Scribd launches in Australia

US-based reading subscription service Scribd has launched in Australia.

The platform, which charges $13.99 per month for unlimited access, offers access to two million ebooks and over a million audiobook titles at launch, as well as journal articles, magazines and sheet music, among other materials.

Local publishers with titles on Scribd at launch are Allen & Unwin, Murdoch Books, Simon & Schuster Australia, HarperCollins Australia and Fremantle Press.

Scribd said it has ‘localised the product experience’ for Australia, with editorial recommendations and curated reading lists for Australian audiences. The company is also investing in local advertising. It did not disclose how much authors with participating books receive from the platform, stating that the company has unique deals with partners and can’t share the terms.

Scribd vice president of content, acquisition and strategy Andrew Weinstein said: ‘We’re thrilled to be shining a light on great Australian authors and content.’

‘Scribd has a long history of building relationships with publishers, and we’re committed to helping drive incremental revenue to the local publishing ecosystem,’ Weinstein said. ‘We know reading ranks among the top three leisure activities in Australia and we look forward to helping nurture this love of reading.’

Scribd has more than 100 million readers worldwide, and recenty launched in Mexico.

Category: Local news