Spotify: Expanded audiobook service & podcast memberships
Two meaningful announcements from Spotify. First, a dramatic expansion of its audiobook listening service. Then, a podcast membership scheme. Continue Reading
audiobooks
Project Gutenburg, MIT, and Microsoft collaborate on free audiobook project
Project Gutenberg, whose mission is to make copyright-free books available online, has partnered with Microsoft and MIT in an AI project to narrate thousands of open-access audiobooks with synthetic voices. Continue Reading
Audiobook revenue up 12% in 2020, to $1.3B, part of longer term rocketing growth
In research conducted by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), Edison Research, and InterQ Research, the APA announced earlier this month that audiobook revenue rose 12% in 2020, to $1.3-billion. Click through for many more stats in this vibrant and fast-growing audio field. Continue Reading
Spotify gets exclusive audio recordings of celebrities reading Harry Potter
Spotify has a history of opposition to exclusive releases in music, but it seems willing to make exceptions for other audio content. The streaming service will be the exclusive home to the audio recordings of a star-studded reading of the first book in the famed Harry Potter series. Continue Reading
Sonos integrates audiobooks from Libby library app
Sonos is making some content additions in recent months. On the back of the launch for its Sonos Radio, the speaker company announced an integration with OverDrive’s Libby app. This program helps libraries connect with patrons, giving them access to audiobooks and ebooks on their own devices. Continue Reading
Deloitte partner shares outlook for audiobooks and podcasts in India
Prashanth Rao, a partner at Deloitte India, wrote an article with an outlook for podcasts and audiobooks in India. Deloitte’s latest data pegged the audiobook and podcast sector as commanding revenue of less than $5 billion globally in 2020. Continue Reading
Audible launches audiobook promo campaign for Australia/New Zealand
Audible is running a new promotional campaign in Australia/New Zealand aimed at encouraging more people to pick up audiobooks. The campaign has tapped some popular local celebrities to tout audiobooks as a way to keep up with their ‘to-read’ lists even when they lead busy lives. Continue Reading
Deloitte report sees podcast revenue breaking the $1 billion milestone this year
Deloitte released its annual report with predictions for the tech, media, and telecom sectors. The analysis included a section devoted to audiobooks and podcasts. Deloitte predicted that the global podcast market would be worth $1.1 billion in 2020, while it pegged the global audiobook market as hitting $3.5 billion. Continue Reading
Audiobook sales projected to surpass ebook sales in the UK next year
The UK is experiencing a surge in audiobook popularity. Deloitte’s latest projections anticipate that audiobooks will generate UK revenue of £115 million in 2020 and outpace sales of ebooks. A similar growth curve is happening in the U.S. Continue Reading
Audible launches investments in theater
Audible is broadening its scope to include theater. The Amazon division is producing plays with the aim of recording the performances and turning them into audiobooks and podcasts. In addition to sponsoring performances to be recorded, Audible established a $5 million fund to commission new works by emerging artists. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Audiobook production; videos for Rap Caviar; happy birthday to 8tracks
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Audiobooks versus podcasts; Rap Caviar gets video; happy birthday to 8tracks! Continue Reading