Spotify reported today that its Premium Subscribers total reached 306 million in the third quarter of 2026, up 9% from a year earlier, with subscriber growth in every region. Revenue climbed 16% to €5.0 billion as the company prepares to bring audiobook access to more than 180 markets before the end of the year.
The service counted 788 million monthly active users, an 11% increase from a year earlier. That growth outpaced the 9% rise in Premium Subscribers. Revenue growth measured at constant exchange rates was 14%, compared with the reported 16% increase.
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Operating income totaled €672 million, while gross margin reached 33.0%, an improvement of 136 basis points from a year earlier. Spotify said both measures exceeded its expectations for the quarter. Co-CEO Alex Norström said costs were moderating and described the company as continuing to invest where it sees opportunities for growth.
For listeners, Spotify plans to widen audiobook access from its current 22 markets to more than 180 between now and the end of 2026. The company says the expansion will give more than 750 million people the ability to stream or buy books through Spotify. Taste Profile (Beta) is also available now to U.S. Premium Subscribers aged 18 or older, letting them review Spotify's understanding of their interests and influence recommendations in their Home feed.
Families can now use managed accounts on either Free or Premium plans in markets including Germany, Australia and the U.S. These accounts provide a listening space for children aged 13 and under, or the regional equivalent, with controls for parents and guardians. Playlist Notes lets listeners put commentary into playlists they create, while Spotify editors also supply notes for some of the service's major playlists.
For creators, Memberships is rolling out across 34 markets, allowing those eligible to provide fans with exclusive material and experiences. Spotify says it will extend the Spotify Partner Program to more than 35 additional markets this fall, including Brazil, Italy and Mexico, offering eligible creators multiple sources of revenue. Its new Fresh Finds Forward initiative is intended to support approximately 10,000 emerging independent artists annually with resources and community connections.
