A Guide To Develop An Audiobook App Like Audible: Features And Cost

For avid readers, fast-paced life has stolen the luxury of reading books. But thanks to audiobook app development, they can now easily listen to their favorite book with just a few taps on their phone, whether they are in a workout session, commuting, or multitasking.

There are many categories available on these audio apps, from motivational to thriller content, that allow users to listen at their convenience. One of the most talked about platforms in the audiobook segment is Audible, which has revolutionized the audiobook segment and made busy professionals connect with the books they love. 

Audible is not just a platform for audiobooks. It also offers podcasts, newspapers, and stories in audio format. With an impressive catalog of over 450,000 titles, it continues to expand its offerings. 

“ The audiobook market worldwide is projected to reach US$7.93 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 10.44% from 2024 -2029.”

This growth opens up exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs who wish to invest in this segment. The demand for books is always going to trend, and users are continuously looking for ways to engage with the literature. 

If you’re interested in developing an audiobook app similar to Audible, this blog will guide you through the entire process of audiobook app development. Along with the essential features to include and the cost to develop an audiobook app like Audible. Let’s dive in!

What Is An Audiobook App?

The Audiobook apps are digital platforms that provide users with recorded audio versions of books so they can listen to them at their convenience. These apps cater to a diverse audience, from avid readers looking for a new way to consume literature to busy individuals who prefer listening while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. 

One of the most popular audiobook apps, Amazon Audible, has more than 100 million downloads on the Play Store. There is no doubt it is the fastest-growing segment in the publishing industry. 

As the popularity of audiobooks rises, retailers understand the importance of investing in audiobook app development. This investment will broaden their market reach and meet the needs of modern readers. 

How Does An Audio Book Mobile App Work?

Before you create an audiobook app like Audible, you must understand how it works. The procedure of an audiobook app is straightforward. Here is how it goes: 

• After downloading the audiobook app from the Play Store or app store, they follow the sign-up process and get themselves register. Some apps offer social media login options for added convenience.
• Once logged in, users can explore the vast library of audiobooks such as sci-fi, horror, motivational, historical, and much more. 
• Post-selection of genres will be presented on the main screen, with all the books in front of the audio format. Users can choose from various sections of audiobooks and voice tracks.
• Some of the books are free to listen to. However, you need to buy a subscription to unlock most of the audiobooks.

Why One Should Invest In The Development Of An Audiobook App Like Audible?

Audiobooks are innovative concepts, and investors are willing to put a big chunk of their money into this innovative segment. Major publishing houses, such as Hachette, Penguin Random, Simon and Schuster, and Harper Collins, have admitted that audiobooks have skyrocketed their profits. 

So, to develop an audiobook app like Audible, it is essential to explore the current market statistics and trends. 

Understanding what listeners want and how the industry is evolving helps you to create a successful mobile app.
When it comes to global content, most of the revenue is generated in the United States, with over US$3,408 Million in 2024. And the user penetration is 18.7% in 2024 and is expected to increase to 21.7% by 2029.

Another report shows the majority of U.S. adults have listened to an audiobook. Notably, over 65% of all audiobooks were sold within the fiction genre, and nonfiction audiobooks are growing at 27.5 per annum.

However, several factors have contributed to this market growth, and entrepreneurs are willing to provide the best audiobook service. 

Here are the latest trends that surge the audiobook concept:

• Growing demand for audiobooks
• Diversity in consumption
• Technologuical advancement
• Podcasting influence
• Multimedia experience
• Sustainability initiatives 

So, if you are wondering how to make an audible books platform, stay tuned as we will discuss the development process further in the blog.

Industries Adopting Audio Book Apps

More and more industries are using audiobook apps as a platform to make their content reach the public. These industries include Entertainment, E-learning, Tourism, and various others. So, in this section, we will look at the major industries that are enjoying the benefits that audiobook apps provide.

1. Entertainment

Entertainment has seen a major shift in its way of doing business since this culture of the audiobook was launched. Movie superstars have signed deals with apps like Audible to narrate novels and storybooks to their audiences. Stories and intriguing written work of top-class writers get to reach the audience that has been looking for something different from the normal. When these stories are narrated by faces that you admire, you are instantly hooked by the audio version of any book.

For entertainment purposes, there are various audiobook mobile apps like Audible Suno and Storytel. These apps are good for those who are interested in having some fun or want to listen to a nice story in their free time.

2. E-Learning

E-learning is another industry that is reaping rewards from the introduction of audiobook apps. Students who find it hard to attain knowledge from reading their coursebook can look to listen to their coursebook through the audiobook app on their app. Educational institutions that have been providing education through various online mediums can make their students study and revise their stuff by listening to the study material through the audiobook option.

For educational purposes, one will find a wide range of audiobook apps with books on different topics. There are even voicebook apps for people who are especially enabled. Some examples of such apps are Beelinguapp (which helps to learn 35 languages with voice notes and audiobooks), Cloudbeats, and Smart Audiobook, which does a similar job.

3. Tourism

The tourism industry is another industry that is reaping major rewards from this boom in audiobook apps. The tourism industry is an integral part of any country’s economy, and tourists like to gather as much information as they can about a country they are about to travel to. Now, tourists can get to know various traveling places in depth by listening to that specific place in the form of an audiobook. This innovation is a revelation in the tourism sector as it instigates the process of curiosity in travel lovers about various beautiful places across the globe.

For example, the app Audio Compass works as an audio tour guide and helps you travel and enjoy more than 1200 locations in India, London, Singapore, Istanbul, Oman, and Bhutan. All the users have to do is select a place, and the audio guide will help them with the trip. The audioguides can also be downloaded for offline use.

Also Read: How To Developing A Music Streaming App?

Benefits Of Developing An Audiobook App Like Audible

Audiobook app development unlocks various benefits, such as expanding market reach, creating multiple revenue sources, boosting brand visibility, etc. Let’s explore some of the key benefits of developing an audiobook app like the audible down below: 

1. Expand Market Reach 

The audiobook industry is rapidly growing, and the demand for audio content is increasing day by day. When you develop an audiobook app, it allows you to tap into this expanding market and reach a wider audience. 

2. Multiple Revenue Streams

An Audiobook app is capable of generating multiple revenue streams with subscriptions, pay-per-download, and advertising. So, investing in audible book apps helps you stabilize income and enhance profitability.

3. User Engagement 

Free time for reading books in this hectic lifestyle is a luxury. Thanks to audiobook apps, users can conveniently consume content regardless of location. By Offering free audible book apps, you can increase customer retention and create a loyal customer base.  

4. Brand Recognition

Creating a high-quality audiobook app enhances your brand visibility and creates a separate fanbase for your app. A well-designed app can position your business as a leader in the audiobook space. 

5. Data Insights and Analytics

The audible mobile apps allow businesses to gather valuable data on user preferences and behavior. This information can inform marketing strategies, content development, and user experience improvements. 

6. Partnership Opportunities

When you build best audiobook app for Android or iOS, it opens doors for partnerships with authors, publishers, and content creators, expanding your content library and attracting more users. 

7. Accessibility

When you make an audible-like app, literature, and information become more accessible to a diverse audience. Most specifically, it benefits those with visual impairments or reading difficulties. 

8. Cross-promotion Opportunity

Another benefit of investing in an audiobook app is that it can serve as a platform for promoting other products or services within your business, creating synergistic marketing opportunities. 

General Features To Add For Online Audiobook Service App Development

General features are the basic necessity of every app, but advanced features need to be included during audible app development to take its working to another level. We will discuss advanced features in the next section. For now, let’s focus on essential features. 

Features	Description
User registration/ Login	This feature allows users to create accounts or login via email, social media, or SSO
Search functionality	Enable users to search for audiobooks by title, author, genre, or keywords.
Library management	Allowing users to create and manage personal libraries, including wishlists of their favorite audible.
Offline Listening	This feature enables users to download audiobooks for offline listening.
Audiobook playback	Features like play, pause, forward, rewind & adjust playback speed help your app to differentiate in the market.
Push notifications	This feature sends users regular reminders about the latest updates and special offers.
Social media sharing	Integrating the social sharing feature allows users to share their favorite audiobooks on social media platforms.
Multiple payment options	Provide users with secure payment options such as Paypal, credit/ debits, UPI, and net banking so they can buy or purchase their favorite audiobooks.
CMS integration	CMS integration allows you to create an admin dashboard to manage, upload, and update audible content.
Rating and reviews	This feature enables users to leave reviews and ratings for the audiobooks.

Advanced Features To Be Included In Audiobook Mobile App

There is a long list of advanced features that can be easily implemented in an audiobook app. However, to enhance the app’s efficiency, integrate these features, which are listed below. 

Features	Description
AI narration	This feature enables AI-generated voice for narration, offering a variety of accents and styles.
Voice command integration	Integrating this feature enables voice controls for hands-free navigation and playbacks, e.g., Alex and Google Assistant.
Personalized playlists	This feature allows users to create and share custom playlists of their favorite audiobooks.
Multi-lingual support	The multilingual support feature offers audiobooks in multiple languages, catering to a global audience.
Dynamic content updates	With this feature, users get real-time updates to content based on user feedback or trends.
Personalized recommendations	Integrating this feature allows AI to suggest audiobooks based on user preferences, listening history, and genres of interest.
Interactive Features	You can include quizzes, summaries, or Q&A sessions related to audiobooks, increasing user engagement.
Accessibility features	Integrate features like text-to-speech, adjustable text size for captions, and high-contrast theme.

Steps To Develop An Audiobook App Like Audible

The audiobook app development process is similar to any other mobile app development. From market research to testing and deployment, each stage plays a crucial role in success. Let’s explore the step-by-step process of audiobook apps like audible development.

1. Define App Objectives and Target Audience

The audiobook app development begins with clearly outlining the goals of your audiobook app. Determining what features will set it apart from competitors and identify your target audience. Research on user demographics, preferences, and paint points will help you tailor the mobile app to meet their needs effectively.

2. Design User-friendly UI/UX

Now, ask your team of UI/UX designers to create a lucrative front end of the app by keeping the user experience in mind. Focusing on navigation, layout, and visual appeal ensures that users can easily find and listen to audiobooks. Also, make sure to conduct user testing during the design phase to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.

3. Choose A Platform

Before you start the development, decide whether to develop your app for iOS, Android, or both platforms. Consider your target audience’s preferences and the potential market share for each platform. However, developing for both can be costly but helpful in maximizing reach, so decide carefully.

4. Integrate Audiobook Streaming 

Implement robust audiobook streaming capabilities to allow users to listen seamlessly. Additionally, provides options for downloading audiobooks for offline listening. Ensure that the streaming quality is high and that downloads are quick and reliable.

5. Audiobook App Development 

With the design in place, you can confidently start the audible app development process. Both backend and frontend go hand in hand. The front end focuses on user interaction and features like audio playback, whereas the back end manages servers, databases, and API.  

6. Test The App

After completing the development process, conduct thorough testing to eliminate bugs or any performance issues. This includes functional testing, usability testing, and compatibility testing across different devices and operating systems. Remember to gather feedback from beta testers to refine the app further. 

7. Launching 

Once testing is completed, it’s time to launch your app in the market. But before that, develop a marketing strategy to promote the app on social media, influence partnerships, and use content marketing to reach your target audience. 

8. Maintenance And Update

After launching, update your audiobook mobile app regularly to ensure it’s up to date with the latest trends. Investing in maintenance will benefit you in the long run and protect you from any malware attacks.  

Cost To Develop An Audiobook Mobile App

The cost to build an audible app ranges from $20,000 to $ 2,00,000 or more. The development cost depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the app, the feature and functionality you have chosen, the developer’s location, and third-party plugins. 

If you hire developers from the US, they charge between $90 and $110 per hour, whereas in India, the rates drop to $20 and $70 per hour. You can hire mobile app developers from Asian countries as they charge less compared to European countries. Moreover, ongoing maintenance and updates can also impact the overall costs. 

FAbasic audiobook apps with minimal features will cost less compared to the advanced app with AI-integrated features. It is recommended to consult the cost with an experienced mobile app development company before investing so you can make an informed decision. 

Team Structure Required To Develop An Audiobook Mobile App

A team of individuals with all the needed skills performs the task of developing an audiobook app. In this section, we will look at all the app development experts who are required to design an audiobook mobile app.

For Developing An App With Basic Features

• UX and UI designer
• Developers
• Quality Assurance Engineer

For Developing An App With Advanced Features

• 2 Team Managers
• 2 UI/UX Designer
• 2 Quality Analysts
• 5-6 Developers
• 1 Project Manager

Technology Stack for Developing An Audiobook App

With the correct technology and tools, you can create the next successful audiobook app, such as Audible. You should opt for the latest tech stack to make sure your app performs well. We have selected the tech stack, which will help create a successful audible app.

Parameters	Tools/Technologies
Programming Languages	Swift, Kotlin, Java, JavaScript, Dart, Python
Mobile App Development Frameworks	Flutter, React Native, SwiftUI, Jetpack Compose
Backend Development	Node.js, Django, Ruby on Rails, Laravel, Express.js
Database	MongoDB, Firebase Realtime Database, MySQL, PostgreSQL
Cloud Services	AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Heroku
Audio Streaming	Wowza Streaming Engine, Icecast, WebRTC
Audio File Formats	MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC
Payment Integration	Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay, Braintree
User Authentication	Firebase Authentication, Auth0, OAuth 2.0
UI/UX Design Tools	Adobe XD, Figma, Sketch, InVision
APIs	Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API, Amazon Polly, LibROSA
Push Notifications	Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), OneSignal, Pusher
Analytics and Monitoring	Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Firebase Analytics, New Relic
Testing Tools	Appium, Selenium, Postman, TestFlight
Version Control	Git, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket
Deployment Platforms	App Store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android)

Monetization Strategies That Can Make Money For Your App

Monetization strategies play a key part in making money for your app as investing too much from your pocket will create a lot of stress in your head. So, in this section, we are focusing on some of the most prominent monetization strategies in the market.

1. Promotion of Authors

There are a large number of new and talented authors in the market who go unrecognized. You can reach an agreement with these authors to showcase them on your platform in return for a certain amount of payment. This creates a win-win situation for both parties as the authors get to come into the eyes of the readers, and you get a source of capital to run your application.

2. Selling Audiobooks

As you can see by the title, audiobooks are directly sold to interested customers through this method. There is no middle party involved in this transaction. However, one downside of this method is that it can only attract customers who are interested in a specific number of audiobooks.

3. Advertisements

Users interested in enjoying the free titles can include ads within the free audiobooks. Another method of increasing the ad revenue generated by your app is showing in-app promotions of various audiobooks and other relatable products.

4. Subscriptions

Subscriptions are another source of revenue for your app. Through subscriptions, you permit the users to read a certain amount of books monthly or annually. The subscription model works in two distinctive ways, one being that you allow the customers to read a limited amount of books during a month. In the second method, you charge the customer a certain amount of money, and after that, you permit the customer to read as many books as he can.

Why Choose EmizenTech For Audiobook Mobile App Development?

At EmizenTech, we understand the nitty-gritty of developing an audiobook mobile app. We believe every project is unique, and with proven experience across various categories, we deliver tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. As a trusted mobile app development company, our experienced team of developers has extensive knowledge of the audiobook industry, enabling us to provide you with the best audiobook solutions.

We prioritize a personalized approach, collaborating closely with the clients to understand their vision and objectives. This allows us to create a unique app that stands out in the competitive market. 

When it comes to competitive pricing, we offer cost-effective mobile app solutions without compromising on quality, making us an ideal partner for your audiobook app development needs. 

Speaking of the best, here are our key highlights: 

• Clutch Awarded
• Competitive Pricing
• On-Time Delivery
• Within-Budget Mobile App Development Services
• Custom Development
• Agile Development Approach
• Team of Expert Developers
• On-going Support and Maintenance, etc. 

Choose us and let our dedicated team bring your audiobook app like Audible Vision to life. 

Wrapping Up

The eBook industry is growing at a fast pace, and there are a lot of people who love reading books but need more time. Audiobook apps are great for users to listen to their favorite author regardless of time and location. 

If you have an idea for audiobook app development, now is the right time to invest in this niche.  Also, the cost of building an app like Audible is a crucial factor to look out for before making an investment decision. 

With the right development partner, you can create a feature-rich and engaging app that meets the user demands and stands out in this competitive landscape. With this blog, you get an understanding of what it takes to build an audiobook app like Audible, and you can confidently begin your app development journey. If you have any queries, feel free to connect with us.

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