Growing Demand of Audio and Ebook In India and International market
The publishing industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in the demand for audio and e-books in both the Indian and international markets over the past few years. This growing trend can be attributed to several key factors, including increased digitalization, changing consumer preferences, and the convenience offered by these formats.
In India, a country known for its rich literary tradition and diverse languages, the digital reading landscape has seen a significant transformation. According to a report by the Indian Readership Survey (IRS), the e-book market in India is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 20% between 2023 and 2025. This surge in demand can be attributed to the increasing penetration of smartphones and affordable data plans, which have made digital content more accessible to a broader audience. Furthermore, initiatives like the Digital India campaign have played a pivotal role in advancing digital literacy across the country.
The rise of e-books and audiobooks in India is not limited to English-language publications. Regional languages, including Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi, are also witnessing an uptick in digital content consumption. This reflects a desire for vernacular literature, and publishers have responded by expanding their digital portfolios to include a wider range of languages.
On the international stage, the growth of digital reading is even more pronounced. The Association of American Publishers (AAP) reported that in 2022, e-book sales in the United States alone reached approximately $1.7 billion, with a notable increase in sales during the global pandemic. This suggests that digital reading formats have become a preferred choice for readers, particularly as e-books offer instant access and the flexibility to carry an entire library in the palm of one's hand.
Audiobooks, too, have seen remarkable global growth. According to a study by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), audiobook sales in the United States rose by 24.5% in 2021, reaching a total revenue of over $1.3 billion. This trend extends beyond the United States, as the popularity of audiobooks has expanded to other English-speaking countries and markets worldwide. The convenience of audiobooks, which allows readers to consume content while multitasking or during commutes, has significantly contributed to their global demand.
With the growing urbanization and long commute times in major Indian cities, audiobooks offer a practical solution for people to make the most of their daily routines while indulging in literature. In addition to English audiobooks, many regional language audiobooks are also gaining traction. For more details you can check our existing blog on this here
White Falcon Publishing offers budget-friendly audiobook services to authors to help them expand their book’s availability from print, ebook to audiobook version as well.
Check out one of our audiobooks - Roz’s Favorite Trees (Apple Books) | Roz’s Favorite Trees (Amazon)
Get in touch to explore more on audiobooks.
By
Nancy Gupta
Marketing Manager