Spotify began offering audiobooks in the UK late last year as it launched a challenge to Amazon-owned Audible, which is the largest player in the market.

Until now, users have been able to purchase individual titles, with Spotify directing downloads through its own website due to an ongoing row with Apple over fees on in-app purchases.

The update means paying subscribers will be entitled to 15 hours free each month, equivalent to roughly two audiobooks of average length. Users can then purchase additional 10-hour allocations as top-ups when needed.

Spotify has partnered with the world’s largest book publishers for the audiobooks service, including Harper Collins, Penguin Random House and Hachette.

The offer is initially available only to subscribers in the UK and Australia, but is expected to be rolled out in other English-speaking countries.