Tag: Readers

Spotify Brings Romantasy to Life With Our Dark and Mysterious Forbid-Inn Audiobooks Experience

August 21, 2025

From enemies-to-lovers banter to star-crossed soulmates battling curses, romantasy has taken over Spotify playlists thanks to Audiobooks in Premium. Blending the heart-racing tension of romance with the magic, danger, and wonder of fantasy worlds, this unique fusion has attracted a legion of loyal listeners who can’t get enough of the genre.

“Romantasy has absolutely exploded into a cultural phenomenon, largely driven by authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros. Social media—particularly the BookTok community—has definitely contributed to this conversation,” says Spotify Audiobooks Editor Katie del Rosario. “But at the core of it, we think readers are really craving a lot of what romantasy delivers: intense, character-driven plots; stakes that feel like they really matter; empowered, complex female protagonists who hold real power; and romance that takes your breath away.”

Earlier this week, romantasy fans were invited to step into the Forbid-Inn as New York’s Bowery Hotel was transformed for two days into a romantasy-themed space, immersing visitors in the magical worlds of the books they love and blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

Inside the Forbid-Inn: A celebration of magic and storytelling

During the day, fans wandered through candlelit halls, velvet-draped lounges, and enchanted nooks, each space inspired by the worlds of their favorite audiobooks. At check-in, guests received ornate room keys and a single gold token to spend on one of three whimsical quests.

Some chose Drawn by Destiny, where artists sketched fantastical portraits infused with magical details. Others opted for Written in the Cards, a romantasy-themed card-reading that revealed their romantic archetype. And for the bold, The Marking Ritual offered intricate temporary tattoos worthy of any fantasy hero.

In the evening, the inn shifted into an intimate salon where guests mingled with authors, sipped themed cocktails, and enjoyed a surprise appearance from one of the genre’s most beloved storytellers, who shared behind-the-scenes insights into their creative process.

More than just an experience, the Forbid-Inn was a celebration of the stories, the voices, and the fans who’ve made romantasy a cultural phenomenon.

Audiobooks+ Brings More Choice and Flexibility to Spotify Premium Subscribers

July 16, 2025

Spotify’s goal with audiobooks is to help grow the publishing industry and create the best possible experience for booklovers, which is why we’re launching flexible subscription plans to suit every type of fan.

Following successful trials in Ireland and Canada, on July 16, Spotify Premium users in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein will now also have access to two new add-on subscriptions offering greater flexibility:

    • Audiobooks+: Available to Premium Individual subscribers as well as Family and Duo plan managers, this add-on unlocks an additional 15 hours of listening each month for the existing base plan—a great option for booklovers seeking more audiobook time, including fans of longer titles.
    • Audiobooks+ for Plan Members: For the first time, additional members on Premium Family and Duo can access 15 hours of monthly audiobook listening through this recurring add-on. Plan members just need to request audiobook access from their plan manager, who can purchase the add-on on their behalf. They can also purchase a one-time 10-hour top-up if they run out of hours before their monthly billing cycle refreshes.

And on August 5, Spotify Premium users in the U.S. will also enjoy the same great options.

Growing the audiobooks fan base

These new plan options give listeners more flexibility for their audiobook listening on Spotify, ultimately opening up the format to millions of new potential fans worldwide. This is all part of our goal to help publishers and authors reach new listeners, grow revenue, and together, help the book industry scale new heights.

Follow @SpotifyNews to stay up to date on the latest and head to Spotify to find your next great listen. Pricing for Audiobooks+ varies by market, for more please visit Spotify.com/audiobooks.