Weekly Insights · June 10, 2026
Audiobooks Provide Convenience and Time Away from Screens
By Edison Research
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The 2026 Infinite Dial measures that 58% of the U.S. 18+ population have ever listened to an audiobook, which is an estimated 157 million people. Each year, the Audio Publishers Association and Edison Research at SSRS collaborate to further understand the existing U.S. audiobook audience.
Listeners are drawn to audiobooks for their convenience, portability, relaxing nature, and lack of screen time. The ability to multitask (86%) and to listen on-the-go (84%) were selected from a long list of options as the top audiobook benefits among those who ever listened. Audiobooks are also enjoyed by consumers because they provide an alternative to screen time (70%).
The 2026 survey covered audiobook engagement, listening habits, genre interest, as well as other topics. Read the broader press release from the APA here. Contact our team to learn more about custom audio research capabilities.
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This post is from Edison’s Weekly Insights email. Please click here if you would like to subscribe.
The 2026 Infinite Dial measures that 58% of the U.S. 18+ population have ever listened to an audiobook, which is an estimated 157 million people. Each year, the Audio Publishers Association and Edison Research at SSRS collaborate to further understand the existing U.S. audiobook audience.
Listeners are drawn to audiobooks for their convenience, portability, relaxing nature, and lack of screen time. The ability to multitask (86%) and to listen on-the-go (84%) were selected from a long list of options as the top audiobook benefits among those who ever listened. Audiobooks are also enjoyed by consumers because they provide an alternative to screen time (70%).
The 2026 survey covered audiobook engagement, listening habits, genre interest, as well as other topics. Read the broader press release from the APA here. Contact our team to learn more about custom audio research capabilities.