Audible Unveils Affordable Standard Membership Plan to Attract New Users

Audible, the audiobook service owned by Amazon, has introduced a new low-cost membership option aimed at broadening its subscriber base. The plan, called the Standard membership, allows users to select one audiobook each month from Audible’s extensive catalogue, which remains accessible as long as the membership is active.

Features of the New Membership Plan

Standard subscribers benefit from unlimited, ad-free access to a curated selection of Audible Originals and nearly 200 titles that were previously exclusive to Wondery+, a subscription-based audio service that is ending operations. Popular shows such as Dying for Sex, The Shrink Next Door, and Ghost Story will now be exclusively available to Audible members, enhancing the value of the new plan.

The Standard membership is priced at C$8.99 per month, catering to those seeking the latest best-selling audiobooks or new users exploring the audiobook format. For subscribers who prefer unlimited access with a monthly credit to purchase audiobooks permanently, the existing Premium membership remains available at C$14.95 per month.

Positive Initial Results and Future Projections

Early tests of the Standard plan have yielded promising results, with Audible reporting stronger member acquisition and retention rates. Initial testing conducted in both the UK and Australia indicated a “double-digit increase” in new member sign-ups compared to previous offerings. Audible anticipates that the new Standard plan could attract “millions” of new users within the next year.

The Standard membership is now available in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France, with additional market testing already underway. This strategic move may significantly enhance Audible’s competitive position in the growing audiobook market, as it seeks to appeal to a wider audience with varied listening preferences.