Spotify has shaken up the audiobook world with its expansion into downloadable tales last fall. But this latest move by the streaming titan has ruffled more than a few feathers among music makers and book breeds alike.
When Spotify first dropped their new “Audiobooks on Us” perk last October, premium subscribers were thrilled at 15 free hours of listening per month. But behind the scenes, music industry reps cried foul over the company’s bundled pricing model. By rolling audiobooks into existing music subscriptions, Spotify secured a discount on songwriter royalties – a move the National Music Publishers’ Association slammed as a “scheme” that could siphon $150 mil from creators over the next year.
Clearly sensing the legal heat, Spotify tailored their roster of plans stateside last month. A new “Basic” pass now excludes audio tales, while a separate “Audiobook Access” add-on was also launched. But Down Under, the bundles have held strong – at least for now.
Beyond the battles with bigwigs in the music world, audiobook authors and publishers have also voiced skepticism about Spotify’s intentions. Many worry how royalty structures may evolve under the streaming giant’s control. While the major houses have signed on the dotted line, it’s unclear if individual writers will see their fair share.
