YouTube Discusses Audiobook Feature With Publishers

YouTube has discussed developing an audiobook feature with publishers and is considering including it in its Premium subscription, according to a report that Google has not publicly confirmed. The discussions, reportedly held in recent months, could lead to an offering as early as 2027, but no launch has been announced. The reported plans do not settle how the feature would work. YouTube could bundle audiobooks with Premium, sell individual titles or adopt another model; the available reporting gives no final pricing, listening allowance or catalog details. Google has not publicly commented on the discussions. The move would extend YouTube beyond video, music and podcasts into a market where Spotify and Amazon’s Audible already offer audiobook services. Spotify includes 15 hours of listening per month for eligible Premium subscribers, with additional listening time available for purchase. Audible offers subscription plans that provide access through monthly selections, credits and an included catalog. YouTube already hosts audiobook recordings, including authorized material as well as unauthorized uploads. A formal offering could provide publishers with another way to sell or...