YouTube is reportedly preparing to enter the audiobook market as early as 2027, potentially putting the Google-owned platform in direct competition with Amazon Audible and Spotify.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, YouTube has been in discussions with book publishers recently about developing an audiobook offering, with the service potentially integrated into its YouTube Premium subscription offering.

The move would expand YouTube’s paid content offering beyond video and music, giving subscribers another reason to remain within Google’s entertainment ecosystem.

However, many details remain unclear, including pricing, catalogue size, licensing agreements and the proposed service’s final structure. YouTube has not confirmed the plans.

YouTube Premium currently provides ad-free video viewing, background playback and access to YouTube Music. If the audiobooks were to be bundled into this, it could give the platform a potential advantage over dedicated audiobook platforms by offering an additional content type through a subscription.

It is not yet known whether subscribers would receive unlimited audiobook access, a monthly listening allowance or access to selected titles, or perhaps even individual book purchases.

The reported plans come as audiobook services expand their offerings and compete for subscription revenue.

Audible, owned by Amazon, has a dedicated audiobook platform with subscription options and a substantial catalogue. Spotify has incorporated audiobooks into its broader music and podcast streaming business, available to eligible Premium subscribers since 2023. 

Spotify’s model includes monthly listening allowances in eligible markets, with additional listening available through paid add-ons.

YouTube’s entry would give publishers another distribution channel while allowing the platform to compete for customers who already pay for digital entertainment services.

The publishing industry could also benefit from a legitimate commercial platform for distributing audiobooks, particularly as unauthorised recordings and uploads of copyrighted titles can be an issue on YouTube.

So far, reports do not indicate whether the audiobook service would be available in Australia. YouTube is yet to confirm whether an audiobook service will happen.