Data on the size of the audiobook industry in the United States in 2022 showed that audiobook sales amounted to *** billion U.S. dollars. The source calculated this figure based on data from ** publishers, including Audible Inc., Hachette Audio, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster. In 2018, the source altered its reporting to better reflect the industry and align its figures more closely with other reports, meaning that numbers gathered prior to 2018 differed considerably from those provided since. In its 2021 report, the source also noted that audiobooks had seen a nine-year trend of double-digit revenue growth. The growing popularity of audiobooks Between 2010 and 2020, the number of audiobook titles published in the United States climbed from just over *** thousand to more than ** thousand. Meanwhile, surveys show that audiobook listenership is also growing. The average number of audiobooks listened to in the last year increased consistently between 2018 and 2020, and although the COVID-19 outbreak impacted media consumption in general, trends showed that growth was happening even before the pandemic took hold. Listening habits The home was the most popular audiobook listening location in 2020, which is unsurprising given the amount of time spent indoors during COVID-19 shutdowns. However, listening at home was appealing before the outbreak as well. Unlike e-books and print books, audiobooks can be enjoyed whilst on the move and when performing other tasks, whether this be household chores or during a commute to work. The format has also made books more accessible to those who struggle with reading, and a survey revealed that consumers cited many other reasons for listening to audiobooks, among which were companionship, educational purposes, and entertainment.

Introduction

Audiobooks Statistics:Â The audiobooks industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, reflecting a shift in how audiences consume literature. In 2024, U.S. audiobook sales reached USD 2 billion, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. This surge aligns with the finding that 52% of U.S. adults, approximately 137 million individuals, have listened to an audiobook.

The popularity of audiobooks is further evidenced by listening habits. In 2024, 38% of American adults reported listening to an audiobook, up from 35% in 2023. Among avid listeners, the average number of audiobooks consumed annually increased to 6.8 titles, compared to 6.3 in the previous year.

Subscription services have played a pivotal role in this growth. In 2024, 63% of audiobook listeners subscribed to at least one service, a slight increase from 62% in 2023. Additionally, library borrowing remains significant, with 235 million audiobooks borrowed in 2023, representing a 23% increase from the prior year.

Children's engagement with audiobooks is notable; 53% of audiobook listeners with children reported that their kids also listen to audiobooks. Furthermore, 77% of these parents cited audiobooks as a beneficial alternative to screen time. In the United Kingdom, the audiobook market saw a 17% increase in downloads from 2022 to 2023, with revenue rising by 24% to £206 million. Globally, the audiobook market expanded from USD 4.2 billion in 2022 to USD 8.6 billion in 2025, indicating a compound annual growth rate of 25.7%.

These statistics underscore the growing acceptance and integration of audiobooks into daily life, highlighting their role in the evolving landscape of literary consumption. Listen to exciting books without needing a screen, and even get things done at work all at the same time! We'll delve into the latest Audiobook Statistics, uncovering the fascinating trends that illuminate listener preferences and the booming industry's trajectory.

Introduction

The Audio Publishers Association's Sales Survey reveals that audiobook revenue grew by 9% in 2023, reaching $2 billion, continuing the market's year-on-year growth.

Audiobooks have become increasingly mainstream, with more Americans listening to them or purchasing audiobook subscriptions. The Audio Publishers Association's 2024 Consumer Survey found that 52% of US adults have listened to an audiobook, amounting to 137 million people. The audio format has made it easier for people to listen while doing other tasks, increasing reading time and the amount of titles listened to.

Audiobooks have also become popular among children and young readers who use them for learning, entertainment, and reducing screen time. The survey also highlights that subscription services and digital audiobook libraries have become a hit with audiobook listeners who want to explore more titles. Audiobooks have revolutionized reading, marrying digital convenience and innovation with the classic art of storytelling and narrative.

Introduction

Audiobook Statistics: Audiobooks have rapidly transformed the book publishing industry, becoming a mainstream format that is reshaping the way consumers engage with content. In recent years, audiobooks have surpassed eBooks in popularity, driven by the convenience and accessibility they offer through electronic devices. According to Edison Research, as of 2024, 52% of U.S. adults have listened to an audiobook, equating to approximately 137 million people.

The growing adoption is further reflected in the user penetration rate, which is expected to reach 18.7% in 2024 and increase to 21.7% by 2029. On average, audiobook listeners consumed 6.8 titles in the past year, up from 6.3 in 2023, with children’s audiobook listening also strong, as 53% of parents report their kids engage with audiobooks. Globally, the U.S. leads the market, projected to generate USD 3.4 billion in revenue by 2024, with an average revenue per user (ARPU) of USD 5.46.

This rise in demand highlights a broader trend toward immersive and on-the-go storytelling experiences, underscoring audiobooks' growing influence in the media landscape.

After peaking at approximately 702 million Colombian pesos in 2020, audiobook net sales revenue in Colombia plummeted by almost 70 percent in the following year, standing a little above 218 million pesos. However, 2023 brought in an increase in revenue, and another record amount, at 836 million pesos from sales of audiobooks that year. Meanwhile, e-book net sales revenue in Colombia increased by nearly 7.7 percent in 2023.

The Audiobook Publishing industry is expanding, becoming vital to the broader book publishing industry. Over the five years through 2025-26, revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 5.1% to £226.3 million, including revenue growth of 1.8% in the current year. Online distribution has enabled high profitability, though increased investment in high-profile talent acquisition and content has limited profit growth post-pandemic. Subscription services fuelled the volume of audiobook publishing. Audible has cornered the market so far, but Spotify's venture into offering 15 hours of free listening and a subscription service from October 2023 presents formidable competition, intensifying the competitive landscape to the advantage of publishers as they compete for purchases. Technological advancements shape the development of the audiobook industry as it's dominated by digital audio content and online distribution. The swift expansion in smartphone ownership and enhanced memory space available on devices make downloading audiobooks easier. Meanwhile, the convenience of audiobooks broadens their appeal to a wider market. Both older and younger generations are contributing to this trend; older generations are adopting smartphones and smart devices at an exponential rate, extending the market reach, while younger generations habitually engage with audiobooks, often multitasking, reaffirming the appeal and increased demand for this form of entertainment. Data from the National Literacy Trust supports this by stating 42.3% of eight to eighteen-year-olds surveyed liked audiobooks or podcasts when not at school in 2024, up from 39.4% last year. Revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 2% over the five years through 2030-31 to £250.2 million. Sales momentum has remained strong following COVID-19. Digital audiobook sales will continue to expand as more demographics gain access to smart devices and subscription service users climb, outperforming sales of other audiobook products. However, the amount of money publishers receive per audiobook sale could decline in the coming years as the industry approaches maturity and big publishers buy up independents. Publishers face a tenuous situation with AI, which will likely boost output but threatens to replace the responsibilities of writers, publishers and editors, which will potentially lower the total employment figure in the future.

The global audiobook market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, readily available high-speed internet, and a rising preference for convenient and engaging content consumption. The market, segmented by application (personal, enterprise, educational, others) and type (comprehensive, sci-fi, romantic, thriller, kid, detective, narrative, others), shows significant potential across all segments. Personal users currently dominate the market, but the enterprise and educational segments are demonstrating rapid growth, fueled by corporate training programs and educational institutions incorporating audiobooks into their curricula. The diverse audiobook types cater to varied preferences, with thriller and sci-fi audiobooks experiencing particularly strong demand. Geographic distribution shows North America and Europe as leading markets, reflecting higher disposable incomes and established digital infrastructure. However, Asia-Pacific, particularly India and China, presents a significant growth opportunity due to burgeoning literacy rates and expanding digital access. Competition is fierce, with established players like Audible and Spotify alongside niche providers catering to specific genres or user segments. The market's future hinges on technological advancements, such as improved AI-powered narration and personalized recommendations, alongside expansion into emerging markets and the continued development of subscription-based models. The projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) suggests continued expansion of the audiobook market through 2033. While precise figures are unavailable, a reasonable estimate, considering current market dynamics and projected growth across all segments and regions, suggests a market value exceeding $20 billion by 2033. Sustained growth will depend on factors such as maintaining affordable pricing strategies, adapting to evolving consumer preferences, and effectively addressing challenges like piracy and competition from other entertainment mediums. Strategic alliances, partnerships, and technological innovation will play a crucial role in shaping the future competitive landscape and influencing market leadership. The focus on enhancing user experience, expanding library offerings, and leveraging data-driven insights for personalized content recommendations will be key success factors for market players in the coming years.

The global audiobook free platform market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, readily available internet access, and a surge in demand for convenient and accessible entertainment. The market's expansion is further fueled by the rising popularity of podcasts and audiobooks, particularly among younger demographics. While precise market sizing data was not provided, considering the growth of the broader audiobook market and the increasing adoption of free, ad-supported models, a reasonable estimate for the 2025 market size would be in the range of $500 million to $750 million, representing a significant increase from previous years. This growth, however, is not uniform across all platforms. While established players like LibriVox and Loyal Books continue to hold significant market share, newer entrants and innovative business models are emerging. The continued rise of mobile-first consumption patterns and the development of user-friendly apps tailored for audiobook listening are likely to be key factors in shaping the future landscape. Several factors restrain market growth. These include challenges associated with copyright, licensing agreements for free content, and monetization strategies that can ensure sustainability for platform providers. The ability to curate engaging and diverse content while balancing free offerings with premium, paid options will be critical to attracting and retaining users. Segmentation within the market is based on platform type (web-based vs. app-based), content genre (fiction, non-fiction, etc.), and geographical region, with North America and Europe currently holding the largest shares. Companies such as Audible and Spotify are indirectly influencing the market as consumers explore these large audio platforms that offer both paid and free offerings. Competition will intensify as more platforms enter the market, leading to a potential shakeout in the coming years. The long-term success of individual platforms will depend on their ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and maintain a compelling offering of high-quality content.

The global audiobooks market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $4201.3 million in 2025 and maintain a significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.8% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. The increasing popularity of podcasts and the convenience of consuming content on-the-go are driving adoption. Furthermore, the rise of subscription-based services offering extensive audiobook libraries at affordable prices has broadened accessibility. Technological advancements, including improved audio quality and AI-powered features like personalized recommendations and narration, further enhance the user experience. The market segmentation reveals substantial demand across various demographics, with both adults and children actively consuming audiobooks for personal enjoyment, educational purposes (school), and participation in book clubs. Major players like Amazon, Google, and Audible are investing heavily in content acquisition, technology enhancements, and marketing efforts, further stimulating market growth. The market's geographical distribution demonstrates significant regional variations. North America currently holds a substantial market share, largely due to its high per capita income and established digital infrastructure. However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness the most rapid growth in the coming years, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, rising disposable incomes, and expanding literacy rates, particularly in countries like India and China. Europe's established audiobook market will continue its steady expansion, while the Middle East and Africa are projected to show increasing adoption, although at a slower pace than other regions. Continued growth hinges on factors like the effective marketing of the audiobook format to new users, the development of more diverse and engaging content tailored to specific interests, and addressing potential restraints such as internet accessibility and affordability in certain regions. The competitive landscape is characterized by both established players and emerging companies offering diverse listening experiences and business models.

The global audiobooks market, valued at $6.47 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.19% from 2025 to 2033. This explosive growth is driven by several key factors. The increasing popularity of podcasts and readily accessible digital content has normalized audio consumption, making audiobooks a natural extension for many listeners. Simultaneously, advancements in technology, such as improved audio quality and convenient mobile listening apps, have significantly enhanced the user experience. Furthermore, the rising popularity of subscription-based models offers consumers cost-effective access to extensive audiobook libraries, fostering market expansion. The market segmentation reveals a significant demand for both fiction and non-fiction titles, delivered through one-time downloads and subscription services. This diverse offering caters to a wide range of consumer preferences and consumption habits. Competitive pressures among established players like Amazon, Spotify, and emerging audiobook platforms are fueling innovation and enhancing the overall market offering. Geographical distribution shows strong growth across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. While precise regional market share data is not provided, we can infer that North America and Europe, with their established digital infrastructure and high rates of audiobook adoption, likely hold a larger share. APAC, fueled by a growing middle class and increasing smartphone penetration, is expected to demonstrate significant growth in the coming years. The market faces challenges like piracy and copyright issues, requiring robust content protection strategies. However, the overall market outlook remains extremely positive, with opportunities for both established players and new entrants to capitalize on the growing demand for convenient and engaging audio entertainment. The consistent expansion in digital platforms, integrated marketing campaigns, and targeted content curation will significantly influence the audiobook market's growth trajectory throughout the forecast period.

The global audiobook paid platform market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a substantial size. Driven by increasing smartphone penetration, readily available high-speed internet, and a growing preference for convenient and engaging content consumption, the market is poised for significant expansion. The 19.2% CAGR from 2019-2024 suggests a strong upward trajectory, indicating a considerable increase in user adoption and platform usage. The market segmentation, encompassing web-based and cloud-based platforms serving both adult and children's audiobooks, reveals diverse user needs and consumption patterns. The presence of major players like Audible and Tencent Technology highlights the market's maturity and competitive landscape. Furthermore, the regional distribution, with significant contributions anticipated from North America and Europe, alongside rapidly expanding markets in Asia Pacific, signifies global opportunities and localization efforts by various platforms. This growth is further fueled by innovative features like personalized recommendations, improved audio quality, and integration with other entertainment platforms, enhancing user experience and increasing engagement. The market's restraints, although not explicitly detailed, likely include factors like piracy, competition from free or ad-supported platforms, and the need for continuous content updates to maintain user interest. However, the overall market momentum suggests that the positive factors significantly outweigh these challenges. Considering the 2024 market size of $28,160 million and the 19.2% CAGR, a reasonable estimation suggests significant year-on-year growth, with continued market expansion in the forecast period of 2025-2033. Strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and effective marketing strategies will be crucial for audiobook platform providers to solidify their position and capture a larger share of this expanding market. The diversity of platforms available, ranging from specialized services like Libro.fm to larger multimedia platforms such as Scribd, indicates a healthy level of competition and innovation, ultimately benefiting the end-user.

The global market for audiobooks for kids is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing digitalization, parental preference for engaging educational content, and the convenience offered by on-demand audio entertainment. The market, estimated at $2.5 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This significant growth is fueled by several key factors. The rising adoption of smartphones and tablets, coupled with readily available high-speed internet, has significantly expanded access to digital audiobooks. Parents are increasingly recognizing the educational benefits of audiobooks, using them to enhance literacy skills, vocabulary development, and imaginative storytelling for their children. Furthermore, the convenience of accessing audiobooks anytime, anywhere, makes them an attractive alternative to traditional books, especially for busy families. The market is segmented by format (printable and electronic) and sales channels (online and offline), with electronic audiobooks and online sales currently dominating the market share. Major players like Pearson, Scholastic, and HarperCollins are leading the industry, constantly innovating to cater to the evolving preferences of young listeners and parents. However, challenges remain such as managing piracy and ensuring content quality and age-appropriateness. The continued expansion of the kid's audiobook market is anticipated to be fueled by advancements in technology, such as immersive audio experiences and interactive storytelling features, that will further increase engagement. Geographical expansion into emerging markets with growing internet penetration and a rising middle class will also significantly contribute to market growth. While pricing strategies and competition among publishers will impact the growth trajectory, the overall trend points towards sustained expansion throughout the forecast period. The diversification of content, including multilingual audiobooks and audiobooks featuring popular characters and franchises, will serve as further catalysts for market growth. The increasing adoption of subscription models also presents a significant opportunity for revenue generation in the coming years.

The global market for keyboard talking audiobooks is experiencing robust growth, driven by several key factors. The increasing popularity of audiobooks, coupled with technological advancements making interactive and engaging listening experiences more accessible, is fueling demand. Parents are particularly drawn to keyboard talking audiobooks for children, recognizing their educational benefits and ability to foster literacy skills in an entertaining way. The market is segmented by application (online vs. offline sales) and book type (ABS, board books, and others), with online sales showing particularly strong growth due to the convenience of e-commerce platforms. While the exact market size in 2025 requires further investigation, considering a conservative CAGR of 10% from a hypothetical 2019 base of $500 million (a reasonable estimate given the nascent but growing nature of this market segment), the 2025 market size could be projected to be around $800 million. This is driven largely by increased disposable income in developed nations, improved digital infrastructure, and the expanding reach of online book retailers. However, challenges remain, including the relatively higher cost of production for interactive audiobooks compared to traditional formats and concerns regarding potential screen time for young children. Nevertheless, ongoing innovation in technology and content development promises to continue driving the market forward. The competitive landscape is diverse, encompassing established publishers like Usborne Publishing and LeapFrog, alongside smaller specialized companies like Noisy Sound Book and Ditty Bird catering to niche segments. The geographical distribution is expected to be somewhat skewed towards North America and Europe initially, given higher per capita income and established e-commerce infrastructure. However, rapid digital penetration in regions like Asia Pacific, particularly India and China, presents significant growth opportunities in the coming years. Companies are focusing on creating engaging content, improving user interfaces, and expanding their distribution channels to capitalize on the expanding market. Further research into pricing strategies, distribution channels, and consumer preferences will be crucial to accurately forecasting the market's trajectory beyond 2025. A more granular understanding of consumer demographics and specific preferences within the segmented market will also allow for more effective targeted marketing strategies.

Retail sales data for bookstores in the United States showed that the sales of U.S. book retailers amounted to 596 million U.S. dollars in November 2023, marking a decrease from the 618 million recorded in the same month of the previous year. Book formats in the United States Print books still generate the majority of book sales revenue in the United States, with hardback books alone pulling in 3.7 billion U.S. dollars of the 9.5 billion total in 2021. Meanwhile, e-book sales growth is sluggish. The number of e-books sold each year is notoriously difficult to track and results depend on the data provided by publishers, and official figures show that annual e-book revenue has yet to reach 1.5 billion U.S. dollars. When it comes to audiobooks, physical audiobook revenue has fallen consistently since 2017, whereas downloaded audio revenue is increasing. Audiobook consumption Audiobook sales revenue is climbing in tandem with the share of U.S. adults listening to audiobooks in general. One of the advantages of audiobooks is the ability to enjoy them whilst on the move, but data shows that more and more consumers have begun listening to them at home. Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased in-home media consumption, the home was already a popular location for audiobook listening prior to the outbreak, with a survey from 2019 revealing that the same share of respondents listened to audiobooks at home as those who did so in the car.

Given their unique appeal, audiobooks will continue to gather ground. Print, however, is still the preferred book format, and new print books outperform used books in terms of popularity which is good news for the book market.

The E-Book Publishing industry has undergone volatile behavior throughout the past decade but has grown alongside technological advances. While e-book sales surged with the introduction of new mobile devices, industry-relevant revenue has wavered as consumer interest in e-books has diminished. There are signs that consumers may be fatigued with digital media texts and continue to consume printed material alone or in tandem with e-books and audiobooks when seeking longer-form book content. The pandemic and ensuing depletion of brick-and-mortar retail book sales enabled e-books to take advantage of opportune circumstances to grow. Major publishers have increasingly focused on digital catalogs, recognizing the advantages of lower production costs and instant availability. Industry revenue is slated to incline at an annualized rate of 0.5% to $4.3 billion through the end of 2024, including a 3.8% climb in 2024 alone. This comes as profit, measured as earnings before interest and taxes, is on track to reach 7.0% of industry revenue. Sales have shown variable growth rates, influenced by factors such as pricing models, subscription services, and the broader decline in overall book sales. Notably, digital-first publishers and self-published authors have gained traction, leveraging platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and Wattpad to reach vast audiences. Sales have been tempered partially due to price hikes enacted by major publishers. Initially, Amazon.com Inc. (Amazon) and its Kindle platform accounted for most e-book sales and the e-commerce giant retailed e-books at a loss, far below publishers' suggested retail prices. After public pricing disputes, publishers negotiated a reformulation of their distribution agreement with Amazon and e-book prices rose for consumers. This shift leveled demand, partly because readers had grown accustomed to the lower price points. In the coming years, industry revenue will resume growth. E-book publishers will contend with several challenges, including the rise of self-publishing and the growing demand for audiobooks. At the same time, e-books will be supported by steady application in higher education and among consumers. E-book publishing revenue is poised to hike at an annualized rate of 2.5% to an estimated $4.8 billion through the end of 2029. As more enterprises exit the industry, profitability will improve.

The number of print books sold in the United Kingdom amounted to 209.1 million in 2022, down from 212 in the previous year. The 2021 figure marked the highest on record since 2012, whereas the number recorded in 2020 was the first time since 2012 that book sales in the UK surpassed 200 million, with 202 million books sold nationwide that year. This growth was attributed mostly to the coronavirus outbreak, which saw many consumers increase their media consumption during various local and national lockdowns. This growth continued in 2021, with sales that year up by five percent from 2020.

Book consumption and COVID-19

In March 2020 when countries across the world implemented measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus, consumers upped their in-home media usage to keep themselves occupied during lockdown. Close to 20 percent of UK internet users who participated in a survey in March 2020 reported reading more books or listening to more audiobooks at home during that time, and later waves of the survey held in May saw that figure climb above 30 percent.

By the summer of 2020, despite the gradual reopening of society as infection rates declined, a survey held in July showed that consumers expected in-home media consumption changes even after the pandemic came to an end. Book consumption, both physical and digital, ranked among the top ten media formats UK consumers planned to spend more time with in the future.

Digital book market Digital books are growing more and more popular in the United Kingdom, with e-book download frequency having increased in the last few years along with general e-book access. Audiobooks are also carving a path for themselves in the market, and consumer audiobook download sales revenue was close to one billion GBP in 2019. In the same year, book publishing houses reported 710 million British pounds in revenue generated through digital books sales, up from 126 million a decade earlier.

The publisher sales revenue from e-books in Sweden has steadily increased in recent years, hitting over 107 million Swedish kronor in 2024. Although publisher sales revenue derived from e-books amounted to just 3.3 million kronor in 2010, by 2014 the figure was more than ten times higher at 34.1 million, showing impressive growth. However, 2022 marks the first year when the sales revenue in this category decreased compared to the previous years, standing at 84.7 million Swedish kronor.

The digital reading platform market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of e-readers, smartphones, and tablets, coupled with the rising popularity of audiobooks and digital subscriptions. The convenience and accessibility offered by digital platforms, along with wider availability of diverse content, are key factors fueling this expansion. We estimate the market size to be approximately $25 billion in 2025, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is propelled by several trends, including the emergence of innovative reading apps with personalized recommendations, subscription models offering unlimited access to vast libraries, and the integration of immersive technologies such as augmented reality for enhanced reading experiences. However, challenges remain, such as piracy concerns, price sensitivity among consumers, and the need for robust digital rights management systems to protect intellectual property. The market segmentation is diverse, encompassing subscription services, individual e-book sales, audiobook platforms, and educational platforms. Key players, such as Amazon, Apple, and Adobe, are aggressively expanding their offerings and strengthening their market positions through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The competitive landscape is highly dynamic, with established players facing competition from newer entrants offering niche services and innovative technologies. The market is segmented by platform type (e-readers, mobile apps, web platforms), content type (eBooks, audiobooks, magazines), and region. North America and Europe currently hold the largest market share, but emerging markets in Asia and Latin America are expected to contribute significantly to market growth in the coming years. Strategic partnerships between publishers, technology providers, and content creators are shaping the future of the digital reading landscape. Furthermore, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are leading to personalized reading experiences and improved content recommendations, increasing user engagement and driving market expansion.

In 2023, sales of print books, e-books, and audiobooks in Colombia collectively generated 959 billion Colombian pesos in net revenue, up from around 981 billion pesos a year earlier - an annual growth of approximately 7.7 percent. Meanwhile, the number of new book titles published in Colombia increased by close to 6.7 percent in 2023.

The revenue of the Danish book publishing market increased from roughly 2.23 billion Danish kroner in 2014 to 2.35 billion Danish kroner as of 2017. It is expected to reach a revenue of over 2.5 billion Danish kroner five years later. The highest valuable segment is consumer books, including fiction books, followed by educational aids.

Growth of digital books

Printed books still accounted for the highest publishers’ revenue in Denmark, despite that digital versions are on the rise. In 2018, 20.6 percent of the total book publishing turnover in the country came from digital books. By contrast, the share was 14.3 percent four years earlier.

E-books and audiobooks revenue in Denmark

In particular, the revenue from e-books in Denmark grew from 94 million Danish kroner in 2013 to nearly 200 million Danish kroner as of 2017. The value of these books is forecasted to reach more than 300 million Danish kroner in 2022. A similar situation is shown for online audiobooks, where publishers’ revenue increased to almost 87 million Danish kroner in 2017.