Top Trends Shaping the Reading Habits of Book Lovers Today

Digital Reading Platforms

In recent years, digital reading platforms have gained popularity among book lovers and I have examined this in other blogs here for reference. E-readers, tablets, and smartphones have made it easier to access a wide range of books and people can now carry entire libraries in their pockets/satchels/handbags. It's an endless choice. 

And also, these platforms offer really interesting features like adjustable font sizes, background colors, and even text-to-speech options, making reading more accessible to people with different needs and preferences. I see this as a game changer. 

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are another trend in shaping reading habits. Many people find it convenient to listen to books while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores, and this format allows for multitasking while still enjoying a good story. We all enjoy multi-tasking these days.

What do the figures look like? Globally, audiobook revenue is projected to be worth over $5.38 billion as of 2022. Revenue from audiobooks is expected to grow 26.4% every year from 2022 to 2030 and reach $35.05 billion in 2030. This makes audiobooks the fastest-growing book format in the world by a wide margin.

Audible and Google Play Books offer extensive libraries of audiobooks and provide features like variable playback speeds and bookmarks, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Let's look to our friends over in Wordsrated.com who have, as they say, done the math...In the US, fiction audiobooks are the biggest category in this format, accounting for over 65% of all audiobook sales. However, nonfiction is expected to show a higher growth rate over the next 7 years, growing 27.5% annually, on average. Over 74,000 audiobooks were published in the United States in 2021, a 4.23% increase over the 2020 record.

What about Europe? Growing at a rate of 18.61% each year, the European market is expected to grow by $1.23 billion by 2025 to a total of $2.08 billion.
32% of the European audiobook market growth is attributed to the German market. The UK audiobook market was worth $94.8 million in 2019, having grown 43% since 2018. As of 2020, the four Nordic countries were estimated to be worth $100 million in 2020 and are identified as one of the largest markets for growth behind the US, China, and the UK (https://wordsrated.com/audiobook-sales-statistics/)  

Podcasts and Book Discussions

As of February 2024, there are currently 3.2 million podcasts. A quick look at the ubiquitous Internet tells us that about 505 million people will listen to podcasts in 2024, the most in the medium's short history. Since the term podcast was coined in 2004, the format has grown into a $25 billion industry. 

YouGov has released data showing the number of regular podcast listeners in countries around the world. The data suggests that 39% of US consumers listen to podcasts for more than an hour a week; that South Africa is the most popular country for podcasts at 68%, Saudi Arabia at 59%, and Indonesia at 57%.

There are around 3 million active podcasts. Podcasts outnumber audiobooks by around 6:1. The number of podcasts grew year-over-year between 2009 and 2020. Almost 30 million podcast episodes were published last year (https://explodingtopics.com/blog/number-of-podcasts). 

Podcasts that discuss books and authors have also become popular and several of my friends are hosting podcasts. These podcasts offer reviews, interviews, and deep dives into specific books whilst providing a platform for readers to engage with literature in a totally new and, may argue, a more immersive way.

Online books combine text with images, videos, and interactive elements. They offer a more engaging and immersive reading experience. Educational books, in particular, benefit from this format and interactive elements can help explain complex concepts and keep readers engaged.

This trend has led to a more diverse range of books. Readers now have access to unique voices and stories that might not have been published through traditional channels.

Environmental Concerns

Environmental concerns are also influencing reading habits. Many readers are opting for digital books to reduce paper usage. Publishers are also adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using recycled paper and sustainable inks.

These efforts help reduce the environmental impact of book production and distribution. Readers can enjoy their favorite books while supporting sustainability. Indeed, we at ShadowScript Publications have our own environment and sustainability officer with Clara Quinn based in our Sweden office and Head of Sustainability, Anne Hayden, based in our midlands office in Ireland. 

These trends provide readers with more options and opportunities to engage with books. Whether you prefer digital or print, there is something for everyone in today's literary landscape.