Audiobooks have rapidly shifted from a small corner of the publishing world to one of its most dynamic, fastest-growing segments. This surge has highlighted the many benefits of audiobooks, not just for readers, but for the authors who create the stories behind them.
Digital listening has exploded in the past few years, driven by better technology, easier access, and the simple fact that people enjoy consuming stories while they live their lives.
For authors, this rise matters because it expands the reach of a single book far beyond traditional reading habits. Commuters, busy parents, people listening during chores or workouts, and even those who struggle with print can all engage with a story in audio form.
Reaching these listeners is one of the clearest benefits of audiobooks, especially for authors who want their work accessible to more people.
There’s also meaningful revenue potential. When a book exists in audio as well as print and digital, it gains a new lane for sales and discovery. Listeners often consume more books per year than readers of print alone, which means authors have more opportunities to build loyal fans and repeat engagement.
Data reinforces this. Millions of people download audiobooks every month, and the number keeps rising globally. These listeners aren’t casual. Many finish multiple titles a year because the format fits into the moments of everyday life.
When you combine reach, accessibility, evolving reading habits, and new revenue streams, the picture becomes clear. The benefits of audiobooks give authors a chance to meet more readers and connect with an audience that’s listening more than ever before.
The audiobook boom: Market trends & statistics
Over the past decade, audiobooks have exploded from niche novelty to a cornerstone of the global publishing industry. According to market forecasts, the global audiobook market is expected to reach roughly US$ 9.84 billion in 2025.
That growth doesn’t stop there: forecasts project continued expansion, with the market estimated to grow to about US$ 13.30 billion by 2030.
In the U.S., this boom is very real. In 2023, overall audiobook sales rose by 9%, reaching US$ 2.0 billion. The next year, in 2024, total reported audiobook revenue hit US$ 2.22 billion, a 13% increase over the previous year.
These numbers show more than short-term popularity. They underscore that audiobooks are now a major, stable pillar in publishing.
How many people are listening to audiobooks?
One of the clearest signals of how mainstream audiobooks have become can be seen in listener numbers. According to a recent survey by Edison Research, 52% of U.S. adults (around 137 million people) have listened to an audiobook at least once.
Moreover, 38% of American adults reported listening to an audiobook in the past year, up from 35% the year prior.
Among “avid listeners” in the U.S., the average number of audiobooks consumed in a year rose to 6.8 titles in 2024, up from 6.3 in the prior year. But there are plenty of people who listen to more. If you lived in my corner of Bookstagram you would certainly think the numbers were higher.
I personally have already listened to 32 audiobooks in the past year. I’ve read 103 books total, so that shows you that about 30% of my reading takes place in audiobook format. I like audiobooks because I can listen to them while I cook, clean, or cross stitch.
Of course, some books I would rather eyeball read. For example, an epic fantasy book where I need to keep track of a lot of worldbuilding and characters.
Romance books and thrillers, however? I actually prefer on audiobook because it makes the characters come alive.
So that’s one benefit for me. Now, let’s explore the benefits of audiobooks for authors.
What are the benefits of audiobooks?
Here are some of the benefits of audiobooks for authors:
Expanded reach
One of the biggest benefits of audiobooks for authors is the sheer size of the audience you can reach. With hundreds of millions of listeners globally, audio opens doors that print and ebooks simply can’t.
Many of these listeners aren’t traditional readers at all. They’re people who want stories but don’t have the time or the habit of sitting down with a book.
Audiobooks fit into the corners of daily life. Commuters listening in traffic, workers doing repetitive tasks, parents managing endless chores, or anyone squeezing entertainment into limited time can all engage with your story.
That level of accessibility means an author is tapping into an entirely different audience segment.
Additional revenue streams
Beyond reach, another major benefit of audiobooks is financial diversification. When your book has an audio edition, it becomes a multi-format asset with multiple income pathways.
Audiobooks generate revenue not only through direct purchases but also through subscription platforms and public library lending. These models often provide ongoing royalties, giving authors the chance at steady, long-term income instead of relying only on front-loaded print or ebook sales.
For indie authors especially, this diversification can make a real difference in year-round earnings.
Reader engagement and retention
Audiobook listeners tend to consume more stories, and often faster. I personally listen to audiobooks at 1.50x or 1.75x speed, so I fly through audiobooks faster than when I read physical books.
Many listen to multiple books per year, sometimes even multiple books per month. For authors, especially those with a series or a large backlist, this habit is invaluable. A listener who finishes one book is already primed to continue on to the next.
Audio also boosts completion rates. It lowers barriers like eye fatigue, limited reading time, or distraction. Listening while doing other things makes it easier for people to finish a book they might otherwise abandon in print.
More completions mean more satisfied readers, more reviews, and more loyal fans. That’s another major benefit of audiobooks from a long-term engagement perspective.
Accessibility & inclusivity: Reaching diverse readers
Audiobooks also expand your readership in a deeply meaningful way. They provide access for people with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other reading challenges that make print difficult.
They create opportunities for auditory learners. And they make books more inclusive to people who live busy, high-activity lives.
For younger audiences, audiobooks can be a screen-free alternative to movies or video games. Parents often turn to audio as a way to keep kids engaged with stories without adding more screen time.
According to surveys by Edison Research, more families are relying on audiobooks as part of their regular reading routines. For children, teens, and even reluctant readers, this is a powerful gateway into a lifetime love of books.
Competitive advantage
In a crowded publishing landscape, authors who produce high-quality audio editions gain a competitive edge. The audiobook market is growing quickly, but it’s still less saturated than print. That means it’s easier to stand out, especially for authors who invest early in strong narration and thoughtful production.
For self-published and indie authors, this can be transformative.
Many books never receive an audio version, which gives those who do create one a noticeable advantage. Adding audio increases discoverability and positions your book where competitors aren’t showing up.
And because listeners often consume books more quickly than readers, you can build loyalty faster. Each finished audiobook is another chance to convert a curious listener into a long-term fan.
Taken together, these factors illustrate why the benefits of audiobooks go far beyond convenience. They offer authors a strategic way to grow their audience, differentiate their work, and strengthen their career.
Audiobooks are here to stay
Audiobooks are a major, lasting force in publishing. The numbers show steady growth, expanding audiences, and rising revenue, but the real story is what this means for authors.
Audio has opened the door to readers who were once out of reach: busy listeners, multitaskers, families, commuters, people with accessibility needs, and millions who simply prefer to listen rather than read on a screen.
For authors, the benefits of audiobooks go far beyond format variety. Audio offers new revenue channels and a way to build loyal fans faster. It creates opportunities for your stories to be consumed in more places, by more people, and in more moments of their daily lives.
Few mediums make books this flexible.
The audiobook market is still growing, still evolving, and still far from saturated. That means now is one of the best times for authors to step into audio and claim their place in a rapidly expanding landscape.
At selfpublishing.com, we always encourage our authors to record their own audiobooks – and we teach you how in our courses.
Ultimately, audiobooks amplify a book’s reach, value, and longevity. They give authors a way to connect with readers who are listening more than ever before. And for those willing to invest in quality narration and smart distribution, the payoff can be transformative.
Your story deserves to be heard. Literally.
