Spotify is launching Recaps, a new feature that helps listeners quickly get back to an audiobook they might have left in between by generating AI-powered audio summaries that will match the listener"s progress. The feature works similarly to a "previously on" segment for TV shows and aims to solve a common pain point for audiobook fans who would forget the plot details after a break.
Users would be able to get recaps only after they have completed about 15-20 minutes of a supported audiobook. Once active, the Recap button appears at the top of the audiobook"s page, where users can tap on it and hear a summary of what has happened so far. After the first 15-20 minutes, the summaries are updated as the listener progresses, ensuring the recap always reflects the most recent listening point.
Spotify notes that recaps do not contain spoilers or full book summaries and are designed to complement, not replace, the original audiobook experience. The company further added that the AI used behind recaps would be only used to generate summaries and doesn"t involve training large language models (LLMs) on the content of the audiobook or narration. The company said that it"s collaborating with publishing partners to ensure authors" and narrators" work remains protected, and that recaps aren"t intended to substitute for the original audiobook.
Spotify has been trying for a while now to differentiate itself from the audiobook market, which has long been dominated by Amazon"s Audible, by also adding features like Follow Along, which adds visuals and music to select titles, and author pages as well.
Back in February, Spotify partnered up with ElevenLabs to allow writers to publish their works in the form of AI-narrated audiobooks. In September, the company also announced a partnership with music labels to create responsible AI tools and music that does not harm artists" income.
The feature is currently in beta and available on iOS for selected titles, and Spotify says it plans to expand to more titles in the coming days.