Audible is testing ad-supported access to select titles for non-members

Audible, Amazon’s leading audiobook streaming service, is now testing a new way that allows non-subscribers to access select titles for free. With the new ad-supported feature, listeners can listen to a variety of audiobooks, podcasts, and other audiovisual content at no cost on the Audible platform.

This move ushers in an exciting new era for Audible, where access to books and other audio-based content can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their level of subscription or access to audiobooks. This way, those individuals who don’t want or can’t afford to pay for a monthly subscription to Audible can still get to enjoy a catalog of content available from the service.

The ad-supported feature is currently being tested in the US, Canada and the UK. It will allow subscribers to pick from a selected handful of titles completely free. According to Amazon, the selection will be updated each week, and the list includes titles in a variety of categories, including bestsellers and critically acclaimed works, as well as classic literature, business, and self-help titles.

In order to access to the titles, users must listen to an ad which plays before the start of the audiobook, and another at the end. These audio ads cannot exceed 30 seconds in duration. Audible has also indicated that it is committed to ensuring a satisfying user experience. As such, the ads are being carefully tailored to the user’s interests so as to ensure that the ads complement the content.

This move is also likely to appeal to independent publishers, audiobook authors, as well as content creators like podcasters who will benefit from the increased customer exposure and a larger captive audience created by the ad-supported offering.

With the new ad-supported feature, Audible aims to make access to audiobooks easier and create a larger user base for the streaming service. It remains to be seen how the feature will fare among users, but we can certainly look forward to an expanded and more inclusive audiobook experience.