UK audiobook sales surge in lockdown

In the UK, audiobook sales are expected to show 15.8% growth in volume by the end of the year according to Nielsen, reports the Bookseller.

Nielsen projected UK audiobook sales could be worth £164 million (A$297m) this year, up 12.3% from £146 million (A$264m) in 2019—the seventh consecutive year of growth. According to a survey conducted in August, the Covid-19 pandemic led to a surge in new customers, with just under half (48%) of audiobook consumers having entered the market in the last year. Just 15% of listeners were using the format six years ago.

One in three audiobook listeners said they tried the format for the first time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the need for entertainment or a focus on self-improvement a common cited reason.

According to the survey results, audiobooks make up a 34% share of weekly reading in the UK, up from 33% in 2019 and 25% in 2017. Ebooks have a 27% share and print is at 39%, down from 45% in 2017.

Category: International news