Discover how to make money with Audible in 2025 through audiobook narration, publishing, affiliate marketing, and more. Learn step-by-step methods to turn your voice or content into passive income.
The audiobook industry has grown exponentially over the past few years, and Amazon’s Audible platform is at the center of this revolution. As more people turn to audio content for learning, entertainment, and multitasking, the demand for audiobooks continues to surge.
If you’re wondering how to tap into this booming industry and make money with Audible, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a writer, voice artist, entrepreneur, or even just someone with a passion for storytelling, Audible offers multiple income streams. This article will explore the best ways to monetize Audible, from publishing your own audiobooks to promoting them as an affiliate.
What Is Audible?
Audible is Amazon’s leading platform for audiobooks, audio shows, and spoken-word entertainment. It offers users a subscription-based model that provides access to a massive library of titles across genres.
Audible works with ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) — a platform that connects authors, narrators, and publishers to create audiobooks and distribute them across Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Why Audible is a Great Platform to Make Money
- Massive Market: Audible has millions of subscribers worldwide.
- High Demand: With the rise of podcasting and multitasking culture, audiobooks are more popular than ever.
- Multiple Income Streams: You can earn as an author, narrator, producer, or even affiliate.
- Long-Term Passive Income: Once your audiobook is up, it can earn money for years with minimal maintenance.
- Backed by Amazon: Integration with Amazon makes discoverability and trust easier to build.
Steps to how to Make Money with Audible in 2025 Complete Guide
1. Make Money by Publishing Audiobooks (as an Author)
If you’re an author or have content rights (e.g., blogs, guides, or even public domain works), publishing an audiobook version is one of the best ways to earn with Audible.
Steps to Publish Your Audiobook:
a) Create an Account on ACX
Visit ACX.com and sign up as a “Rights Holder” if you’re an author or content creator.
b) Claim Your Book
Search for your title already published on Amazon (you need an eBook or print book first). If not, publish it via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) first.
c) Find a Narrator or Record It Yourself
You can:
- Hire a professional narrator via ACX.
- Narrate the book yourself if you have a good voice and equipment.
d) Production & Upload
The audiobook must meet ACX technical standards (audio quality, format, chapter structure, etc.).
e) Choose Royalty Option
You can select:
- Exclusive Distribution: You get 40% royalties but can only sell on Audible/Amazon/iTunes.
- Non-exclusive: You get 25% royalties but can sell elsewhere (Google, Spotify, etc.).
f) Publish and Get Paid
Once approved, your audiobook is listed on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. You’ll receive monthly royalty payments based on sales.
Tips to Succeed:
- Choose topics with high demand (self-help, business, finance, etc.).
- Optimize your audiobook title and description for Amazon SEO.
- Encourage early listeners to leave reviews.
2. Make Money as an Audiobook Narrator
If you have a great speaking voice and know how to record quality audio, you can make money narrating audiobooks for others.
How It Works:
On ACX, authors post their books and invite narrators to audition. If selected, you can get paid in two ways:
- Per Finished Hour (PFH): A flat rate per completed hour of audio.
- Royalty Share: You split royalties (usually 50-50) with the author.
Equipment Needed:
- A quality microphone (e.g., Blue Yeti, Rode NT1).
- Audio interface or USB mixer.
- Quiet recording space.
- Software like Audacity or Adobe Audition.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up on ACX as a narrator/producer.
- Upload samples of your voice.
- Apply to narration gigs listed by authors.
- Build a strong portfolio over time.
Platforms Other than ACX:
- Findaway Voices
- Voices.com
- Fiverr
- Upwork
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3. Make Money Through Audible Affiliate Program
Amazon offers an affiliate program called Amazon Associates. By promoting Audible to your audience, you can earn commission.
How the Audible Affiliate Program Works:
- You promote free trials of Audible.
- When someone signs up using your link, you get paid (around $5–$15 per signup).
- Even if they cancel later, you still earn the bounty.
Benefits:
- No product creation needed.
- Easy to implement on blogs, YouTube, podcasts, etc.
- Good payouts for free trials.
Steps to Get Started:
- Join Amazon Associates.
- Search for “Audible” products or “Audible free trial.”
- Generate affiliate links to share.
- Promote links through content (articles, videos, social media, etc.)
Ideas for Promotion:
- “Top 10 Must-Listen Books on Audible”
- “How Audible Helped Me Learn More in Less Time”
- “Best Business Audiobooks to Succeed in 2025”
4. Repurpose Existing Content into Audiobooks
Have a successful blog or YouTube channel? Convert your content into audiobook form and monetize it.
Examples:
- Blog series → Create a themed audiobook.
- Course material → Convert into an educational audiobook.
- Podcast interviews → Curate and sell as audio compilations.
Benefits:
- Leverage existing audience and content.
- Build authority and passive income.
- Offer it as a bonus with digital courses or email opt-ins.
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5. Join the Audible Creator Exchange (Coming Soon)
Audible is testing a new platform called the Creator Exchange, designed to make it easier for creators to monetize audio content.
It aims to support:
- Audio-first storytelling
- Creator-owned distribution
- More flexible content (short-form, series, etc.)
Keep an eye out for this new opportunity.
6. Use Findaway Voices for Wider Distribution
Although Audible via ACX is a great start, it’s limited to Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. Use Findaway Voices to distribute your audiobook to 40+ platforms including Spotify, Apple Books, Chirp, and more.
This allows for:
- Diversified revenue.
- Non-exclusive distribution.
- Additional income streams.
You can still publish your audiobook on Audible via ACX under a non-exclusive license and use Findaway for the rest.
7. Build Your Personal Brand as an Audiobook Creator
If you plan to create multiple audiobooks, it’s smart to build a brand around your name or niche.
Strategies:
- Start a YouTube channel discussing books or narrating samples.
- Grow a podcast to promote your audiobooks.
- Build a mailing list to announce new releases.
- Launch a website or blog around your niche (self-help, fiction, finance, etc.)
Having a loyal audience improves sales, reviews, and discoverability on Audible and Amazon.
8. Track Your Performance and Scale
Audible/ACX provides analytics such as:
- Number of units sold.
- Royalties earned.
- Listener reviews and feedback.
Use this data to:
- Optimize future releases.
- Double down on genres that sell.
- Improve your marketing strategies.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Poor Audio Quality: Always meet ACX standards; otherwise, your audiobook will be rejected.
- Lack of Marketing: Uploading your audiobook isn’t enough — you need to promote it.
- Wrong Niche Selection: Target topics with demand but low competition.
- Ignoring Reviews: Feedback is gold; use it to improve your next project.
- Not Reading Terms: Understand royalty structures before choosing exclusive vs. non-exclusive.
10. Estimated Earnings Potential
- Author/Narrator Royalties: $100–$5,000+ per audiobook/month depending on sales.
- Affiliate Marketing: $100–$1,000+ monthly based on traffic and conversions.
- Narrator-for-Hire: $50–$400 per finished hour (typical audiobooks are 5–10 hours).
Conclusion
Making money with Audible is not just for famous authors or seasoned narrators. With the right strategy, tools, and consistent effort, anyone can tap into this growing market and create multiple streams of income.
Whether you write, narrate, or promote audiobooks, Audible offers real opportunities for both beginners and professionals. Start small, build your brand, and scale your audiobook empire.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up on ACX, explore your niche, and take your first step toward earning with Audible today.