The New Era of Audiobooks
The spread of audiobooks worldwide
New platform for reading books
[해외특파원 1기 / 이시현 기자] The days of reading classic paper books are long gone. As scientific technology has developed, the ways people deal with books also have been changing. Not too long ago, e-book, which were innovative means of reading books online, made a splash all around the world. However, the new era of audiobooks has arrived. Nowadays, diverse IP contents are expanding into audio platforms, allowing users to listen to not only literature, but trending dramas, films, webtoons, web novels, and Netflix series as well. Therefore, an increasing number of people are using audiobooks for their reading activities.
More and more companies are entering the audiobook business. In South Korea, “Willa Audiobook” is leading the new industry with its mobile application downloads exceeding 1.5 million in February. Similarly, “Storytel” offers various fields of content in audiobook format and notably released audiobooks for the Netflix film “Enola Holmes” and popular British drama “Mildred” in August. Many companies are not only interested in audiobooks, the new style of book, but also in joining forces with other fields. Therefore, customers are experiencing a wide range of audiobooks.
According to a recent survey conducted by Grand View Research, the global audiobook market is growing at an average rate of 2 to 4 percent annually. Audiobook platforms are garnering much attention due to their ease of conversion and engaging digital content that enhance accessibility to diverse consumers. Adults are able to multitask, conveniently listening to books through their mobile applications while performing daily tasks such as driving, walking, and performing housework. Similarly, the MZ generation are drawn to audiobooks due to their growing disinterestedness in traditional online video platforms like Youtube. Unlike videos, audiobooks allow users to receive information and rediscover content through hearing. In the case of audiobooks that are based on traditional paper books, users can enjoy more immersive experiences by hearing every detail of the story.
In the new era of audiobooks, consumers will increasingly move from physical bookstores to online applications, and more and more content will be digitized. What other style of encountering books will lead to a new trend?
