Evolution of Audiobook Sales in 2024
Audiobook Catalog Evolution
We estimate that by 2025, the available catalog of audiobooks in Spanish will reach 27.000 titles.
Analysis of Audiobook Sales in Spanish Markets
The audiobook market grew by 37,8% in revenue in 2024.
- Last year's increase is below that recorded in 2023, which was 45,7%.
- Despite the slowdown, caused by the growing maturation of the market, revenue in this format continues to increase spectacularly year after year.
By region, the market shares of Spanish audiobooks are:
Spain maintains its market share, while the United States is the only territory to expand its share. Meanwhile Mexico and Latin America each recorded a one-percentage-point decline in their respective market shares.
Audiobook Market Breakdown by Business Model
Subscription solidifies its leadership by gathering 88% of revenues, 2% above last year: audiobook listeners prefer to pay a monthly fee for their listening rather than purchasing the audiobooks they want to enjoy.
Unit sales and libraries reduced their market share, but only by 1% each.
The 'Spotify ABP Effect'
The Spanish audiobook market is facing one of its most interesting stages, given the potential entry of Spotify into the Spanish-speaking market with its exclusive program for listeners of this format, Spotify ABP - AudioBook Program. This plan offers subscribers a set number of audiobook listening hours as part of their premium music subscription.
What impact has this model had in other markets?
Spotify launched its Audiobook Access Plan (ABP) in France during the third quarter of 2024. Within just six months, publishers with existing catalogs available on Spotify have reported revenue growth exceeding 20%.
- The rollout of Spotify ABP signals an unprecedented increase in the consumption of Spanish-language audiobooks. This growth is driven both by the user-friendly nature of this innovative model and by the high market penetration Spotify enjoys in key territories such as Spain, Mexico, and Latin America.
How can publishers prepare for this shift?
To take full advantage of the expected growth in audiobook revenues, publishers should focus on two main strategies:
To attract and retain audiobook listeners, publishers must offer a solid selection that includes bestsellers and long-tail titles, ensuring an optimal listening experience. At Bookwire, we offer the WAY (We Audiobook You) program, which provides expert guidance throughout the audiobook production process—working with top-tier providers at competitive costs.
The launch of Fabely.es in 2025 aligns with the current momentum in the audiobook market. This platform is designed to help publishers—as well as studios, narrators, and authors—build and grow a dedicated audiobook listener community.
Best-selling Genres By Region
| Span | Latin Ameria |
Mexico | United States |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GENRES | ||||
| FICTION | 60% | 38% | 45% | 52% |
| NON-FICTION | 40% | 62% | 55% | 48% |
| FICTION | 60% | 38% | 45% | 52% |
| Science-Fiction | 4% | 1% | 3% | 5% |
| General Fiction | 29% | 22% | 28% | 31% |
| Children and Young Adult | 3% | 4% | 4% | 3% |
| Romance | 14% | 6% | 4% | 5% |
| Thriller | 10% | 5% | 6% | 8% |
| NON-FICTION | 40% | 62% | 55% | 48% |
| Practical Books | 23% | 36% | 28% | 21% |
| Non-Fiction | 17% | 26% | 27% | 27% |