GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Popular Audiobooks

The most popular audiobooks tend to be in the mystery/thriller genre and have high ratings from listeners.

Highlights: Most Popular Audiobooks

  • 39% of Americans are more likely to finish an audiobook than a print book.
  • 'Educated' by Tara Westover was the top selling audiobook on Apple's iBooks store in 2020.
  • The total value of audiobook sales in the United States in 2019 was $1.5 billion.
  • Individual American consumers are, on average, listening to over 8 hours of audiobooks each week.
  • In the UK, 'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman was the best-selling audio book in 2020.
  • Historical Fiction tops the list of most popular Audiobook genres, followed closely by Thriller & Suspense.
  • The story 'Wonder' by R.J Palacio was one of the top trending audiobooks on Google Play Store in 2019.
  • Over 50% of listeners in 2019 consumed their audiobooks on a smartphone.
  • 66% of audiobook fans listen every day.
  • Approximately 50% of audiobook consumption in the US in 2019 was fiction.
  • 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir was one of the bestselling science fiction audiobooks in 2021.
  • Sales of digital audiobooks in the UK increased by 43% in 2018.
  • More than 50% of audiobook listeners are under 35.
  • Stephen King's 'The Stand' was among most downloaded audiobooks from Libro.fm in March 2020.
  • 'The Great Gatsby' narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal was among the top selling audiobooks on Audible in 2013.
  • Mystery/Thriller/Suspense is the top genre in audiobook sales.

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The Latest Most Popular Audiobooks Explained

39% of Americans are more likely to finish an audiobook than a print book.

This statistic suggests that 39% of Americans are inclined to complete listening to an entire audiobook as compared to finishing reading a traditional print book. This finding indicates a notable preference for audiobooks over print books among a significant portion of the American population, potentially highlighting the convenience, accessibility, or engagement of audiobooks that attract individuals to complete them more frequently. The statistic implies that for a considerable segment of Americans, the audio format may offer a more appealing and successful way of consuming books as opposed to the traditional print medium, reflecting evolving reading habits and technological advancements in the digital age.

‘Educated’ by Tara Westover was the top selling audiobook on Apple’s iBooks store in 2020.

The statistic ‘Educated’ by Tara Westover was the top-selling audiobook on Apple’s iBooks store in 2020 indicates that this specific audiobook achieved the highest level of sales compared to all other audiobooks on the platform throughout the year. This information reflects the popularity and consumer demand for ‘Educated’ in the audiobook format, suggesting that it resonated with a large audience of Apple iBooks users. This statistic provides insights into the book’s success and can be indicative of its overall impact and reach within the digital audiobook market.

The total value of audiobook sales in the United States in 2019 was $1.5 billion.

The statistic that the total value of audiobook sales in the United States in 2019 was $1.5 billion indicates the amount of revenue generated from the sales of audiobooks within the country during that particular year. This statistic suggests a significant market for audiobooks, reflecting a growing trend in digital media consumption. The high sales value implies a strong consumer demand for audiobooks, potentially driven by factors such as convenience, multitasking capabilities, and the increasing popularity of digital platforms for entertainment. As a result, this statistic provides insights into the economic impact and market size of the audiobook industry in the United States in 2019.

Individual American consumers are, on average, listening to over 8 hours of audiobooks each week.

The statistic indicates that, on average, individual American consumers are dedicating a significant amount of time to consuming audiobooks, with the average weekly listening time exceeding 8 hours. This data suggests a growing trend and strong interest in audiobooks among the American population. The increase in audiobook consumption may be driven by factors such as convenience, accessibility, and technological advancements that make it easier for individuals to listen to books on-the-go or during daily activities. This statistic highlights the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers towards consuming content in audio format, showcasing a shift towards more versatile and flexible ways of engaging with literature and information.

In the UK, ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman was the best-selling audio book in 2020.

The statistic that ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman was the best-selling audio book in the UK in 2020 indicates that this particular audiobook had the highest number of sales compared to all other audiobooks available in the UK market during that year. This suggests that ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ was particularly popular among audiences who prefer consuming books in audio format. The statistic provides insights into the reading preferences and consumption patterns of UK audiences, highlighting the continued popularity of audiobooks as a medium for enjoying literature. Additionally, the success of ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ in the audio book category may reflect the broad appeal of the book’s content or the effectiveness of its marketing and distribution strategies in reaching a wide audience.

Historical Fiction tops the list of most popular Audiobook genres, followed closely by Thriller & Suspense.

The statistic suggests that among audiobook genres, Historical Fiction is the most popular, with a significant lead over other genres. This indicates a strong interest among audiobook consumers in stories set in the past and rooted in historical events or settings. Following closely behind is the Thriller & Suspense genre, suggesting a preference for gripping and suspenseful narratives that keep listeners engaged and on the edge of their seats. The popularity of these genres may reflect the audience’s desire for immersive and compelling storytelling experiences that transport them to different time periods or provoke adrenaline-inducing excitement and anticipation.

The story ‘Wonder’ by R.J Palacio was one of the top trending audiobooks on Google Play Store in 2019.

This statistic indicates that the audiobook for ‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio was one of the most popular and sought-after titles on the Google Play Store in 2019. The term “top trending” suggests that the audiobook experienced a considerable amount of interest and engagement from users during that time period. This could be attributed to various factors such as the book’s popularity, critical acclaim, or its relevance to current cultural conversations. Overall, the statistic highlights the significant appeal and impact of ‘Wonder’ as an audiobook in the digital marketplace during the year 2019.

Over 50% of listeners in 2019 consumed their audiobooks on a smartphone.

The statistic “Over 50% of listeners in 2019 consumed their audiobooks on a smartphone” indicates that a majority of audiobook users in 2019 preferred using their smartphones as their primary device for listening to audiobooks. This statistic highlights the increasing popularity and convenience of accessing audiobooks through mobile devices. The shift towards smartphones for audiobook consumption may suggest a broader trend towards mobile technology usage in the digital media landscape. Factors such as portability, accessibility, and ease of use likely contribute to the preference for smartphones among audiobook consumers.

66% of audiobook fans listen every day.

The statistic “66% of audiobook fans listen every day” indicates that two-thirds of individuals who enjoy audiobooks engage with them on a daily basis. This high frequency of audiobook consumption suggests a strong and regular interest in the medium among this group of individuals. It implies that audiobooks play a significant role in their daily routines, potentially serving as a preferred form of entertainment, education, or relaxation. Understanding the regularity with which audiobook fans listen can help inform decisions related to content creation, marketing strategies, and product offerings in the audiobook industry.

Approximately 50% of audiobook consumption in the US in 2019 was fiction.

The statistic “Approximately 50% of audiobook consumption in the US in 2019 was fiction” indicates that half of the audiobooks listened to in the United States in 2019 were fictional works. This suggests that fiction holds a significant share of the audiobook market, reflecting the popularity of fictional storytelling as a preferred genre among consumers. Audiobooks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and accessibility, allowing people to enjoy literature while on the go or engaging in other activities. The fact that fiction comprises a substantial portion of audiobook consumption highlights the enduring appeal and widespread interest in escaping into imaginative and narrative worlds through audio storytelling.

‘Project Hail Mary’ by Andy Weir was one of the bestselling science fiction audiobooks in 2021.

The statistic ”Project Hail Mary’ by Andy Weir was one of the bestselling science fiction audiobooks in 2021′ indicates that the audiobook version of ‘Project Hail Mary’ by Andy Weir performed exceptionally well within the science fiction genre in terms of sales and popularity throughout the year 2021. This statistic suggests that the audiobook resonated with a wide audience and garnered significant attention and interest within the science fiction community. It highlights the book’s success in capturing the imagination and interest of listeners in the audiobook format specifically, emphasizing its strong performance and impact within the realm of science fiction literature in the year 2021.

Sales of digital audiobooks in the UK increased by 43% in 2018.

The statistic “Sales of digital audiobooks in the UK increased by 43% in 2018” indicates a substantial growth in the market for digital audiobooks within the UK over a one-year period. This percentage increase suggests a significant rise in consumer interest and engagement with digital audiobooks, reflecting changing preferences towards more convenient and accessible forms of consuming literature. The sharp increase also implies potential opportunities for publishers, authors, and retailers to capitalize on this growing market trend through targeted marketing strategies and product offerings that cater to the demand for digital audiobooks.

More than 50% of audiobook listeners are under 35.

The statistic “More than 50% of audiobook listeners are under 35” indicates that a majority of individuals who engage with audiobooks fall into the age group of below 35 years old. This demographic trend suggests that audiobooks are particularly popular among younger generations, possibly due to factors such as technological advancements, digital accessibility, and changing preferences towards consuming media in a convenient and mobile format. Understanding this age distribution among audiobook listeners can help content creators, publishers, and marketers tailor their offerings and promotional strategies to cater to the preferences and behaviors of this younger demographic segment.

Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ was among most downloaded audiobooks from Libro.fm in March 2020.

The statistic that Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ was among the most downloaded audiobooks from Libro.fm in March 2020 indicates that this specific title was popular among users of the audiobook platform during that period. The fact that it was among the top choices suggests that there was a significant level of interest in this particular book among the platform’s users. This statistic can be used to infer that ‘The Stand’ may have been widely acclaimed or highly anticipated at that time, driving its popularity and leading to increased downloads compared to other audiobooks available on Libro.fm.

‘The Great Gatsby’ narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal was among the top selling audiobooks on Audible in 2013.

In the context of audiobooks on Audible in 2013, the statistic that “‘The Great Gatsby’ narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal was among the top-selling audiobooks” indicates that this specific version of the classic novel, read by the popular actor, was consistently popular and in high demand among Audible users during that year. The presence of this audiobook in the top-ranking list suggests that it attracted significant interest and likely garnered a large number of purchases or downloads. Additionally, the use of a well-known actor like Jake Gyllenhaal as the narrator could have been a contributing factor to the audiobook’s success, as it may have appealed to a wide audience and generated positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Mystery/Thriller/Suspense is the top genre in audiobook sales.

The statistic that ‘Mystery/Thriller/Suspense is the top genre in audiobook sales’ indicates that among all genres of audiobooks available for purchase, those falling under the category of Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense are the most popular and in-demand by consumers. This suggests a strong preference for stories that involve intrigue, suspense, and a sense of mystery among audiobook listeners. The high sales numbers for this genre could be attributed to factors such as the captivating nature of mystery and thriller narratives, the thrill of solving a complex puzzle, and the entertainment value of suspenseful storytelling, all of which contribute to the genre’s popularity in the audiobook market.

Conclusion

Given the diverse range of genres and topics available in the world of audiobooks, it is clear that there is something to cater to every listener’s preference. Whether you enjoy fiction, self-help, mystery, or any other category, audiobooks offer a convenient and immersive way to enjoy captivating stories and valuable information. With the increasing accessibility of audiobook platforms, it is easier than ever to discover and enjoy the most popular audiobooks in the market. So, grab your headphones and prepare to be transported into a world of limitless storytelling possibilities.

References

0. – https://www.www.pubexec.com

1. – https://www.www.libro.fm

2. – https://www.www.edisonresearch.com

3. – https://www.www.publishersweekly.com

4. – https://www.www.penguinrandomhouse.com

5. – https://www.www.book2look.com

6. – https://www.play.google.com

7. – https://www.www.authorimprints.com

8. – https://www.www.theguardian.com

9. – https://www.www.statista.com

10. – https://www.www.goodereader.com

11. – https://www.www.audible.com

12. – https://www.www.thebalancecareers.com

13. – https://www.www.bbc.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

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