The United Kingdom audiobooks market reached a value of around USD 282.83 Million in 2024. During the forecast period of 2025 and 2034, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.30% to reach around USD 753.84 Million by 2034.

According to a survey in 2023, the source predicted that unit sales of audiobooks in the United Kingdom would reach ** million by the end of that year, up by *********** units from 2022. Audiobook nonfiction was highlighted as a key growth area, driven by true crime, self-help, and other genres which consumers listen to whilst on the move.

Market Size statistics on the Audiobook Publishing industry in the UK

Europe Audiobooks Market was valued at USD 3.38 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 14.09 Billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 26.68% during the forecast period.

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.

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.

Audiobook Paid Platform Market Outlook

The global audiobook paid platform market size is projected to experience substantial growth, with an estimated valuation of $4.5 billion in 2023 and a forecasted value of $18.2 billion by 2032, driven by a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.4%. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of digital content consumption, the convenience offered by audiobooks, and the rising penetration of smartphones and other compatible devices.

One of the primary growth factors for the audiobook paid platform market is the growing consumer preference for on-the-go listening experiences facilitated by the ubiquity of smartphones and other portable devices. With people leading increasingly busy lives, audiobooks provide a convenient way to consume literature and informational content while multitasking. This trend is especially pronounced among younger demographics who are adept at using digital technologies and prefer audio content over traditional reading formats. Additionally, advancements in audio technology, such as improved sound quality and user-friendly interfaces, have made audiobooks more appealing to a broader audience.

Another significant growth driver is the rising interest in self-improvement and lifelong learning, which has spurred demand for educational and non-fiction audiobooks. As individuals strive to enhance their skills and knowledge, the accessibility of audiobooks allows them to make the most of their time, whether during commutes, workouts, or household chores. Educational institutions and corporate training programs are also recognizing the value of audiobooks as effective learning tools, further bolstering market growth. This trend is particularly relevant in a post-pandemic world where remote learning and digital education have become more prominent.

Moreover, the audiobook market is benefiting from the increasing investment in content creation and the entry of major publishing houses into the space. Publishers are recognizing the potential of audiobooks as an additional revenue stream and are investing in high-quality productions with professional narration. Collaborations with popular authors and celebrities as narrators have also enhanced the appeal of audiobooks, attracting a diverse range of listeners. Furthermore, subscription-based models and exclusive content offerings by audiobook platforms are creating a loyal customer base and driving recurring revenue.

Regionally, North America remains the dominant market for audiobook paid platforms, owing to its high smartphone penetration, established digital infrastructure, and a population that is increasingly adopting digital media. Europe follows closely, with significant growth observed in countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by expanding internet connectivity, growing disposable incomes, and increasing awareness of audiobooks. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also showing potential for substantial growth as digital adoption rises.

Subscription Type Analysis

When analyzing the subscription type segment within the audiobook paid platform market, it becomes evident that the versatility in payment options is a crucial factor driving user adoption. The monthly subscription model is particularly popular among users who prefer flexibility and the ability to explore different audiobooks without a long-term commitment. This model attracts a significant proportion of younger users, who are accustomed to subscription services for music and video streaming and appreciate the ability to cancel or modify their subscriptions easily.

In contrast, the annual subscription model appeals to users who are committed to long-term access to audiobooks and often comes with cost savings compared to monthly plans. This model is attractive to avid audiobook listeners and educational institutions that require consistent access to a broad range of titles. The annual subscription model also benefits audiobook platforms by providing them with a more predictable revenue stream and reducing churn rates.

The pay-per-book model caters to occasional listeners who prefer to purchase audiobooks on an as-needed basis without committing to a subscription. This option is particularly popular among users who seek specific titles and are less concerned with exploring a wide range of content. As a result, the pay-per-book model sees higher per-title revenue and appeals to a

The publishing industry covers producing books in print, electronic formats (like CDs or digital files), audio versions and online platforms. It manages the creation, distribution and sale of content to reach readers wherever they prefer to access information.

Despite a potentially challenging retail landscape, the Online Book Retailers industry has recorded a strong performance. This success can be attributed to the rise in internet access, which has changed consumers' spending habits towards online retail. Online book retailers have offered a broader range of titles and more competitive prices than traditional bricks-and-mortar stores because of their vast supply networks and lower fixed costs. Larger online book retailers have enjoyed healthy profit margin. Revenue is forecast to decline at a compound annual rate of 3.6% over five years through 2024-25 to £700.9 million. This is mainly owing to the exit of The Book Depository from the industry in April 2023, which is expected to lead to a 29.9% drop in revenue in 2023-24. The industry has benefitted from heightened demand for physical books and falling e-book sales. Secure online payment systems and widespread internet-enabled devices have fuelled the shift towards online book retail. Traditional bookshops, such as Waterstones, have expanded their online presence to compete with dedicated digital retailers in the UK. This shift has heightened pricing pressures across the industry as businesses vie for consumers' attention. Many independent bookstores are transforming into online shops to stay competitive, increasing both market participants and consumer choices. Over the five years through 2029-30, revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.6% to £836 million. Economic conditions are expected to stabilise in the medium term, raising book sales. Audiobooks are set to become more popular than e-books. Competition from traditional retailers expanding their online presence will intensify. Nevertheless, technological advancements will drive consumers towards online retail, supporting revenue growth.

The number of print books sold in the United Kingdom amounted to approximately *** million in 2023, representing a decline of around **** percent in volume compared to the previous year. Notably, 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 *** million, with *** 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. 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 ** 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 ** 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 *** billion GBP in 2019. In the same year, book publishing houses reported *** million British pounds in revenue generated through digital books sales, up from *** million a decade earlier.

The statistic shows data on consumer book sales in Great Britain from 2009 to 2013 and a forecast until 2018, broken down by platform. According to PwC, the British print and audiobook market value will fall from **** billion in 2013 to **** billion U.S. dollars in 2018.

Change-To-Inventory Time Series for Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc publishes academic, educational, and general fiction and non-fiction books publishing for children, general reader, teachers, students, researchers, libraries, researchers, and professionals worldwide. It operates through Consumer, Academic & Professional, and Special Interest segments. The company offers print books, ebooks, audiobooks, and board games; licensing rights to third parties; and digital resources to academic, educational and professional settings. It also provides advertising and publishing services; and books for students and scholars of the arts, humanities, and social sciences. In addition, the company offers digital resources and databases for school libraries and higher education; and books and digital resources for professionals; educational content for primary and secondary schools; and professional development content for teachers and trainee teachers. Further, it publishes non-fiction books; cookery books; illustrated and picture books, activity books, young adult fiction and non-fiction, and pre-school titles for children; books for the gift market; audio books, games, and digital reference; and books for sport and wellbeing, science and nature, history, current affairs, creative arts and games, nautical, religion, military history, arts and crafts, and philosophy. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc was incorporated in 1986 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Monthly usage figures for online resources including databases and e-book platforms when available, for January 2005 to present. Additional information Blank means no data available In 2020, all library buildings closed from 19 March included due to the coronavirus outbreak. Resources included : description {minimum dates of subscription} What the figure is 19th Century British Library Newspapers : digital newspaper archive {May 2007 - present} Number of sessions Access to Research : online journals {April 2014 - present} Number of pages viewed Ancestry : family history {October 2008 - present} Number of sessions until May 2015; number of content pages viewed from June 2015 Britannica Online : encyclopedia {January 2005? - present} Number of searches conducted, until June 2014; number of sessions from July 2014 British Standards {March 2005 - April 2017; November 2017 - present} Number of content pages viewed British Way of Life : information to help asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in getting settled in the UK {October 2016 - January 2023} Number of sessions - subscription ceased January 2023 Citizens Advice Notes : UK law made understandable {March 2007 - March 2016} Number of pages viewed COBRA : business information fact sheets and business sector profiles {October 2005 - present} Number of pages viewed Corporate researcher / Market IQ : company information database {January 2008 - 2015} Number of "reports viewed" EISODOS : information for foreigners coming to live in the UK {October 2008 - October 2013} Information on meaning of figure lost Enquire : "ask a librarian" online chat service {2005 - March 2016} Number of chats started by users in the Newcastle area Find my past : family history {April 2011 - present} Number of sessions (or so we seem to remember when we had access to usage figures) Go Citizen : replaces Life in Great Britain, citizenship test preparing for UK citizenship. {September 2023 - present} Number of tests taken IBISWorld : market research {January 2017 - present} Number of pages viewed Key Note : company information and market research {April 2011 - October 2018} Number of reports viewed Kompass : business information {2006 - July 2011} Information on meaning of figure lost Know UK : current reference information {January 2007 - June 2011} Information on meaning of figure lost Life in Great Britain : self-learn course to prepare for the Life in the UK citizenship test {January 2010 - January 2023} Number of sessions - subscription ceased January 2023 Local Data Online : business (retail sector) information {November 2013 - July 2015?} Number of queries per month. No longer receive stats on this as of July 2024. Mint UK & Mint Global : company information databases {March 2014 - 2015} Information on meaning of figure lost Mintel : market reports {2006? - April 2010; June 2013 - present} Number of reports viewed Newsstand : online newspapers {January 2011 - March 2014} Information on meaning of figure lost Onesource / Avention : company information database (changed name over the years) {March 2012 - October 2013; July 2015 - present} Number of searches conducted - Subscription ceased June 2024 News UK : newspaper articles {January 2007 - October 2010?} Information on meaning of figure lost Oxford English Dictionary {May 2006 - present} Number of sessions Oxford Art Online {March 2006 - present} Number of sessions Oxford Dictionaries {February 2015 - present} Number of sessions Oxford Dictionary of National Biography {January 2006 - present} Number of sessions Oxford Music Online {March 2006 - present} Number of sessions Oxford Reference Online {March 2006 - present} Number of sessions Safari Select : online books (to read online, as opposed to the e-books you can download and read offline) {May 2009 - March 2014} Number of books viewed Times Digital Archive : digitised newspapers {January 2005 - present} Number of sessions Theory Test Pro : practice questions for the driving theory test {August 2010 - present} Number of sessions Transparent language online / Byki : language courses {January 2011 - November 2012} Number of courses accessed Universal Skills : learn basic computer skills and how to use Universal Job Match {November 2014 - present} Number of users Newcastle Library App (devices) : number of devices the app is on {2013 - present} Newcastle Library App (launches) : number of times the app has been used {2013 - present} Bibliotheca Cloud Library : e-books and e-audiobooks {February 2016 - March 2018} Number of items borrowed Bolinda : e-audiobooks collection {2012 - February 2016} Number of items borrowed (figures only from April 2015) Bolinda BorrowBox e-books {February 2018 - present} Number of items borrowed Bolinda BorrowBox e-audiobooks {February 2018 - present} Number of items borrowed ComicsPlus : e-comic books {March 2017} Number of items borrowed - no longer record this, not sure when subscription ceased OneClick / RB Digital (e-audiobooks) : e-audiobooks collection (became RB Digital in... 2017?) {May 2015} Number of items borrowed - no longer record this, not sure when subscription ceased Overdrive (e-audiobooks) {2011 - May 2016} Number of items borrowed (figures only from April 2015) - subscription ceased January 2023016} Number of items borrowed (figures only from April 2015) - subscription ceased March 2023 Public Library Online : e-books collection {April 2016 - February 2018} Number of items borrowed Zinio / RB Digital (magazines) : digital magazines (the Zinio service became integrated with the other RB Digital content in 2017) {May 2015 - present} Number of magazines downloaded (figures only from January 2016)

According to a survey conducted by Attest in 2019, millennials in the United Kingdom (UK) are more likely than members of any other generation to own an eReader, with **** percent of millennial respondents claiming to own such a device.

eBooks in the United Kingdom

The UK is a lucrative market for eBook publishers, with eBook revenues per capita significantly higher than that in many similar markets. eBook sales generated ***** euros per person in 2017, compared with **** euros in Canada, and **** euros in Germany. Ten percent of UK respondents to a survey conducted in 2017, reported accessing eBooks or audiobooks through illegal channels.

ePublishing global market outlook

Statista’s Digital Market Outlook forecasts an increase in the average revenue per user (ARPU) derived from the ePublishing, ePapers and eMagazines sectors. When it comes to eBooks, however, the Digital Market Outlook indicates a slight ARPU reduction, from ***** U.S. dollars per user in 2019, to ***** U.S. dollars per person by 2023.

While the ARPU may be lower, Statista expects the eBook user base to increase significantly, from ***** million in 2019, to **** billion users in 2023.

Monthly usage figures for online resources including databases and e-book platforms when available, for January 2005 to present.

Additional information

Blank means no data available

Resources included : description {minimum dates of subscription} What the figure is

19th Century British Library Newspapers : digital newspaper archive {May 2007 - present} Number of sessions

Access to Research : online journals {April 2014 - present} Number of pages viewed

Ancestry : family history {October 2008 - present} Number of sessions until May 2015; number of content pages viewed from June 2015

Britannica Online : encyclopedia {January 2005? - present} Number of searches conducted, until June 2014; number of sessions from July 2014

British Standards {March 2005 - April 2017; November 2017 - present} Number of content pages viewed

British Way of Life : information to help asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in getting settled in the UK {October 2016 - present} Number of sessions

Citizens Advice Notes : UK law made understandable {March 2007 - March 2016} Number of pages viewed

COBRA : business information fact sheets and business sector profiles {October 2005 - present} Number of pages viewed

Corporate researcher / Market IQ : company information database {January 2008 - 2015} Number of "reports viewed"

EISODOS : information for foreigners coming to live in the UK {October 2008 - October 2013} Information on meaning of figure lost

Enquire : "ask a librarian" online chat service {2005 - March 2016} Number of chats started by users in the Newcastle area

Find my past : family history {April 2011 - present} Number of sessions (or so we seem to remember when we had access to usage figures)

IBISWorld : market research {January 2017 - present} Number of pages viewed

Key Note : company information and market research {April 2011 - October 2018} Number of reports viewed

Kompass : business information {2006 - July 2011} Information on meaning of figure lost

Know UK : current reference information {January 2007 - June 2011} Information on meaning of figure lost

Life in Great Britain : self-learn course to prepare for the Life in the UK citizenship test {January 2010 - present} Number of sessions

Local Data Online : business (retail sector) information {November 2013 - July 2015?} Information on meaning of figure lost

Mint UK & Mint Global : company information databases {March 2014 - 2015} Information on meaning of figure lost

Mintel : market reports {2006? - April 2010; June 2013 - present} Number of reports viewed

Newsstand : online newspapers {January 2011 - March 2014} Information on meaning of figure lost

Onesource / Avention : company information database (changed name over the years) {March 2012 - October 2013; July 2015 - present} Number of searches conducted

News UK : newspaper articles {January 2007 - October 2010?} Information on meaning of figure lost Oxford English Dictionary {May 2006 - present} Number of sessions

Oxford Art Online {March 2006 - present} Number of sessions

Oxford Dictionaries {February 2015 - present} Number of sessions

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography {January 2006 - present} Number of sessions

Oxford Music Online {March 2006 - present} Number of sessions

Oxford Reference Online {March 2006 - present} Number of sessions

Safari Select : online books (to read online, as opposed to the e-books you can download and read offline) {May 2009 - March 2014} Number of books viewed

Times Digital Archive : digitised newspapers {January 2005 - present} Number of sessions

Theory Test Pro : practice questions for the driving theory test {August 2010 - present} Number of sessions

Transparent language online / Byki : language courses {January 2011 - November 2012} Number of courses accessed

Universal Skills : learn basic computer skills and how to use Universal Job Match {November 2014 - present} Number of users

Newcastle Library App (devices) : number of devices the app is on {2013 - present}

Newcastle Library App (launches) : number of times the app has been used {2013 - present}

Bibliotheca Cloud Library : e-books and e-audiobooks {February 2016 - March 2018} Number of items borrowed

Bolinda : e-audiobooks collection {2012 - February 2016} Number of items borrowed (figures only from April 2015)

Bolinda BorrowBox e-books {February 2018 - present} Number of items borrowed

Bolinda BorrowBox e-audiobooks {February 2018 - present} Number of items borrowed

ComicsPlus : e-comic books {March 2017 - present} Number of items borrowed

OneClick / RB Digital (e-audiobooks) : e-audiobooks collection (became RB Digital in... 2017?) {May 2015 - present} Number of items borrowed

Overdrive (e-audiobooks) {2011 - May 2016} Number of items borrowed (figures only from April 2015)

Overdrive (e-books) {2011 - May 2016} Number of items borrowed (figures only from April 2015)

Public Library Online : e-books collection {April 2016 - February 2018} Number of items borrowed

Zinio / RB Digital (magazines) : digital magazines (the Zinio service became integrated with the other RB Digital content in 2017) {May 2015 - present} Number of magazines downloaded (figures only from January 2016)