Audible surpasses $1B in consumer spending across app stores

Audible, Amazon’s audiobook platform, has ascended to an exclusive echelon by achieving a remarkable feat—crossing the $1 billion mark in consumer spending through Apple’s App Store and Google Play, according to data.ai. Since its iOS debut in July 2010, Audible has predominantly garnered substantial spending in the United States, contributing a staggering $993 million, constituting 99.3% of the overall milestone. Notably, other international markets, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany, have collectively contributed a fraction of a percentage point to this milestone.

Despite encountering challenges, impacting the in-app purchasing mechanism for audiobooks, Audible has exhibited robust growth. In 2023, the app’s global consumer spending on mobile has reached around $425 million, reflecting an impressive 24% year-over-year surge from the $343 million recorded in 2022. Audible currently holds the top spot for revenue and secures a position in the top three for downloads and user engagement among leading global audiobook apps.

The alterations to the Android version in 2022 necessitated users to redirect individual audiobook purchases and subscriptions through Google Play, subjecting them to associated fees. Despite this adjustment, Audible continues demonstrating its prowess in driving consumer spending on mobile platforms. In this regard, Audible claims the second position, trailing only Twitch, another Amazon acquisition, within Amazon’s portfolio. Twitch, a streaming platform, has notched over $1.4 billion in mobile revenue, underscoring Amazon’s success in cultivating billion-dollar mobile ventures.

In addition, Amazon recently collaborated with Meta Platforms, enabling users to buy products seamlessly through Amazon ads on Snapchat without leaving the app. According to a statement from Amazon, customers can now shop directly from Amazon’s Snapchat ads, completing their transactions within the social media platform. The enhanced experience also offers potential buyers real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates, and product details for selected Amazon product ads within Snapchat.