How to Identify an Audiobook - Select the Optimal Service Provider
Hot damn, they finally did it! Long-awaited competitor, Rakuten Kobo, steps into the ring against Amazon's Audible in the world of audio content. From vinyl records to cassettes, audiobooks are making a comeback, and it's all the rage. One out of every five folks in the U.S. is listening to audio nowadays. So, how do these bad boys work, and where can we find the best service?
Like a lounge-ready mixtape or a vintage mix-tape, audiobooks became popular again thanks to mobile devices taking over the world. Between podcasts and audiobooks, listening to media on-the-go has become the norm. We see more and more audio websites, apps, and monthly subscription plans cropping up every day.
So, how do audiobooks work? Well, some folks like to listen before hitting the hay, but a lot of people use audiobooks to lighten up their daily commute. Streaming your audio files can see you with an unwanted phone bill, so it's all about finding the best way to access your favorite titles. Streaming lets you download content on-the-go as you listen, saving storage space on your devices. But it requires reliable 4G coverage. If you're constantly deleting apps and photos to make room for a few extra bits, streaming is the way to go. You can stream premium audiobooks from Audible on your computer or through Audiobooks.com.
On the other hand, streaming isn't always the best bet. If you've got dependable Wi-Fi, downloading your audiobooks is the better option. While downloaded books can eat up your phone's memory, most providers offer a 'cloud library.' This lets you access your books without keeping them on your device.
When it comes to listening or reading, both options have their pros and cons. Some folks argue they can't focus listening if they're doing something else, like washing dishes. Others have trouble with the speed or style of reading. But fear not, audiobooks and reading can be parallel experiences across devices.
There are two popular file formats for audiobooks: MP3 and M4B. MP3 is the go-to format for storing high-quality audio across platforms. M4B, on the other hand, is Apple's special file format for audiobooks. M4B files remember where you left off and can handle chapter markers and bookmarks.
You can buy or rent audiobooks, depending on your preference. Some of us collect books in every format, so renting feels like a sacrilege. Libraries often have contracts with providers like OverDrive, Hoopla, or RecordedBooks, allowing you to borrow audio titles for free.
Audiobooks can be abridged or unabridged, with abridged audiobooks being shortened to improve the listening experience. Unabridged audiobooks are read as written. Most stores offer both options, but some pride themselves on providing only unabridged titles.
If you're looking for free English language titles or classic audiobooks, check out your local library. The majority of them have contracts with OverDrive, Hoopla, or RecordedBooks. Need something outside the classics? Try LibriVox, which offers recordings of books by volunteers in 36 languages. For the latest releases, check out Audible, Kobo, Audiobooks.com, Downpour, or Scribd. Each platform offers its unique features and content libraries, so do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.
Feeling adventurous? Try distributing your audiobook through Rakuten Kobo to reach a wider audience and dominate the market like a boss!
Audiobooks, a once nostalgic medium, have resurged in popularity due to advancements in technology and the ubiquity of mobile devices. In this burgeoning market, platforms such as Rakuten Kobo and Audible engage in a fierce competition, opening new avenues for audio content accessibility.
When seeking the best platform for an optimal audiobook experience, the question of streaming versus downloading arises. Each method presents its own advantages and drawbacks, making it essential to understand the differences between them.
