APA SALES & CONSUMER DATA
THE AUDIO PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SURVEY
SHOWS AUDIOBOOK SALES GROW TO 2.22 BILLION DOLLARS
Double Digit Growth Continues as Attention from New Audiences Rises with Growing Interest Among Non-Listeners
June 2, 2025, New York, NY – The Audio Publishers Association Sales Survey, conducted by Toluna, shows a return to double digit growth for the industry with an increase in audiobook sales revenue to $2.22 billion in 2024, 13% over the previous year. Sales increases continue to be driven by digital audiobooks, which accounted for 99% of revenue in 2024 and grew year over year by 14%.
The Audio Publishers Association 2025 Consumer Survey, conducted by Edison Research, found 51% of Americans aged 18 and older, an estimated 134 million people, have listened to an audiobook. There is a notable increase in interest among non-listeners: 38% say they are interested in audiobooks, up from 32% last year, with the number of those very interested nearly doubling from 10% to 18%.
Piracy continues to be a concern, and the Audio Publishers Association is actively working on this issue, noting from the Edison data that 35% of Audiobook Listeners have listened to an audiobook on YouTube, up from 27% in 2023. One of the top reasons (76%) for using YouTube was cited as no cost for the products, which are largely pirated.
Other key insights from the 2025 research:
A growing share of listeners cite accessibility as a key factor in audiobook consumption: 72% say it’s important that audiobooks are available on their preferred listening platform and 63% value access through their library app.
General Fiction accounts for the largest share of revenue by genre and grew by 16% over 2023 revenue. Science Fiction / Fantasy, Romance, and General Non-Fiction make up the remaining top genres by revenue.
The largest year-on-year increases in genre sales were seen in Romance (+30%), Children’s & YA (+26%), and Science Fiction / Fantasy (+21%).
The consumption and number of AI-narrated audiobooks has increased, though willingness to try AI-narrated audiobooks dropped year-over-year, from 77% in 2023 to 70% in 2025.
How the APA Consumer Study Was Conducted
In February 2025, Edison Research conducted an online survey of 1,700 U.S. adults aged 18+ on behalf of the Audio Publishers Association. Results were weighted to reflect the national audience composition reported in the Infinite Dial® 2025, conducted by Edison Research, Audacy, Cumulus Media, and SiriusXM Media.
Access to this and additional industry data is available to APA members.
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About the Audio Publishers Association
Formed in 1986, the Audio Publishers Association (APA) is a not-for-profit trade association that advocates the common, collective business interests of audio publishers. The APA serves as a networking, educational, and information forum for its members; delivers programs, services, and awards that serve the common business interests for its members; and promotes policies and activities that accelerate audiobook awareness and industry growth.
Edison Research conducts survey research and provides strategic information to a broad array of clients worldwide, having conducted research in 66 countries. Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial® series has been the survey of record for digital audio, social media, podcasting, smart speakers, and other media-related technologies since 1998. The company’s Share of Ear® survey is the only single-source measure of all audio in the U.S. Edison Research is the leading podcast research company in the world, producing the only survey-based data on podcast listening in the U.S, Edison Podcast Metrics, and has conducted research for many companies in the space.
Toluna is the global research and insights leader that enables businesses to make smarter, data-driven decisions – faster. For 25 years, they have partnered with the world’s leading brands, delivering transformative impact through our advanced technology platform, comprehensive solution portfolio, expansive global first-party panel, and world-class team of leading research experts. Since 2019, they’ve made significant investments in artificial intelligence to enhance automation, accelerate insight delivery, and unlock deeper understanding at scale. With 40+ offices worldwide, Toluna operates in 70+ countries, redefining the future of insights.
For media inquiries and questions about the industry, please contact APA Headquarters: press@audiopub.org