YouTube Premium may add audiobooks, report says
YouTube is reportedly discussing an audiobook bundle for Premium, but Google has not confirmed the plan or its possible launch date.
YouTube is reportedly considering adding audiobooks to its ad-free Premium subscription, potentially giving Google’s video platform a new way to compete with Spotify. The Wall Street Journal reported the talks, while GSMArena said an announcement could arrive next year; Google has not officially commented. 1
What is being reported
The proposal would bundle audiobook listening into YouTube Premium rather than asking users to buy individual titles. That would differ from Google Play Books, which has offered audiobooks since 2018 but generally sells them one at a time. The reported plan would make access part of a recurring subscription, although the available reporting does not establish the catalogue, launch date, price or countries that would be included.
YouTube already has a substantial audio footprint through YouTube Music and its podcast features. Premium subscribers can listen without adverts and use offline playback for supported content. Audiobooks would extend that relationship, but they would also put the service into a market where Spotify has already built a sizeable offering. Spotify offers audiobooks in its Premium plans and has expanded the service to more than 180 markets, according to the report’s background. 1
Why it matters
For listeners, the distinction between a rumoured bundle and a confirmed product is important. Google has not announced the audiobook plan, so there is no confirmed launch date, final catalogue or promise that existing Premium prices would cover it. The Wall Street Journal’s report points to discussions with publishers, not a finished consumer feature.
If the plan reaches users, YouTube would be competing for more than spare listening time. A Premium subscription could start to cover video, music, podcasts and books in one place, while Spotify would retain its established audiobook tools and library relationships.
Our opinion
Audiobooks would make YouTube Premium easier to explain as an all-purpose media subscription, but the value would depend on the catalogue and whether Google avoids turning access into another confusing tier. Until YouTube confirms the talks, this is a reported possibility rather than a feature readers can sign up for.
Photo by Stas Knop on Pexels. 2