One side of this coin favours audiobooks, while the other leans more toward printed copies. So, is a coin toss sufficient to decide the winner? Absolutely not.
Several other factors must be considered when determining which book format is most preferred in the UK in 2025. For example, the prices, the reading experience an individual desires, and the level of comfort with digital formats.
Moving on, a thorough explanation of these factors, along with further informative insights, will be shared in the blog. So, put aside whatever you are doing and keep reading. We promise it will barely take 5 minutes.
Print vs. Audiobook: Finding the UK’s 2025 Winner Format
Not that long ago, in March 2022, Stora Enso – the leading provider of renewable packaging products, appointed twenty-four hundred readers and listeners in four developed countries for a survey.
The countries were the UK, USA, Germany, and France, and the sample consisted of a group of young adults, roughly aged between 16 and 24 years. Ultimately, the survey results revealed that 65% of the sample preferred physical book-reading experiences.
However, 21% of them chose eBooks, and only 14% favoured audiobooks. Moving on, according to Stora Enso, the results confirmed that the physical book market would remain strong forever. Although this is good news for book printing companies, it was two years ago. So, let’s dig in for some recent reader insights.
An Insider’s Look at this Never-Ending Debate Using Figures
Firstly, the NLT – National Literacy Trust UK, an independent charity based in London, recently conducted a poll that showed how children aged between 8 and 18 years enjoy listening to audio. Now, we are speaking of 37,000 kids, out of which 42.3% voted in favour of listening to audio in their free time.
Then, to support this, we have the 2023 report of the Publishers Association, which highlights that audio download revenues were £206 million, while printed script revenues were £1.9 billion. However, do not get caught up in numbers; the real story is the 24% increase in overall audio downloads over the past year, while printed ones saw only a 2% rise.
Finally, according to Statista, a business data platform, the UK audiobook market revenue is estimated to reach $ 393.74 million by 2025. They also claim that the number of readers shall rise to 26.8 million in the year 2029. So, yes! Certainly, the UK’s audiobook market is undergoing a notable shift, reflecting growing consumer demand.
Are Audiobooks Truly Convenient for UK Life? Here’s Why
We dived in and found as much supporting data as we could to prove that for a busy life in the United Kingdom, audiobooks are perfect. People love them for four evident reasons.
Multitasking and Time Efficiency:
To begin with, it is easier for natives to listen to the audio format during the typical UK commute, whether by train, bus, or car. This allows them to enjoy anything they want while travelling. Then, there are household chores that feel like a burden if done without company.
What could be a better company than listening to audiobooks while doing laundry, cleaning, or gardening? It is a cost-effective and enjoyable way to transform mundane tasks into more engaging experiences. The same applies to the various forms of physical activity and downtime, such as when relaxing in bed.
Shared Listening Experiences:
These audio formats, when compared to the physical scripts, are much more convenient than you can imagine. For example, think of it – it is travel-friendly, it is easy to access, and it doesn’t even require space in your bag.
Just your average smartphone and an internet connection are enough to help you enjoy it with your friends and family. Now, who wouldn’t want to listen to a juicy story with their best friend, sharing one pair of earphones? This is a perfect bonding moment one can ask for.
Accessibility and Availability:
Moving on, how cool is it to carry a dozen books in your pocket? It’s rather satisfying to have everything online and available on one tap. Less hassle, less wasted time, and quicker access: the perfect situation.
Additionally, this compact digital library offers something for everyone. This means no reader ever can say that he or she didn’t find a food of their type. It is a dreamy, real-life heaven of audiobooks out there. So, stop waiting and connect with one of the best audiobook publishers today and publish your script.
Benefits for Specific Groups:
Last but not least, people with impaired eyesight or other disabilities also have the opportunity to enjoy the latest stories through the audio format. It also makes them feel included and valued. Additionally, listening to books has several other benefits, like:
- It helps expand the reader’s vocabulary, punctuation, and fluency.
- The act of listening to a story without visuals improves language comprehension.
- It offers a relaxing experience, as you don’t have to keep your eyes open.
- It has more chances of putting you to a peaceful night’s sleep.
- Finally, it acts as a perfect distraction, reducing anxiety and promoting positive thinking.
The Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much do narrators earn in the United Kingdom?
As per the reports, the natives are honestly desiring more and more books in the audio format. This leads to a higher threshold for yearly earnings, which can reach up to £100 annually. Moreover, the amount can further increase depending on your expertise and capabilities.
Q. Will print books still exist in the future?
Yes. Despite all the concerns and reports stating that physical books are losing their market share, they can never be fully replaced, perhaps because of the love for vintage or the old-school people who still enjoy turning the pages.
Q. What are the cons of audiobooks?
There are a couple of them. For example, the first one is that they are lesser interactive. Then, they have zero visual aids, such as images and diagrams, which means all the pressure is on your imagination.
The Final Words to Settle the Debate
Speaking of the final verdict, we think it is safe to say that electronic formats of manuscripts are gaining a larger share of the market. In the meantime, the traditional books are still there, chilling as usual. People have evolved to be interested in the audio format because it allows you to multitask and easily fits into a busy schedule. Additionally, they can be used by everyone, anywhere, and at any time. Lastly, but more importantly, audiobooks can be a great way to share stories with family and friends.
