Audible Is Starting To Bring Ads To Its Audiobooks

Amazon has begun placing ads in audiobooks that could potentially indicate changes in the industry. Limited testing is being conducted on a select user base currently reserved for non-paying members for their subscription services.

Some users have begun reporting ads appearing in the middle of some headlines on the service, and Audible has confirmed that it is now testing an ad-supported version of the platform for non-members. On the support page, the company says that “we are currently running limited non-member-only testing that provides ad-supported access to a limited set of Audible titles.” The test includes audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. Audible says the test applies to a limited subset of titles on its platform. Content providers were informed of the change and were given the opportunity to opt out of advertising. Users participating in the test will hear a total of eight announcements within 24 hours. Audible says it has taken extra steps to ensure that ads don’t play too frequently in a short amount of time.