Audible today launched a new standard membership tier in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France, expanding access to its audiobook catalog at a lower monthly price.
According to the announcement, the new tier is intended to attract casual listeners and first-time audiobook users while expanding the overall audience for audio storytelling. Cynthia Chu, Chief Financial and Growth Officer at Audible, said: “The launch of our Standard plan reflects Audible’s continued commitment to meeting the diverse tastes and listening habits of story lovers around the world. By expanding our membership options, we are maximizing access for less experienced listeners while enabling publishers and authors to reach new audiences – a win-win that will grow the entire audiobook category.”
A more affordable option to start your audiobook journey with Audible
The new standard plan costs $8.99 per month in the US, with comparable pricing available in other regions. It includes an audiobook credit each month that subscribers can use for any title in Audible’s overall catalog. Members retain access to the redeemed title as long as their subscription remains active. Additionally, the plan offers unlimited ad-free listening from a curated library that includes a selection of Audible originals and nearly 200 popular titles previously available on Wondery’s Wondery+ service.
According to Audible, early testing in the UK and Australia delivered strong results, resulting in a double-digit percentage increase in new member sign-ups compared to previous offerings. With the wider rollout, the company expects the Standard plan to bring millions of new users to its ecosystem over the next year.
The launch does not replace Audible’s existing Premium plan, which costs $14.95 per month in the US and includes unlimited listening to the entire Plus catalog as well as a monthly credit that can be kept permanently even after cancellation.
