Quick Hits: Audiobook production; videos for Rap Caviar; happy birthday to 8tracks

Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web:

Audiobooks versus podcasts: An article in The Verge contrasted the production values of podcasts and audiobooks. Many popular podcasts have put extensive resources into audio quality, original music, and top voice talent to make their stories pop. Might audiobook producers follow in the same vein?

Rap Caviar gets video: Rap Caviar is one of Spotify’s most popular playlists, and the curated collection is getting an update. The playlist will include video content such as music videos, interviews, and more. “The new RapCaviar is all about connecting the fans to the culture,” said Tuma Basa, Spotify’s global programming head of hip-hop. “It’s not just about the songs. It’s about the work that goes into the tracks, the visual representations and the greater context behind these moments in time.”

Happy birthday to 8tracks: 8tracks is celebrating its ninth birthday. The playlisting service has occupied a specialized niche in digital music during its lifespan, and co-founder David Porter marked the occasion with a blog post and a mix.

Anna Washenko