Spotify is expanding its streaming service to now include educational courses in addition to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. The company on Tuesday referenced one of its newer features called courses, which allow users to learn about topics in areas like business, tech, lifestyle, music, and more.
The feature is initially being piloted in the U.K., Spotify notes. But further evidence indicates it may arrive soon in the U.S.
Tech enthusiast and early adopter Chris Messina spotted the development of courses in the U.S. Messina’s findings indicate there will be courses available on subjects that may appeal to the more technical crowd, like learning about AI, web3, the metaverse, and other digital tools.
In addition, he found that users would be able to filter their Spotify Library to show only “Podcasts & Courses,” instead of just “Podcasts,” as it reads currently.
While Spotify didn’t confirm that courses will arrive in the U.S., Messina discovered he was able to access the section via search.
Here, though, the category pages were empty, indicating the U.S. feature is still in development.
The company has been working to make its service known for more than just music for some time. By offering different types of audio and video, Spotify can grow its revenue through different forms of monetization. This includes ads in audio and video podcasts (even AI ads), as well as paid “top up” hours for audiobooks aimed at subscribers who use up their 15 free hours per month but still want to keep listening. The company is also undercutting market leader Audible with a $10 per month stand-alone audiobook subscription.
With courses, Spotify could generate more revenue by charging users for some of the programs it offers for streaming.
Spotify today pointed to a handful of courses it recommends getting started with, including (please note that these are only available in the U.K.):
Correction: Updated after publication to note that Courses began piloting in the U.K. last year, but new discoveries indicate they may be coming soon to the U.S.
