YouTube is reportedly preparing to enter the audiobook market, with a feature that could launch as soon as next year. The company has held discussions with publishers over recent months, according to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Engadget. YouTube has not confirmed the plans.
The report says YouTube has considered offering audiobooks as part of its ad-free Premium subscription, which costs $16 a month. It remains unclear whether that price would cover unlimited listening or whether individual books would also be sold. The company's success would depend on its library and pricing, given established competitors.
The move comes as YouTube faces a growing problem of unauthorized book recordings on its platform, including AI-narrated versions. Meanwhile, Spotify offers audiobook hours through its Premium plans and a standalone Audiobooks Access plan, while Audible provides monthly credits and a catalog through its membership tiers.