YouTube explores audiobook market

YouTube, owned by Alphabet (Google), is working to enter the audiobook market. The platform is in talks with publishing houses and may launch its service as early as 2027, either through its Premium subscription or as individual titles.

Existing audiobook presence on YouTube

YouTube already hosts audiobooks, with some authors publishing their work directly and others sharing content without permission. Public domain classics on the platform have attracted millions of views, showing existing demand for audiobooks.

Growing audiobook consumption in France

In France, nearly one in five people listened to at least one digital audiobook in 2025. The percentage of 15-80 year olds listening to audio content nearly doubled from 8% in 2023 to 16% in 2025, according to a survey by Médiamétrie.

Spotify sees rapid audiobook growth

Spotify, which added audiobooks to its Premium service in 2023, reported a 40% increase in monthly audiobook listeners worldwide in one year. The platform's audiobook offering has grown significantly in popularity and scale.

Global audiobook market expansion

The global audiobook market is expected to grow to $35.47 billion by 2030, with a 26.2% annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030. In 2025, the U.S. market alone generated $2.43 billion in revenue, up 9% from the previous year.

YouTube joins major players in the sector

YouTube's entry into the audiobook market follows Spotify and Amazon's Audible. This move reflects the sector's rapid growth and its increasing strategic importance for major content platforms.