New Audible research has uncovered Australia’s audio boom, as audiobook listeners reshape the streaming landscape, with digital audio growth now outpacing TV, video streamers, and even platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Digital audio is on the rise in Australia, with more than three-quarters of the population (76 per cent) now consuming digital audio content, including audiobooks, podcasts, and audio series. In the past 12 months alone, more than half of Australians (58 per cent) have consumed digital audio, and 52 per cent are now monthly listeners – a 14 per cent increase since 2022.
“Digital audio is a fast-growing, high-engagement media category reshaping consumer behaviour,” Audible’s global head of brand media Polly Blenkinship said.
“We’re seeing a shift in behaviour where audio is no longer just something people listen to in the background. It has become a deeply personal and immersive experience, one that fits seamlessly into everyday life, whether it’s during a commute, while cooking, or as a way to relax and recharge. This evolution has opened up new opportunities for creators, publishers, and brands to connect with audiences in more meaningful and intimate ways,” Blenkinship added.
From morning commute to moments in our kitchens, audio has fit around Aussies’ daily routines–flexibility is a driver of digital audio’s popularity. Whether it’s a podcast during a morning walk or an audiobook while cooking dinner, Australians are embracing the freedom to listen on their own terms. More than half (67 per cent) of all listeners tune in at home, often multitasking with housework (30 per cent), cooking (26 per cent), or even gardening (13 per cent).
More than half (54 per cent) listen on the move–in cars, on walks, or while travelling. 28 per cent cite the ability to multitask while doing housework or commuting as one of the key appealing benefits of audiobooks.
More than one in four audiobook listeners (26 per cent) binge content in one go or over a few long sittings, whilst over a third (36 per cent) regularly tune in for more than 30 minutes at a time. A fifth (19 per cent) of all listeners arrange their schedule/plans around listening to audio content, highlighting digital audio’s growing impact on audience engagement.
A reading renaissance
Audio is fueling a broader reading renaissance. Rather than replacing traditional reading, audiobooks are expanding it, becoming a gateway to more reading, more genres, and more engagement.
The data shows that eight in ten audiobook listeners (83 per cent) say they can consume more print or digital books thanks to audiobook habits, while two-thirds (65 per cent) say they have read more print or digital books since they started listening to audiobooks. In fact, over half (56 per cent) of audiobook listeners have purchased a physical book after listening to the audio version, while two-thirds (67 per cent) have sought out the audiobook version after reading a book.
This cross-format engagement is helping Australians explore new genres and deepen their connection to stories. Nearly nine in ten audiobook listeners (87 per cent) say audiobooks have introduced them to genres they wouldn’t normally read, one in five (19 per cent) say audiobooks help them enjoy stories they’re not fond of reading, and 74 per cent agree it’s exciting when their favourite authors release audio-first content.
What’s keeping Aussies listening
Australians are intentional when it comes to choosing their audio content, and two factors stand out: genre and narration. Genre is the top driver, with 84 per cent of all listeners saying it plays a key role in their decision-making.
The most listened-to genres across the country include: mysteries & thrillers, crime, comedy, romance and health & wellness.
But it’s not just the story, it’s the storyteller that makes the experience memorable. Voice is central to the listening experience, with 81 per cent of all listeners prioritising an engaging narrator over an author they know (65 per cent) when making decisions on audio content.
Familiarity also matters. More than half of all listeners (55 per cent) actively look for audio featuring a familiar narrator, and audiobook listeners are just as intentional, as a similar number (56 per cent) seek out a specific narrator when choosing their audiobook content.
And the connection runs deep, with over a third of all listeners (36 per cent) saying their favourite narrators or podcast hosts feel “like friends”.
“Australia is one of the most dynamic digital audio markets globally, and Audible is proud to play a role in shaping its future, as we celebrate a decade of listening in Australia,” Blenkinship said.
“From day one, our mission has been to spark imaginations through audio storytelling. Over the past ten years, we’ve partnered with publishers, authors, and voice actors to redefine audio entertainment and build a passionate community. As demand for premium listening grows, we’re committed to championing diverse local stories through our Audible Originals program and amplifying Australian voices to audiences worldwide,” she added.
