According to the 2019 Audiobook Publishers Association Consumer Survey

 

 

• Half of Americans over twelve years old have heard an audiobook, compared to 44% in 2018

• 55% of those who have listened to audiobooks are under 45 years old

• 51% of regular audiobook listeners are age 18-44 years old

• 56% of audiobook listeners create additional time to hear audiobooks

• On average, audiobook listeners heard 6.8 audiobooks over the past year, compared to 6.5 in 2018

• Of audiobook listeners, 40% report audiobooks aid them in completing additional books

• 62% of people possessing automotive in-dash entertainment systems report having heard an audiobook in their car, the most common listening location

• Just over 33% of the 42% of adult audiobook listeners, possessing a smart speaker, report using this medium for audiobook listening at home

• The reported preferred category for audiobook listeners is mystery/thriller/suspense

 

“This new data continues the positive trends we’ve seen the last few years. Audiobooks are becoming more mainstream, and most of the growth is coming from people using technology to find time in their day to consume more books,” said Chris Lynch, Co-Chair of the APA’s Research Committee and President & Publisher, Simon & Schuster Audio.