Are audiobooks really all that popular? Get the low-down here.

Is it worth taking the time and money to create an audiobook?

The audiobook market is growing worldwide, with more people listening to audiobooks than at any other time in history.

Trends

Trends are clear: no matter the category, genre, style, or mode of delivery, growth isn’t anywhere near slowing.

• Fiction is the top category: Fiction audiobooks account for over 65% of all audiobook sales. 
  
• Nonfiction is growing: Nonfiction audiobooks are growing at a rate of 27.5% per year. 
  
• Children’s audiobooks are popular: 53% of audiobook listeners with children say their kids also listen to audiobooks. 
  
• Audiobooks are popular on the go: 63% of audiobook listeners say they listen to audiobooks while commuting or traveling. 
  
• Subscription services are growing: 63% of audiobook listeners subscribe to at least one audiobook service. 
  
• Digital library apps are popular: 46% of audiobook listeners say they’ve borrowed a digital audiobook from a library in the last year. 
  
• Growth isn’t slowing: Revenue projections in the audiobook market worldwide say sales will reach US$9.84 billion in 2025.
  

Factors driving growth 

There are three main reasons why audiobooks are booming:

1. Convenience and accessibility: Audiobooks are a popular choice for people who want to enjoy literature on the go. Whether exercising, cleaning the house, or driving in the car, more people are enjoying multi-tasking with an audiobook.
   
2. Technological advancements: Technological advancements have enhanced the performance of audiobook services. Getting a quality audiobook recording at an affordable price has never been easier. Authors don’t have to rely on expensive recording studios and can use skilled individuals to get what they need with personal connection and professional quality.
   
3. Growing demand: The desire for audiobooks is increasing among different segments, including adults and kids. Adults use audiobooks to enjoy stories, learn new skills, or catch up on the latest memoir. College students are using audiobooks to fast-track their understanding of course content. Teens are using audiobooks on their phones. Parents are even using audio to help their toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids enjoy quiet time.
   

Join the Trend, Get the Benefits

The statistics are clear: for authors, audiobooks are an increasingly positive bet for positive exposure, reader growth, and increased revenue. If you’re interested in this for your book, now may be the best time to go for it.

About the Author
Erin M. Brown, MA, MFA, is the author of 20 books and has been a professional writer, creative director, global corporate communications and strategy lead, university communications professor at three universities, and an international speaker on genre storytelling, nonfiction writing, and communications. She has spoken to audiences and worked with audio recordings, commercials, radio interviews, and voice-over work for 30 years. Read more about Erin here.

Sources:
* Global Audiobooks Market Trends Analysis Report 2023
* Audiobook Revenue and the Number of Listeners Continue to Grow
* The Future at a Glance: Audiobooks and Audiobook Market Trends
* Audiobook Statistics 2025 by New Way of Storytelling
* Audiobook Statistics by Market Size, Sales, and Demographics
* Audiobook Listening Trends
* Audiobook Revenue and the Number of Listeners Continue to Grow
* Audiobooks — Worldwide
* Audiobook Market Size, Share, & Trends Analysis Report By Genre (Fiction & Non-Fiction), By Preferred Device, By Distribution Channel, By Target Audience (Kids Mode, Adult), By Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2024-2030