Audiobooks Reshape Reading: Can Listening Revive Book Culture Amidst Declining Print?
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Firstpost•28-01-2026, 12:12
Audiobooks Reshape Reading: Can Listening Revive Book Culture Amidst Declining Print?
- •Audiobooks and bookstreaming are gaining traction globally, with rising revenue in Europe and increased listenership in India and the US, suggesting a shift in how people engage with stories.
- •Traditional print reading for pleasure has declined significantly in the US (over 40% in 20 years) and UK, with many adults not having read or listened to a book in the past year.
- •Digital formats, including ebooks and audiobooks, are expanding access, especially in India where ebook readers are projected to reach 133.3 million by 2027 due to smartphone penetration and affordable data.
- •Experts like Scott Lucas and authors like Ambuj Anand and Swarnim Agrawal view audio formats as a way to re-engage readers, offering convenience, accessibility, and a solution for those with time constraints, anxiety, or attention issues.
- •While some argue audiobooks cannot fully replace the cognitive engagement of print, they are seen as complementary, expanding access to stories and preventing reading from disappearing, especially for new audiences in categories like mythology and self-improvement.
Why It Matters: Audiobooks and streaming are transforming reading, offering accessibility and convenience, complementing print rather than replacing it.
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