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The transformative power of audiobooks
I remember my first audiobook experience. It was a thriller—one of those books you can’t put down. But instead of sitting in my armchair flipping pages, I was stuck in traffic, with the narrator’s voice pulling me deeper into the story.
TINATH ZAEBA
With the rise of smartphones as well as our endless appetite for content, audiobooks have surged from a niche format to one of the fastest-growing sectors in the publishing industry. Once an option for only a select few, audiobooks are now shaping the way people perceive literature – merging the timeless love of storytelling with modern technology.
Today, they’re not just an alternative, they’re a whole new way to experience stories, and the numbers back it up. According to reports by Statista, in 2024, global audiobook revenues hit a whopping GBP 7.9 billion, and by 2030, that number is expected to skyrocket to approximately GBP 13.3 billion. Why? Because the way we consume stories has changed. All you need is a smartphone and a few taps along the way to immerse yourself in a barrage of audiobooks. Whether it’s through Audible, Spotify, or Storytel, audiobooks are effortlessly adapting to our on-the-go lives.
After all, in our fast-paced world, finding time to sit down with a book can feel like an impossible luxury. Between work, family, and all our small daily commitments that pile up and eat away our free time, cracking open a novel at the end of the day often takes a back seat. But audiobooks have found a sweet spot here, making stories portable and easily accessible.
I remember my first audiobook experience. It was a thriller—one of those books you can’t put down. But instead of sitting in my armchair flipping pages, I was stuck in traffic, with the narrator’s voice pulling me deeper into the story. The idea that I could “read” while commuting was a game-changer.
Amin Al Maksud, 36, a sustainability specialist in an international fashion brand, has had a similar revelation. “Audiobooks are digital, so I can carry them around on my phone,” he shared. “I don’t need to have my hands free. I can listen to them while doing chores, at the gym, or during commutes.”
The shift in how we consume literature is redefining what it means to “read.” No longer is reading confined to holding a physical book or scrolling through an e-reader. Now, you can experience literature through your headphones.
But let’s not forget what makes audiobooks truly special: the narrators. If you’ve ever listened to a good one, you know how they can breathe life into the text, turning even a mundane passage into something gripping. It’s not just about hearing the words, it’s about feeling the rhythm, the tension, and the emotions of the story.
Subaita Subah, a student at BRAC University, said she has become pickier about narrators than authors. “A good narrator can make or break a book,” she explained. “If they’re too monotonous, I lose interest, but if they’re overly dramatic, it’s just as bad. It’s all about finding the right tone and pacing.”
Listening to a well-narrated book, in some ways, feels like a return to our roots and also has nostalgia value. Audiobooks, in that aspect, are more than just reading with your ears. They’re a revival of the ancient art of storytelling, where the voice of the storyteller adds a layer of performance to the tale.
One of the unsung benefits of audiobooks is how they make literature more accessible. For those with visual impairments or learning difficulties like dyslexia, audiobooks are a game-changer.
Syed Abdul Karim, 62, a banker at Standard Chartered, shared how a retinal issue made traditional reading difficult for him. “I used to love reading, but my vision has deteriorated over the years. Audiobooks have allowed me to keep that connection to literature. And the fact that I can replay a passage if I miss something is a huge benefit for me.”
Audiobooks are democratising literature in ways we’re only just beginning to appreciate. What once required specialised editions or technology is now just a tap away, available to anyone, anywhere, at any time. People who might have been excluded from traditional reading experiences are now able to enjoy books on their own terms.
While much of the audiobook revolution has been driven by English-speaking markets, the format is now gaining traction globally. In Bangladesh, for instance, where literacy rates are improving but still not universal, audiobooks in local languages are opening new possibilities. Platforms like Storytel are stepping up and offering books in Bangla. For some, this resurgence of oral storytelling feels like a homecoming. In cultures where oral traditions were once the primary way stories were passed down, audiobooks are breathing new life into them.
The benefits don’t stop there. Audiobooks are often seen as the greener alternative to printed books. With audiobooks, there’s no need for paper, ink, or the energy-intensive processes involved in producing physical books. Additionally, because they’re digital, they don’t require shipping lorries, packaging materials, or fuel to reach consumers.
Looking ahead, the future of audiobooks seems bright. As technology continues to improve and more people discover the convenience and pleasure of listening, audiobooks are set to become an even bigger part of our literary culture.
Tinath is an optimistic daydreamer, a cat mom of 5 and a student of Economics at North South University.