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    Audible, Inc.
    Digital Audio Retail

    Audible, Inc.

    United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom

    "Transform Everything You Do"

    Founded 1997 Newark, New Jersey
    Community

    About

    Donald Katz and Don Rumsby launched Audible in 1997 to bring spoken-word entertainment to digital devices. The founders created the first portable digital audio player before building a platform that let users buy and stream audiobooks. This early hardware work laid the groundwork for a service that would eventually turn audiobooks into a mainstream entertainment pillar.

    Amazon acquired the company in 2008 for roughly $300 million and moved its headquarters to Newark, New Jersey. Under Amazon ownership, Audible shifted from selling individual discs to a subscription model where members receive monthly credits. The catalog now includes standard audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive original productions known as Audible Originals.

    The brand maintains a dominant position in the United States and United Kingdom markets despite growing competition. By late 2026, reports indicated that YouTube was negotiating with publishers to launch its own audiobook service starting in 2027. Audible responded by introducing features designed to immerse listeners deeper into narratives rather than just providing passive audio playback.

    Products & Sub-brands

    AudiobooksPodcastsAudible OriginalsAudible PlusAudible Premium Plus

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Audible owned by Amazon?
    Yes, Audible is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amazon.com, having been acquired by the tech giant in 2008 for approximately $300 million.
    What does Audible Inc. do?
    Audible is an online service that allows users to purchase, stream, and download audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive original audio content via subscription or individual purchase.
    How do I stop paying for Audible?
    Users can cancel their membership at any time through their account settings on the Audible website or app to prevent future monthly charges and retain access to purchased titles.
    Why am I being charged for Audible if I didn't sign up?
    Charges often result from accidental free trial enrollments that automatically convert to paid memberships after the trial period ends without explicit cancellation.
    Is Audible still in business despite competitors?
    Yes, Audible remains the market leader in audiobooks as of 2026, though it faces emerging competition from platforms like YouTube and Spotify expanding into the genre.

    Keywords

    audiobookpodcastdigital audiosubscription servicespoken wordAmazon subsidiaryaudio streaming

    Sources

    WikipediaYahoo FinanceWinter Is ComingLaw360Publishing Perspectives

    Company Info

    Founded
    1997
    Founder
    Donald Katz, Don Rumsby
    Headquarters
    Newark, New Jersey
    Industry
    Digital Audio Retail
    Parent Company
    Amazon.com
    Acquisition Year
    2008
    Acquisition Price
    $300 million
    Primary Market
    United States, United Kingdom
    Notable Legal Event
    Washington judge ruled against auto-enrollment lawsuit in July 2026
    Author Controversy
    Brandon Sanderson criticized new author deal terms in October 2026
    Competitor Threat
    YouTube rumored to launch audiobook service in 2027

    Official Website

    www.audible.com

    Links

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