The Audio Publishers Association conducted two surveys that reveal the industry’s continued growth and highlight the value of audiobooks to the consumer marketplace.
The annual APA Sales Survey compiled reports from audio publisher sales in the year 2011. Additionally, the 2012 Consumer Survey, “Understanding the Audiobook Buyer in the Digital Age,” was conducted to find out more qualitative information about the behaviors and attitudes of the audiobook listener.
“What these surveys confirm is that audiobooks continue to tap into consumers’ need for a convenient way to support their active lifestyles. Audio publishers pioneered the digital publishing movement and we continue to grow and produce more every year in this era, while continuing to support the formats long appreciated by the listening public,” said Michele Cobb, APA President.
Here’s a sampling of the Survey Results:
What is the size of the audiobook market?
- According to the consumer survey, audiobooks’ appeal has expanded. Forty-six percent of consumer survey respondents have listened to an audiobook at some point (compared to 37 percent in the previous study in 2010) and 24 percent have listened to an audiobook in the last year (compared to 19 percent in the previous study).
- The results of the sales survey showed unit sales of audiobooks in 2011 were up 13 percent since 2010. The estimated size of the audiobook industry is now $1.2 billion.
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