Presented by Carlo Carrenho on May 6, 2025, at the AudioNext Summit 2025, this presentation offers a data-driven tour of the global audiobook business, comparing markets at very different stages of development.
The presentation surveys the United States and United Kingdom, where digital audio has become a major publishing category, before examining Germany, France and the mature Nordic markets. It considers revenue, growth, format preferences, genres, audience profiles and the increasing importance of subscription listening.
The international overview continues through Spanish-language markets, Poland, Japan, China and Italy. The examples reveal significant differences in catalogue size, platform structure, consumer adoption and the role of local and international services. They also show how Spotify, Storytel, Audible, regional platforms and children’s audio products are changing listening habits.
Carrenho argues that emerging audiobook markets usually grow slowly unless supported by major investments, partnerships, promotion or bundling with other services. The presentation concludes with a framework ranging from potential markets to “super-mature” ones and highlights the conditions that can accelerate development.
