Whether working out at the local gym or walking along the beach, seeing people with tiny headphones is one of the most common sights.
While some may be on a phone call, most are listening to music, a podcast, or even a novel. In fact, audio books have become one of the most popular products to come out in the world of books.
According to Publishers’ Weekly, the audio book industry is a $1.8 billion one, having seen an overall rise of 25 per cent between 2020 and 2022. A brief fall in consumption followed a rapid rise during the global pandemic, but overall, the upward trend continues.
Children’s books account for almost 10 per cent of the total sales of audio books.
It is not difficult to account for the popularity of audio books. Except for purists who still prefer a hard copy of a book which can be read at leisure, there are many who like to carry their books in their pockets, in their phones and tablets.
There are many added advantages to audio books: portability, ease of access, the added excitement of voice and action, and competitive pricing.
The most important advantage of audio books is the extent to which it allows us to multitask. Whether cooking, cleaning, ironing, gardening or engaging in any other chore, audio books offer a distraction from the monotony of daily activities. This also include daily rush hour commutes which can be filled up with an exciting and captivating story which unfolds as one arrives home.
Audio books are also levelling out different types of readers. Anyone with reading challenges or even those who cannot decipher fine print find this technology accessible and comfortable.
Another great advantage of audio books is its access to those learning another language. Audio books in English, for example, help learners to pronounce new words, introduce different accents and show how dialogue is conveyed. It encourages learning through storytelling.
In fact, this format is directly influenced by podcasts, which is another hugely popular format today. Being oral forms, both appeal to a similar audience, with audio books taking inspiration from the written word while podcasts are more spontaneous and conversational. The ease of access makes this format even more convenient. All popular platforms have their own streaming formats providing seamless services in terms of browsing, purchasing and updating the applications.
Audio books also make the reader-listener be more in control of their experience. Books can be re-played, fast-forwarded or set to a specific speed, to either get the gist or savour every word.
Equally importantly, it is easier to store or delete, without having to think of how to exchange or dispose of a traditional book.
The biggest advantage of audio books is that it is engaging and interactive, making those who are not traditionally avid readers take an interest in literature, be it stories, poems, motivation or travel. There is something in it for everyone.
Many of us may still swear by the musty smells of old books in imposing libraries, but audio books offer a similar experience to those who prefer literature on the go.
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