In today’s world, numerous sources are available through which people can entertain themselves. Watching movies, reality shows, and listening to music are some of the most preferred techniques of being entertained. In the past few years, online audiobooks services have emerged as one of the sources of entertainment. Even though streaming online audiobooks is not so popular in other parts of the world, it is quite popular among the American people. In this article we will see about Does Amazon Own Audible?
Amazon Audible is a subsidiary of tech giant Amazon that is involved in providing services such as podcasting, audiobooks streaming. In 2008, Amazon acquired Audible at $300 million. Since then Audible has been operating under Amazon. Amazons Audible has the world’s largest collection of audiobooks and streaming services. Amazons Audible is accountable for holding 60% of the total shares in terms of downloading audiobooks. Users are required to subscribe to Amazons Audible to enjoy streaming services.
Who Originally Owned Audible?
Before the acquisition of Amazon in 2008 by Amazon, audible was originally started and owned by Donald Katz. Katz commenced audible back in 1995 which was engaged in the audiobook and audio tech business. After two years of commencement, Katz launched an audio player device that allows users to download the audiobooks straight from the internet. In 2003, Audible signed an agreement with Apple. As per the signed agreement, Audible would be the exclusive provider of audiobooks for Apple’s iTunes Music Store. In 2005, Audible introduced a new feature that let users download audiobooks to their smartphones.
Why Amazon Acquired Audible?
Amazon was started as a tech company back in the late 1990s. Until 2008, Amazon became a well-known and popular brand in America. Digital media holds a great contribution to Amazon’s revenue. Amazon predicted that earnings from audiobooks would contribute even more to Amazon’s earnings. In addition, Amazon noticed a large gap in the market. To fill this gap, Amazon decided to purchase Audible and offer audiobooks and other podcasting-related services at the minimum possible cost. With the purpose to marginalize their revenue, Amazons acquired Audible in 2008 at $300 million. Besides earnings, Amazon was aggressively looking forward to expanding its businesses in tech services.
What Is The Business Model of Amazon Audible?
Currently Audible is the largest producer and seller of audiobooks. As of today’s date, Audible has over 450,000 active titles on its platform. Audible runs its business on two business models. Below-mentioned the two business models of Audible with details-
- Direct sales or retail- Under this model, Audible sells its original podcast services which are known as Audible originals. Audible promotes Audible Originals to enjoy higher revenues. In addition, several other producers release their podcasts and audiobooks on Audible. A user or customer is required an amount that ranges between $15-$40
- Subscription model- Audible offers membership of Audible services to the users. Users are required to pay a subscription fee to enjoy podcasts and audiobooks offered by Audible
What Is The Subscription Fee of Amazon Audible?
Initially, users can enjoy a 30 days free trial of Amazons Audible. Coming to the subscription, Audible offers varieties of subscription plans so that users may purchase them as per their budget. The below-mentioned table provides the membership plans as per the cost-
| Plan | Cost | No. Of Credits |
| Audible Plus | $7.95 per month | No credits |
| Audible Premium Plus | $14.95 per month | 1 per month |
| Audible Premium Plus – 2 credits | $22.95 per month | 2 per month |
| Audible Premium Plus Annual – 12 credits | $149.50 per year | 12 per year |
| Audible Premium Plus Annual – 24 credits | $229.50 per year | 24 per year |
What Is The Process To Get Audible Subscription?
Amazon started the business to make it easier for the customer to buy products, hence buying an Audible subscription is an easy and smooth process. Follow the below-mentioned steps to know about the subscription procedure-
- Step 1: Download the official Audible app from Google Play Store or Apple’s store, or simply go through the official website of Audible
- Step2: Click Show all plans buttons
- Step 3: As soon as Show all plans would be clicked, all the available plans will be displayed on the screen
- Step 4: Select a subscription plan as per your budget and make payment
Are Audible Services Free For Amazon Prime Members?
Amazon Prime Members can take benefits from various offers by Amazon. However, users can’t use Amazons Audible services even if the user is a prime member. Amazon Prime membership doesn’t include free membership of Audible. Are required to pay and purchase either an Audible Plus or Audible Premium Plus membership.
Conclusion
Audible company is a subsidiary of Amazon. In 2008, Amazon acquired Audible from its founder Donald Katz. Amazon wanted to expand its digital reach and Audible was undoubtedly a perfect company to acquire to realize that goal. Amazons Audible earns revenue in two ways, retail earnings and subscription fees. A user will have to pay $15-$40 to download and enjoy an audiobook. Amazons Audible charges a subscription fee that ranges from $7.95 to $229.50. Users can download Audible from the Google Play Store or App Store and take a subscription via app or official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Amazon Acquired Audible?
Amazon acquired Audible so that their earnings could be marginalized. In addition, Amazon was aiming to expand more in the digital sector
2) Is Amazons Audible Free For Amazon Prime Members?
No, Amazon Prime Members is a separate membership plan that doesn’t include free membership of Amazon Audible.
3) How Does Amazons Audible Earn?
Amazons Audible charges $15-$40 for downloading an audiobook. Besides downloading, it charges a monthly and annual subscription plan from its users.
