Audiobooks Surge 167% as Americans Redefine Reading on the Go

More Americans are pressing play instead of turning pages, and science says their brains are reading either way.

Daily audiobook listening has jumped 167% since 2016, with 8% of Americans now tuning in every day, according to Edison Research. Half of all adults have tried at least one audiobook, turning commutes, flights, and even 2 a.m. baby walks into opportunities for storytelling.

The surge has sparked a debate that feels personal to many. More than 40% of Americans believe audiobooks don't truly count as reading, according to a 2025 NPR-Ipsos poll.

Ali Smith, a Maryland dog trainer, disagrees completely. Between work and caring for her baby, sitting down with a physical book isn't realistic, but audiobooks keep her connected to the stories she loves.

"Telling me that's not reading as I listen to stories about dragons, fairies, knights and gnolls is just not true," Smith told Fox News Digital. She listens while pacing her house at 2 a.m., soothing her baby back to sleep.

Cognitive neuroscientist Nadine Gaab of Harvard Graduate School of Education says both formats activate the brain's main language comprehension systems. Some listeners even visualize words as they hear them, lighting up the same "letter box" region that processes print.

Emily Levy, a literacy expert and founder of EBL Coaching, confirmed that listening and reading show similar brain activation in comprehension areas. The key difference lies in the skills each format builds.

Print reading engages visual networks crucial for decoding letters and recognizing word patterns, especially important for children learning to read. Audiobooks rely on auditory processing systems instead.

"If a child needs to build their decoding or reading fluency skills, listening to audiobooks won't do the trick," Levy explained. But for adults already fluent in reading, the distinction matters less.

Zack Barnes, an associate professor of literacy at Austin Peay State University, considers audiobooks legitimate reading. Extracting meaning from spoken text requires the same complex cognitive work as reading print.

Barnes noted that audiobooks can even motivate some listeners to eventually pick up physical books, building reading stamina over time.

The Bright Side

Context matters more than format, experts say. Bob Hutchins, CEO of Human Voice Media and a psychology researcher, argues we should focus less on what "counts" and more on what each medium offers.

Print reading lets you control pace, reread passages, and remember where information appeared on a page. Audiobooks connect us to ancient storytelling traditions, bringing narratives to life through human voice.

Research suggests audiobooks work beautifully for storytelling and basic information, while print offers advantages with complex material. The best choice depends on your goals and circumstances.

For busy people like Smith, audiobooks aren't a compromise. They're a lifeline to the stories that bring joy, wonder, and a bit of sanity during chaotic days.

"I'm proud of my audiobook listens!" Smith said, and science suggests she should be.