In a publishing landscape where innovation is essential, personalised audiobooks are opening doors to magical storytelling experiences, and turning beloved tales into profitable new ventures. Not only do these tailor-made narratives captivate children, they also revitalise hidden gems from publishers’ backlists, creating deeper connections between these little bookworms and stories, unlocking untapped revenue streams. This is the future of children’s publishing:  where personalisation meets possibility.

The audiobook industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade. While print books still have the largest market share, audiobook sales have surged by double-digit growth in the UK. Sales revenue from consumer audiobook downloads in the UK reached £206 million in 2023, up 24% from the previous year. Audiobook download revenue has steadily increased each year, and the 2023 figure was more than double the number recorded in 2019. 

Last year, Nielsen BookScan’s monthly Books & Consumers survey projected that sales would reach 35 million units in 2024, with spending set to exceed £250 million for the first time. The overall market is actually much larger though, because this figure only takes into consideration how much publishers make, not what retailers like Audible or Spotify rake in. In fact, Kelli Fairbrother, co-founder and CEO of audiobook platform xigxag, says the value of the audiobook market in the UK is highly undervalued and is closer to a staggering £1 billion.

Figures from Grand View Research show that globally, the market is projected to expand from $11.06 billion in 2025 to $35.47 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 26%. This surge is not just confined to adult audiences, the children’s audiobook sector in North America is expected to grow from $95.77 million in 2022 to $651.95 million by 2028, with a CAGR of over 31%. Compare this with the print market: both Juvenile and YA fiction sales were marginally down in the U.S. in 2024. 

Children’s Books: The Ideal Candidates for Personalised Audiobooks
Personalised audiobooks are particularly well-suited for shorter children’s books. The obvious upside is that producing a shorter audiobook is cheaper and faster. Moreover, children’s limited attention spans align perfectly with briefer, engaging audio experiences. By offering personalised versions of beloved stories, publishers can create unique products that captivate young listeners and encourage repeated engagement.

The trend is already positive: in the UK the personalised children’s books market size was valued at $160.43 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $253.88 million by 2032, with a CAGR of nearly 6%. According to market researcher, Data Bridge, “By personalizing the reading journey, these books not only build a love of reading but also reinforce a kid’s confidence and connection to the story, which can be especially beneficial during early development.”

Revitalising the Backlist: Breathing New Life into Existing Titles
Personalised audiobooks present an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate backlist titles. By transforming existing stories into personalised audio experiences, publishers can reintroduce classic tales to a new generation of listeners. This strategy not only extends the lifespan of backlist titles but also taps into the growing demand for audiobooks. Given that digital audiobooks are poised to surpass e-book sales in the U.S., with revenues reaching $2.07 billion compared to e-books’ $2.14 billion in 2023, leveraging this format can significantly boost a publisher’s coffers.

In addition, tapping into personalised audiobooks doesn’t have to cost a publisher. Working with partners like Dudley Editions, can help publishers get their books onto the digital shelves without hidden recording or editing costs. Working with a digital partner that has considered and addressed the complex technology challenges is a sound strategic approach. 

Fostering Connections: Enhancing the Joy of Storytelling
What’s even better: personalised audiobooks offer more than just a novel listening experience; they create a connection between the story and the listener. Hearing a loved one’s voice, like a parent’s or grandparent’s, narrating a book, can make the audiobook more engaging and memorable, developing a deeper love for storytelling. This personalised approach can be particularly effective for children, encouraging active listening and a stronger emotional bond with the content. In a nutshell, personalised children’s books create joy. It is noteworthy that audiobooks are also increasingly recognised for their role in promoting literacy and inclusivity in children.

The Future of Audiobooks: Expanding Horizons
The trajectory of audiobook consumption shows no signs of slowing down. This trend underscores the shifting preferences of readers towards more flexible and accessible forms of content consumption. For children’s publishers, integrating personalised audiobooks into their offerings aligns with these evolving habits, and positions them to capitalise on an expanding market. 

Incorporating personalised audiobooks into children’s publishing is a strategic move that offers multiple benefits. Audiobook personalisation can set publishers apart, offering innovative products that meet the consumer’s desire for tailored content, while unlocking a new, shared revenue stream at no new or upfront cost to the publisher. And, perhaps most importantly, children’s book publishers can foster new connections and joy in the art of storytelling in the digital age.