Author-Narrated & Short-Form: Personal & Portable Listening

As audiobooks continue to surge in popularity, two distinct trends are gaining momentum in 2025: author-narrated titles and short-form audio content. Together, they are reshaping how we connect with stories.

When the Author Speaks, We Listen

Author-narrated audiobooks are resonating with audiences seeking authenticity. There is something unmistakably powerful about hearing a writer deliver their own words. Whether it’s a memoir told with raw emotion or a piece of fiction coloured by the author’s intention, listeners feel a stronger emotional bond.

Platforms are recognising this trend and even promoting author-narrated works as a premium experience. For authors, it’s a chance to control their voice and develop deeper listener relationships. Many independent writers are turning to professional studios like Hardy Audio to ensure their narration is as compelling as their prose.

Short-Form Audio: Bite-Sized Brilliance

Busy lifestyles have given rise to another format: short-form audiobooks and audio essays. Often under 90 minutes, these pieces deliver compact, high-impact storytelling perfect for commutes, walks, or a quick afternoon escape. They’re digestible, versatile, and highly shareable.

Publishers are increasingly commissioning short stories, guides, or thought pieces specifically for audio, recognising that brevity can enhance accessibility and engagement. Some listeners are even prioritising these formats over podcasts for a richer literary feel.

Why These Formats Are Thriving

The appeal is clear: authenticity and efficiency. Author narration builds trust and emotional resonance, while short-form content meets the modern appetite for fast, meaningful consumption. Together, they empower authors to reach audiences more personally and flexibly.

If you’re an author, consider stepping behind the mic and exploring shorter formats to expand your reach. If you’re a listener, now is the time to discover the unique intimacy and creativity these trends are bringing to the audiobook world.

In a digital landscape full of noise, the most powerful voice might just be the author’s own.

The Best Audiobooks For A School Holiday Road Trip

 

The Winter school holidays are about to kick off in Victoria (7 July), so if you’re planning a family road trip, here’s a selection of our favourite family-friendly audiobooks to keep you entertained along the way.

Audiobooks for 3-7 year olds

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

A clever mouse outwits predators in the deep, dark wood by inventing a fearsome creature – the Gruffalo.

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

Join Pooh and friends in the Hundred Acre Wood for timeless adventures filled with warmth and wisdom.

Where’s Spot? and Other Stories by Eric Hill

Delight in the adventures of Spot the puppy in this collection of interactive tales.

Audiobooks for 8-12 year olds

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Follow Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III as he embarks on a journey to become a true Viking hero.

Bunny vs Monkey by Jamie Smart

Experience the hilarious antics of Bunny and Monkey as they battle for control of the forest.

Atticus the Storyteller’s 100 Greek Myths by Lucy Coats

Journey with Atticus as he shares captivating Greek myths across ancient lands.

Audiobooks for Teens and Adults

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Explore parallel universes in this epic fantasy trilogy that challenges the boundaries of reality.

1984 by George Orwell

Dive into a dystopian world where Big Brother watches every move, and individuality is suppressed.

Audiobooks Set for Explosive Growth

The audiobook industry is booming, with global sales tipped to grow by an impressive 26 percent annually. This surge is being fuelled by a combination of rising listener numbers, innovative technology and the growing popularity of subscription-based models.

A Rapidly Expanding Audience

Deloitte forecasts that 270 million people worldwide will be tuning into audiobooks each month, representing a 15 percent increase on last year. They suggest Audiobooks are expected to make up around six percent of all book sales globally, signalling a shift in how audiences consume literature.

Subscriptions Changing the Game

Platforms such as Audible, Spotify, Storytel and Scribd are at the forefront of the audiobook revolution. By offering massive libraries through subscription services, these platforms are bringing audiobooks into the mainstream and reshaping the publishing landscape.

Untapped Global Potential

Companies are also exploring opportunities beyond English-speaking markets via the huge potential in developing local-language catalogues in order to attract new listeners and broaden the industry’s reach.

Direct Relationships

Discoverability and user experience is essential. Experts suggest that publishers could benefit from owning their own platforms, allowing them to build direct relationships with audiences and create more sustainable business models.

What It Means for the Industry

Australia’s publishing and media sectors will find valuable opportunities by leveraging local talent and unique storytelling voices. A strong growth outlook will also present exciting opportunities for publishers, producers, narrators and tech developers.