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Audible: A Complete Guide – How It Works, Cost & Features

Dive into this detailed overview of Audible, a platform that offers thousands of audiobooks, uncovering its features, pricing, and how it works. Get ready to enhance your listening experience!


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Are you tired of reading books the old-fashioned way? Say hello to Audible, the ultimate audiobook hub that’s here to revolutionise your reading experience!

In this article, we’ll do a detailed overview of what Audible is and include pricing, features, number of audiobooks, how it works, and more. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on an auditory journey.

What is Audible?

audible

Audible is owned by Amazon. It is the biggest and most popular audiobook platform on the market right now despite increased competition from companies like Apple and Google.

Founded in 1995, Audible has been through many, many changes in its time. It even released a portable media player back in the late-1990s called the Audible MobilePlayer.

This was before the advent of the smartphone or even mobile data, really, so the Audible product had yet to find its feet. But the idea was a solid one and the company stuck with it, securing investment from Microsoft to the tune of $11 million in 1999.

Post-2000, things picked up quickly and the company grew rapidly thanks, in no small part, to the growing popularity of smartphones.

Here’s a quick timeline of Audible’s history from its start-up beginnings in the late 1990s right up to its present day guise as one of Amazon’s most profitable services.

The History of Audible

  • In 1999, Microsoft invested $11 million in Audible, but the company faced a setback when its CEO, Andrew J. Huffman, passed away.
  • Audible continued its development, licensing the ACELP codec in 2000 and receiving an investment from Amazon.
  • In 2003, Audible became the exclusive provider of audiobooks for Apple’s iTunes Music Store, a partnership that lasted until 2017.
  • In 2005, Audible introduced “Audible Air,” allowing users to download audiobooks directly to their devices.
  • In 2006, Audible released the A-List collection with works narrated by famous actors.
  • In 2007, the company moved its headquarters from Wayne, New Jersey, to Newark.
  • Amazon acquired Audible for $300 million in 2008, and Audible began producing exclusive science fiction and fantasy audiobooks under the “Audible Frontiers” imprint.
  • In 2011, Audible launched the Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX), an online rights marketplace and production platform.
  • The A-List Collection, featuring Hollywood stars narrating great works of literature, was introduced in 2012. Audible quickly became one of the largest employers of actors in the New York area.
  • In 2012, the company introduced “Whispersync for Voice,” allowing users to seamlessly switch between reading and listening to audiobooks.
  • In 2016, Audible announced the “Innovation Cathedral,” a new facility in Newark.
  • In 2019, the company faced a lawsuit over its Audible Captions feature, which was settled in 2020.
  • In November 2020, Audible modified its return and exchange policy in response to concerns from authors.

What Does Audible Include?

Audible offers a wide range of audio content, including audiobooks, podcasts, and original content. Here are some of the top offerings of Audible:

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are the core offering of Audible, and it has a massive library of more than 600,000 titles. Audible includes books in every category, including fiction, non-fiction, self-help, memoirs, and more. With Audible, you can listen to bestsellers, classics, and even new releases.

Audible also has a fantastic feature called Whispersync, which allows you to switch between reading an ebook and listening to an audiobook seamlessly. You can start listening to an audiobook while you are commuting or doing household chores, and pick up right where you left off when you have time to read.

Original Content

In addition to audiobooks, Audible also offers a vast library of original content. Audible Originals are exclusive audiobooks, podcasts, and series that are produced by Audible. These Originals feature well-known narrators, including celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Kate Winslet, and Kevin Hart.

Audible Originals cover a range of genres, including mysteries, romance, comedy, and even true crime. Some of the most popular Audible Originals include “The Sandman,” “The Power of Vulnerability,” and “The Coldest Case.”

Podcasts

Audible has a growing library of podcasts, including some popular titles like “This American Life,” “Reply All,” and “The Daily.” Audible’s podcast offerings range from true crime to politics to self-help, and more.

One unique feature of Audible’s podcasts is that many of them come with visual companions. For example, you can listen to the podcast “The Butterfly Effect” while also viewing related images and videos.

Channels

Audible Channels are another unique offering that Audible includes. Channels are curated collections of podcasts, short-form audio content, and even news articles. Channels cover a wide range of topics, including science, history, and technology.

Audible Channels are a great way to discover new content and stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends. Some of the most popular channels on Audible include “Slate’s Daily Feed,” “The New York Times,” and “NPR News Now.”

Audible also works on all major operating systems, including Android and iOS, so you can run it on your phone, tablet, and even your PC and/or Mac.

Additional Resources:

Pricing: How Much Does Audible Cost?

Audible offers various plans to cater to different budgets and preferences.

PlanCost# of CreditsCredit Expiration
Audible Plus Membership$7.95 per monthNo creditsN/A
Audible Premium Plus Membership$14.95 per month1 per month12 months from the issue date.
Audible Premium Plus Membership 2 Credits$22.95 per month2 per month12 months from the issue date.
Audible Premium Plus Annual Membership 12 Credits$149.50 per year12 per year12 months from the issue date.
Audible Premium Plus Annual Membership 24 Credits$229.50 per year24 per year12 months from the issue date.

Here’s a breakdown of their current pricing structure:

  • Audible Plus: $7.95/month (access to select audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals)
  • Audible Premium Plus: $14.95/month (includes 1 credit per month for any audiobook, plus everything in Audible Plus)
  • Audible Premium Plus Annual: $149.50/year (12 credits upfront, plus everything in Audible Plus)

Audible Membership Plans
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Audible has the largest collection of audiobooks, audio content, and podcasts on the market. Next to my Mac and my iPhone, Audible is one of the most important tech products I use. Its perfect for info junkies or anyone that doesn't have time to read. 

Pros:
  • Vast Library: With over 500,000 titles, there's something for everyone.
  • Whispersync for Voice: Seamlessly switch between reading and listening across multiple devices.
  • Sleep Timer: Set a timer for when you want your audiobook to pause.
  • Adjust Playback Speed: Customize the narration speed to suit your listening preference.
  • Bookmarks and Notes: Mark important sections and jot down notes as you listen.

Features: What Sets Audible Apart?

One of the main benefits of Audible is the convenience it offers. The service provides users with the ability to listen to audiobooks on the go, making it an excellent option for those who lead a busy lifestyle.

Users can download audiobooks to their mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, and listen to them while commuting, exercising, or doing chores. This means that users can enjoy books while they are on the move, which can be a great way to make the most of their time.

Another advantage of Audible is the vast selection of audiobooks available on the platform. With over 500,000 titles in its library, Audible offers something for everyone, from the latest bestsellers to classic literature and non-fiction books.

The platform also offers exclusive content, such as original audio shows and podcasts, which are not available anywhere else. This means that users can discover new books and authors that they may not have heard of before, which can be a great way to broaden their reading horizons.

is audible worth it

Audible also offers a range of features that enhance the listening experience. For example, the platform allows users to adjust the playback speed of audiobooks, which can be a great way to get through books faster or to slow down and savor the story.

Users can also set bookmarks, take notes, and highlight passages, which can be useful for those who like to study or take notes while listening. Additionally, Audible offers a feature called Whispersync, which allows users to switch between reading and listening to a book seamlessly.

This means that users can start reading a book on their Kindle device, for example, and then switch to the audiobook version and pick up right where they left off.

Audible also offers a range of subscription options to suit different budgets and reading habits. Users can choose between a monthly subscription, which includes one credit per month that can be used to purchase any audiobook from the library, or an annual subscription, which includes 12 credits upfront.

Audible offers a free trial for new users, which includes one free audiobook credit that can be used to try out the service.

As someone that has used Audible for the past 10 years, I can confirm that it is a great subscription service for anyone that loves books and would like to supplement their reading by listening to audiobooks.

The platform offers a vast selection of titles, including exclusive content, and provides users with convenient features to enhance the listening experience.

With a range of subscription options to suit different budgets and reading habits, Audible is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the world of audiobooks.

KEY POINTS:

  • Vast Library: With over 500,000 titles, there’s something for everyone.
  • Whispersync for Voice: Seamlessly switch between reading and listening across multiple devices.
  • Sleep Timer: Set a timer for when you want your audiobook to pause.
  • Adjust Playback Speed: Customize the narration speed to suit your listening preference.
  • Bookmarks and Notes: Mark important sections and jot down notes as you listen.

How it Works: Getting Started with Audible

Starting your Audible journey is a piece of cake! Just follow these simple steps:

  • Sign up for an Audible account using your Amazon credentials or create a new account.
  • Choose a subscription plan that suits your needs.
  • Browse the extensive library and use credits or purchase audiobooks à la carte.
  • Download the Audible app on your preferred device.
  • Start listening and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

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