Top 10 Audiobook apps

Latest news about Audiobook apps

22.04.24. Macmillan Audiobooks are now available on Cost-Per-Circ



Overdrive has announced a partnership with Macmillan, joining their Cost-Per-Circ program for libraries, which offers a fresh approach to accessing audiobooks. This initiative presents a boon for libraries, enabling the addition of all Macmillan audiobooks to their collections with payment only when a reader borrows a title. These audiobook copies can coexist with other editions like One Copy/One User or Metered Access versions of the same title, enhancing flexibility and increasing reading opportunities for patrons. Noteworthy titles from Macmillan's audio catalog include "Apples Never Fall" by Liane Moriarty, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing" by Matthew Perry, "Maame" by Jessica George, Kristin Hannah's "The Four Winds," and more.


2024. Spotify brings its free audiobooks perk for Premium users to Canada, Ireland and New Zealand



Spotify has announced the extension of its free audiobook offer to Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand, granting users in these regions 15 hours of monthly free audiobook listening. Moreover, the platform is broadening its audiobook library from 200,000 to 250,000 titles. This expansion follows Spotify's declaration two months ago that its audiobook service ranks as the second-largest provider after Amazon's Audible. Since its launch last November, users have engaged with over 150,000 titles. Audiobooks are easily accessible through the Home feed or search tab within the Spotify app, with those labeled "Included in Premium" requiring a Spotify Premium subscription for listening. Listening hours can be monitored within the app's settings.


2023. Audible launches app for smart watches



Audible has unveiled its Wear OS application, broadening the horizons for audiobook enthusiasts using Android-based smartwatches. This app enables users to download audiobooks for offline listening and adjust the playback speed of their podcasts according to their preferences. Additionally, it allows users to directly choose audiobooks from their library on their Galaxy Watch that runs Wear OS. This integration provides newfound freedom to users, allowing them to enjoy their beloved books without being tied to their smartphones. Essentially, the Audible Wear OS app offers a seamless and intuitive audiobook experience for Android smartwatch users. Whether you're on the go or taking a break from your smartphone, Audible on Wear OS provides a fresh way to immerse yourself in your favorite books anytime, anywhere.


2023. Beelinguapp allows to learn language by audiobooks


Beelinguapp offers an engaging way to acquire proficiency in up to 14 new languages by using audiobooks and music. Unlike conventional lesson-based language learning platforms, Beelinguapp is tailored to enhance the enjoyment of the learning process. This convenient application, accessible on any device, presents text in two different languages, side by side. It allows you to compare your native language with the one you wish to learn while immersing yourself in audiobooks delivered in a unique karaoke-style reading method, narrated by native speakers of the target language. You have the flexibility to choose from a variety of languages such as Spanish, German, Korean, or French, and explore a wide range of texts, from news articles to novels to fairytales. Beelinguapp continually updates its collection with new audiobooks each week, ensuring you always have a diverse selection to learn from.


2023. Audiobook service Audioteka acquired by Polish holding



The acquisition of Audioteka by Wirtualna Polska Holding Group has been successfully finalized for an impressive €17 million. Audioteka, a prominent player in the audiobook industry, with its headquarters in Warsaw, has developed a highly regarded mobile and multi-language application designed for smartphones and tablets. The company has gained recognition for catering to a diverse audience, providing audiobooks in an impressive range of 9 languages across 23 countries. This strategic deal is expected to create synergies between the two companies, allowing for collaborative opportunities and an expanded reach for Audioteka's extensive audiobook catalog. Customers can look forward to an enhanced and seamless user experience as the integration process gains momentum.


2023. Audiobook platform Libro.fm allows to support local bookstores



Libro.fm, the audiobook retailer and listening app that supports local bookshops, has expanded its services internationally, allowing more bookstores worldwide to generate income through audiobook sales. Presently, Libro.fm collaborates with over 2,200 independent bookshops, including 146 international stores. This expansion comes at a critical time when independent bookshops face tough competition from Amazon and other major online retailers. By launching internationally, Libro.fm aims to offer smaller stores an opportunity to thrive and grow their businesses. Through their unique approach, Libro.fm shares profits with the selected bookshop each time a customer makes a purchase or pays the membership fee. This means that customers, instead of contributing their money to a large service like Audible, can now provide essential revenue directly to their local bookstores.


2023. Android Reading Mode can turn any text into an audiobook



Android users now have the opportunity to read on their mobile devices while multitasking, thanks to a new Google's app called Reading Mode. This app is particularly valuable for visually impaired users because of its extensive customization options. Users can personalize their reading experience by adjusting font type, color, and size to suit their preferences. Moreover, the app offers a text-to-speech feature that can read paragraphs aloud, even when using other apps or when the screen is turned off. To utilize this read-aloud feature, simply visit a website with multiple paragraphs of text and activate Reading Mode using your preferred shortcut. If it's your first time using the shortcut and your device supports multiple accessibility apps, you can select "Reading Mode" from the available options.


2023. Audible is testing ad-supported access



Audible is testing ad-supported access to select titles for non-members. The move indicates that the company may be exploring the possibility of an ad-based membership option. Audible declined to comment on any specific plans. The test includes audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals. Audible says the test applies to a limited subsection of titles on its platform. Content providers were informed of the change and given the chance to opt out of ads. Users who are part of the test will hear a total of eight ads within a 24-hour period. Audible says it has taken additional measures to make sure that ads won’t be heard too frequently within a short time span. The company currently offers an Audible Plus membership plan that costs $7.95 per month and includes a selection of Audible Originals, audiobooks, sleep tracks, meditation programs and podcasts.


2023. Apple Books launches catalog of AI-narrated audiobooks



Apple Books has introduced a collection of books narrated by artificial intelligence, a move that could signal the start of a decline for human narrators. This strategy represents an effort to disrupt the profitable and rapidly growing audiobook market. However, it also brings the likelihood of increased scrutiny regarding accusations of Apple's anti-competitive conduct. Within Apple's Books app, a search for "AI narration" unveils a selection of works featured in this initiative. These works are described as having been "narrated by a digital voice based on a human narrator." Although there could be potential backlash from professional voice actors, authors themselves are increasingly being requested to personally narrate their own books. For writers, there exists a financial incentive in terms of upfront payments and broader accessibility of their creations.


2022. Spotify to sells audiobooks



Spotify is taking on the audiobook market with its new section Spotify Audiobooks. That means you'll be able to listen to your favorite music, podcasts, and books all in one place, regardless of whether or not you pay for a Spotify Premium subscription. However, unlike music and podcasts on Spotify, the audiobooks aren't free. To purchase an audiobook through Spotify, you will be taken to the web from the app to complete your purchase — like how you pay for Spotify Premium — and then brought back to the app. Each audiobook is individually priced consistent with industry standards. There is no discount for Spotify Premium users. The feature allows users to download audiobooks that they can keep forever; the platform offers more than 300,000 in a diverse range of genres.


2022. You can no longer buy audiobooks on Audible for Android



Audible is undergoing a change in its Android app experience, transitioning to Google Play Billing, which will impact the ability to purchase individual titles directly within the app. Instead, single title purchases will no longer be available. Additionally, new Audible memberships will be billed through Google Play, rather than directly through Audible. However, users will still have the option to utilize Audible credits for purchasing books within the app, and the ability to acquire additional credits will remain accessible. This alteration is a result of a Google Policy revision for developers, which now entails a 30% charge on each digital good for larger companies generating over $1 million in annual revenue.


2022. Audible ties up with Wattpad



Audible has formed a partnership with the online social reading platform Wattpad, as reported by Indianexpress. This collaboration aims to make the most popular stories from Wattpad accessible to members of Audible in the form of audiobooks. Throughout 2022, the platform, owned by Amazon, plans to introduce additional titles from Wattpad. What's even better for Audible members is that these stories will be available for free. Audible expressed their strong belief in the potential of the Indian market and sees the inclusion of more regional language audiobooks and podcasts as a way to tap into a larger segment of the market.


2021. Costco launches new Audiobook Store and iOS App



Costco, one of the world's largest big box retailers, has ventured into the audiobook industry with the launch of their audiobook store on their website. They have also introduced a free iOS app that allows customers to listen to their purchased audiobooks. Costco primarily offers curated audiobook bundles, comprising multiple titles at a remarkably low price, selected by their staff. Currently, individual audiobook listings are not available, but this may change as the store evolves. To purchase audiobooks from Costco, a membership card is required, and customers must reside in the United States, as the store has yet to launch in Canada. The membership program subsidizes the cost of the bundles and offers better deals compared to individual purchases from other online retailers such as Audible, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo Audiobooks, among others.


2021. Waze now allows to stream Audible-audiobooks when driving a car



Waze, the mobile navigation app known for providing driving directions, has now integrated with Audible, enabling drivers to listen to audiobooks and podcasts while on the road. Audible members can seamlessly access audio content, including Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts, directly within the Waze app. With access to over 600,000 Audible Originals and a vast library of other content, drivers have a wide range of options to choose from. Waze already offers integration with numerous other audio apps such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, and NPR, further enhancing the audio experience for drivers.


2020. Audible is changing its subscription packages



Audible has recently introduced a new subscription package called Audible Plus, granting subscribers access to an impressive collection of over 68,000 hours of content spanning more than 11,000 original productions, audiobooks, and podcasts. This new offering comes at a monthly cost of $7.95. In addition, Audible has rebranded its Audible Gold program as Audible Premium Plus, available at a monthly subscription fee of $14.95. Audible Plus provides users with access to podcasts and original content, but does not include credits. Existing Audible members can immediately enjoy the new Plus library, while new users will be able to subscribe to the Audible Plus service starting from August 27th.


2020. Audible updated library management on iOS



Audiobook service Audible has introduced changes to their library system within the iOS app. Users now have the ability to arrange their audiobooks by genre or create collections. If you have multiple audiobooks in progress, you can conveniently locate titles based on their listening status. The new "Titles" feature enables you to filter your titles as started, not-started, or finished. Additionally, titles can be sorted by genres, automatically organizing books for those who prefer an effortless approach. To further customize your organization, you can create your own folders or collections with unique names and add titles to them. The newly introduced Favorites section provides easy access to your most frequently listened titles, allowing you to enjoy them repeatedly.


2020. Audible is giving away hundreds of stories for kids



Audible has embraced a powerful motto, "For as long as schools are closed, we're open," which is set to make a significant impact on households worldwide. The company recently made an exciting announcement, declaring that hundreds of their kid-friendly titles can now be accessed completely free, without any obligations or requirements for registration or login. All you need to do is click the provided link and start enjoying the captivating stories. This offering comes as a lifesaver for those moments when your little ones are feeling restless, and you find yourself short on time to read to them. Audible takes care of it all. Their vast collection includes stories suitable for every age, from Winnie-the-Pooh for the youngest toddlers to The Mystery of Alice for tweens. Additionally, there's an extensive selection available in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. You have the freedom to stream these titles on your desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet, ensuring convenient access to a world of delightful storytelling.


2019. Overdrive comes to Germany



The largest company in the public library digital audiobooks and ebooks domain, Overdrive, has expanded its availability to Germany. Through a partnership with Libreka, one of the country's leading distributors, OverDrive aims to provide numerous benefits to public libraries and publishers in the DACH region. With its establishment in 2006, Libreka has acquired technical expertise in the ebook industry and deep familiarity with the DACH area, enabling them to deliver exceptional service to OverDrive's library customers. Furthermore, Libreka's experience working with publishers and extensive knowledge of German-language content will greatly benefit the customers served by the partnership.


2018. Google Audiobooks gets Trim Silences feature



Google Play Books has recently introduced a new feature known as Trim Silences, available exclusively for listening to audiobooks purchased from Google. This functionality automatically shortens extended pauses between words or sentences. While professional audiobooks typically have these pauses removed by default, Trim Silences proves particularly valuable for certain small presses and independent authors who may have unintentional longer pauses.


2018. Google brings audiobooks to its Play store



Google Play store now includes audiobooks in its offerings. This new feature for audiobooks is being launched in 45 countries and is available in nine languages. Similar to other platforms, you can listen to a preview of the audiobook directly on the Play Store. Moreover, audiobooks are automatically added to your family library, enabling easy sharing of your copy of "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" with everyone in your household. One particularly handy feature is the integration with Google Assistant on both your phone and Google Home. With this integration, you can simply ask the assistant to read your book, and it will comply. You can also ask basic questions about the book, such as the author's identity. Google's pricing appears to be competitive when compared to similar offerings from Amazon.