobook has multiple chapters or files, rename them clearly. You can also create separate playlists for each book to avoid confusion.
8.2 Playback Speed and Sleep Timer
Spotify increasingly supports adjustable playback speed for audiobooks. If you find narration too slow, speed it up slightly. At night, use Spotify’s built-in sleep timer (under the “Now Playing” screen in many mobile versions) to stop playback automatically.
8.3 Offline Downloads
Whether you purchased an audiobook or found a free one, download the entire track list at home using Wi-Fi. This helps you avoid buffering and mobile data charges on the go.
8.4 Troubleshooting
- Audiobook Not Appearing: Double-check your purchase or search filters.
- Chapters Out of Order: Re-sort the playlist in ascending track order or rename the files with numeric prefixes.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
9.1 Are audiobooks free on Spotify?
Spotify hosts both paid and free audiobooks. Official releases often require a separate purchase, while user-created playlists and some public-domain works can be accessed for free.
9.2 Why can’t I find audiobooks on Spotify?
They may not be available in your region, or the specific title is not licensed on Spotify. You can still upload your own files or look for user-generated playlists.
9.3 How do I purchase audiobooks on Spotify?
Search for the audiobook title, tap Buy, and follow the instructions in your web browser. After payment, it appears in your library.
9.4 Is Spotify Premium required for audiobooks?
No. You don’t need Premium to purchase audiobooks. However, Premium features—like ad-free playback for music—don’t automatically apply to paid audiobooks.
9.5 Can I upload my own audiobooks to Spotify?
Yes, via the Local Files feature on desktop. Then create a playlist and download it to your mobile device if you want to listen on the go.
9.6 Are there region restrictions for audiobooks on Spotify?
Yes. Paid audiobooks are rolling out region by region. If you’re in an unsupported region, try free user-generated content or local files until it’s officially available.
10. Conclusion
10.1 Final Thoughts on Getting Audiobooks on Spotify
Spotify is progressively integrating audiobooks to make the platform more versatile. Whether you opt to purchase titles, explore free user playlists, or upload your own files, there’s an option for every listener. Keep an eye on region updates if paid audiobooks haven’t reached your area yet.
10.2 Tips
- Update Spotify regularly to see new audiobook features.
- Explore public-domain audiobooks before buying.
- Organize your library and use local file syncing to ensure a smooth listening experience.
