What is Audible?
Audible is Amazon's audiobook and spoken-word entertainment platform, launched in 1995 and acquired by Amazon in 2008. It's currently the world's largest producer and retailer of audiobooks, offering over 500,000 audio titles across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and exclusive content.
How Does Audible Work?
Getting Started
- Create an Amazon account or sign in with existing credentials
- Choose a membership plan
- Download the Audible app from your device's app store
- Sign in and start browsing
Membership Options
Audible operates primarily on a credit-based system. Members receive:
- 1 credit per month with Audible Premium Plus ($14.95/month)
- 2 credits per month with Premium Plus Annual
- Audible Plus ($7.95/month) for access to the Plus Catalog
- Additional credits available for purchase in bulk
Each credit can be redeemed for one audiobook, regardless of its retail price.
Membership Benefits
- Access to the Plus Catalog (thousands of included titles)
- 30% discount on additional audiobook purchases
- Exclusive member-only sales
- Easy exchanges for unsatisfactory titles
- Access to Audible Originals
Key Features
Listening Options
Users can listen through multiple platforms:
- Mobile devices (iOS/Android)
- Desktop computers
- Amazon Echo devices
- Kindle devices (with audio capability)
Whispersync for Voice
This feature allows you to switch seamlessly between reading a Kindle book and listening to the audiobook version. Your progress is synced across devices, so you never lose your place.
Technical Specifications
"Audible offers audio quality options to balance sound quality with storage space"
Format options include:
- Format 4 (High): 64 kbps
- Format 3 (Standard): 32 kbps
- Format 2 (Low): 16 kbps
Additional Features
- Sleep Timer: Automatically stop playback after set duration
- Customizable Narration Speed: Adjust the narration speed to suit your preference
- Offline Listening: Download audiobooks for offline access
- Clips: Save and share favorite passages
- Notes: Add bookmarks with personal annotations
Managing Your Library
Organization Features
- Custom categories
- Collections
- Finished/Unfinished filters
- Recently added sorting
- Download status tracking
Listening Controls
Key Shortcuts:
Space bar = Play/Pause
Left arrow = Rewind 30 seconds
Right arrow = Forward 30 seconds
Tips for Maximum Value
- Save credits for expensive titles
- Watch for 2-for-1 credit sales
- Consider returning books you don't enjoy
- Take advantage of member-only sales
- Explore the Plus Catalog for included titles
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Connection Problems
- Check internet connectivity
- Force stop and restart the app
- Clear app cache
- Reinstall if necessary
For additional support, visit the Audible Help Center or contact customer service directly through your account.