Spotify is testing new video features for audiobooks, expanding beyond its recent push into video podcasts. This update introduces several key enhancements for premium users.

Key new features include:

• 30-second video clips from authors or publishers
• "Follow Along" visual experience with illustrations and photos
• Author Pages showcasing background and complete catalogs
• Built-in Sleep Timer functionality

These features are currently mobile-only and available to premium listeners in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Belgium, Ireland, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

The video integration allows authors to add interview segments, behind-the-scenes footage, or personal messages to their audiobooks. This expansion aligns with CEO Daniel Ek's strategy to compete with YouTube in the video content space, following increased video consumption on Spotify's platform.

The "Follow Along" feature enhances the listening experience by displaying relevant visuals where the book cover typically appears. Users can access these visuals through the "extras" section, complete with chapter timestamps for easy navigation.

Author Pages function similarly to Artist pages, creating dedicated spaces for authors to showcase their work and connect with listeners. The Sleep Timer addition helps users manage their listening time, particularly valuable for those using Spotify's hour-based audiobook pricing model.

These enhancements represent Spotify's continued investment in visual content, aiming to create a more immersive audiobook experience while challenging YouTube's dominance in the digital content space.

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