January 2026 News Roundup
Take a look back at the best audiobooks, stories and growth categories of 2025 and then turn the page to see what 2026 plots to deliver; paper to audio transitions, voicechat for audiobooks, a new Arabic digital library, video marketing for audiobooks, a children’s literature focus for the Spanish language market and Audiofile Magazine handing over the reins to Kirkus. The plot thickens; audiobooks outpace tv, outsell hardcovers and help you to live longer. A New Delhi book fair booth draws a crowd for voice cloning and Rwanda reports a preference for audiobooks. Don Katz reminisces in an interview and Rob Reiner’s A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever returns to the bestsellers charts. Dreaming of Spring? Bathe yourself in the sound of wildflowers with an innovative coffee table photographers’ audiobook.
General News
APA president Sean McManus Shares The best audiobooks of 2025 with NPR
"The audiobook industry as a whole has been growing by double digits year over year for almost a decade, and we saw that again this year," says McManus. [Source: npr.org]
Spotify Testing Scans for Matching paper-to-audio
Imagine being able to pick up in your audiobook where you left off in your physical book. [Source: theverge.com]
A Look Back on 2025 and Plans for the Future
Not surprisingly, two stories about audiobooks are on our most-read list. [Source: publishingperspectives.com]
Reading Books can Help you Live Longer
Mounting evidence suggests reading can lower stress, protect against cognitive decline, and even extend your life. [Source: nationalgeographic.com]
Listen to This: Some Audiobooks Are Outselling Hardcovers
Though the pace of growth has slowed, audiobooks remain a bright spot in publishing. [Source: wsj.com]
In AUSTRALIA, Audio Audience Growth Outpaces TV, Streaming, AND Social Media
Digital audio is on the rise in Australia, with more than three-quarters of the population now consuming digital audio content. [Source: bandt.com]
Audiobooks vs Braille: Finding the right balance
Braille isn’t always practical. Physical space, cost, availability, and even physical fatigue all play a role. [Source: guardian.co.tt]
Why I Stopped Reading and Embraced Audiobooks
On the joys of having stories in my ears. [Source: nytimes.com]
The business of audiobooks
Kirkus Buys AUdioFile Magazine
Since it was founded in 1992 by Robin Whitten, AudioFile has published more than 60,000 audiobook reviews. [Source: publishersweekly.com]
Publishing’s Defining Conversations in 2025 — and What Comes Next
Reporter Talita Facchini looks back at the important stories and trends of 2025 and what the global industry can expect in 2026. [Source: publishingperspectives.com]
Hoopla Digital Shares 2025 Trends, Growth Categories
On the year ahead, VP of content Brad Rose said, “We’ll continue focusing on the early reader piece, children’s in general, world languages, and partnering with our publishers, because that’s what our customers need." [Source: publishersweekly.com]
Audible Tests Use of Video Content to Promote Audiobook Discovery
Focusing on the US market, Audible announced that it is doing a limited beta of in-app immersive video to tap into the growing trend of audio discovery through visual content. [Source: publishingperspectives.com]
RBmedia and W.W. Norton & Company Announce Exclusive Audiobook Partnership
New agreement builds on longstanding collaboration to bring Norton titles to listeners worldwide. [Source: fox40.com]
Specific markets
U.S. Market, Children’s Titles Both Key to Growing Spanish-Language Audiobooks
While Latin America lags behind Europe and the U.S. in terms of audiobook penetration, panelists at the Guadalajara International Book Fair identified the need to target the children’s segment as a way of creating future readers. [Source: publishersweekly.com]
Amazon launches the Digital Arabic Library
At launch, the audiobook catalog is English-only, though Spotify is exploring expanding into local languages. [Source: aboutamazon.com]
Rwanda: National Library Turns to Audiobooks to Boost Reading and Preserve Culture
Robert Masozera, Director General of RCHA, noted that 68 percent of readers prefer audiobooks to traditional reading, highlighting the need for digital preservation. [Source: allafrica.com]
Indian audiobook platform parent reportedly eyes $200m IPO
Kuku FM, launched in 2018, provides audiobooks and stories in several Indian languages, and reports over 10 million paying subscribers on its website. [Source: techinasia.com]
AI News
New Delhi World Book Fair: AI-powered audiobook booth
Readers are lining up to record a sample of their voice: voila! they’re the narrator of their favorite stories. [Source: ptinews.com]
ElevenLabs' VoiceChat for audiobooks, went live on December 2
ElevenLabs is actively courting publishers for licensed partnerships. [Source: publishersweekly.com]
FEED YOUR EARPODS
Listen to Rob Reiner Tell the Story of Spinal Tap In His Recently-Released Audiobook
The writer and director's A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever has returned to Amazon's bestsellers charts following his passing. [Sources: variety.com]
Interviews & Podcasts
Audible founder Don Katz reminisces with Bird Key Yacht Club members
Joined on the stage by moderator Richard Besser, CEO and president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and a friend of 20 years, Katz revisited the early days of the company. [Source: yourobserver.com]
Something outside the booth
Voices for the Splendor of California Wildflowers lets visually impaired ‘see’ nature
The audiobook project, which highlights essays by scientists, environmental leaders, and nature writers, was inspired by the desire of a legally blind friend to “see” the striking images. [Source: localnewsmatters.org]
Sophie Kuebler's 3D Cinematic Audiobooks Transform How We Experience Stories
The German sound designer has developed a production methodology that applies film-grade audio techniques to literary storytelling, creating what she calls 3D cinematic audiobooks. [Source: techtimes.com]