From E-Book to Audio: How Listening Habits Are Changing in 2025

The book world is in the midst of a profound shift. While print remains the foundation of reading culture, the surge in digital formats, especially audiobooks, is redefining how people consume stories and information.

In 2025, listening has become an integral part of the reading experience, not a niche habit. According to the Audio Publishers Association, U.S. audiobook sales reached $2.22 billion in 2024, up 13% from the previous year, with digital audio making up nearly all of that revenue. In Canada, more than half of readers have listened to an audiobook, and the number who consider it their preferred format has nearly doubled since 2020. Smartphones account for almost half of all audiobook listening time, underscoring how deeply mobile technology has woven itself into the way we read.

The reasons behind this shift are both practical and cultural. Convenience plays a major role, listeners can enjoy books while driving, exercising, or doing chores, turning previously idle moments into productive or entertaining ones. Platforms like Spotify and Audible have also made it easier than ever to discover and stream audiobooks alongside music and podcasts. Spotify reports that over half of its Premium users in eligible markets have listened to at least one audiobook, and year-over-year listener growth has exceeded 30% in some regions. For many people, audiobooks are now the first step into the world of reading rather than a supplement to it. Accessibility is another powerful factor: audio formats open up literature to people with visual impairments or print disabilities, and they cater to those who prefer to listen rather than read.

Listening habits themselves are evolving rapidly. Younger audiences are driving the boom, over half of Spotify’s audiobook listeners are between 18 and 34 years old. Smartphones remain the primary listening device, though smart speakers and in-car systems are growing in popularity as connected technology spreads. Many readers are now fluid between formats, switching from audio to print or e-book depending on context. Nearly half say they’ll switch formats if their preferred one isn’t available, and more than half enjoy “hybrid reading,” listening to an audiobook while following along in text form. Genre preferences are also shifting: fiction continues to dominate, but categories like romance, young adult, and self-help are showing strong double-digit growth. Shorter, serialized formats, essentially “episodes” of books, are gaining traction too, appealing to listeners who want smaller, more flexible chunks of content.

The rise of audio doesn’t mean the demise of e-books, but it does change the dynamics of digital reading. E-books still offer portability and customizability, but audiobooks capture attention when time is scarce. For authors and publishers, that means a multi-format strategy is increasingly essential. Readers expect to find a title in print, digital, and audio, if one isn’t available, they’ll often switch to another. Discovery is another area undergoing transformation. Audiobooks live in ecosystems driven by algorithms and recommendations rather than keyword searches, so success depends on metadata optimization and platform-specific marketing. Subscription and bundle models are reshaping how consumers buy and access audio, often lowering the barrier to entry for first-time listeners compared with one-off e-book purchases.

For listeners, this evolution offers more freedom and flexibility than ever before. Audiobooks fit seamlessly into daily routines and allow people to read more, even with limited time. For authors and publishers, audio has become a core element of storytelling strategy, not just an optional add-on. Narration quality has also become a key differentiator, studies show that a poor narrator can make listeners abandon a title entirely. Meanwhile, production teams are experimenting with immersive techniques such as multi-voice performances and cinematic soundscapes to compete for attention in an increasingly crowded audio environment.

However, the audiobook boom isn’t without challenges. Engagement can be shallow, while many people try audiobooks, far fewer listen regularly. The format also competes for time with podcasts, music, and social audio. On the production side, rising costs, royalty structures, and questions about AI-generated narration continue to spark debate. Most listeners still prefer human voices, with one Canadian study finding that 81% favor human narration over AI. As platforms gain more control over discovery and pricing, independent creators risk losing direct access to their audiences, much as they did in the early days of digital music streaming.

Looking ahead, the next phase of growth will likely bring even more experimentation. Short-form and serialized content are expected to expand, as are immersive experiences enhanced by spatial audio and ambient effects. Integration with smart homes, vehicles, and wearables will make listening even more seamless. Non-English audiobooks are gaining global traction, introducing new voices and stories to broader audiences. Ultimately, the shift from e-book to audio isn’t about replacement, it’s about evolution. The way we “read” is changing to match the rhythm of our lives, and audiobooks have become a natural extension of that transformation. For creators and consumers alike, 2025 marks the moment when listening truly becomes the new reading.