With the rise of digital material consumption, audiobooks have become a popular choice for book lovers who are always on the move. Due to the growing popularity of apps like Audible, entrepreneurs are considering whether it would be worthwhile to get into the audiobook app market. The unavoidable question that comes up if you’re thinking about getting into audio content distribution is: How much does it cost to develop an app like Audible?

From 2023 to 2030, the worldwide audiobooks market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.3% from its 2022 valuation of $5,364.9 million. This shows that the demand for audiobooks like Audible will be doubled in the coming years. Due to this, businesses are looking to grab this profitable opportunity by investing in Audible app development. So, if you are also among them and are seeking the cost to build an Audible then you must read this blog till the end.  It will cover everything from development cost, factors, key features and other essential aspects required to build a robust Audible app.

Let’s begin.

What Is An Audible App?

The Audible app is a digital platform which enables users to explore and listen to a wide range of audiobooks and audio stuff. The app offers bookmarking functions, and an interface that is easy to use. Users may enjoy expertly recorded books on mobile devices and discover an abundance of categories.

For individuals who prefer to absorb literature through spoken words, the app also includes capabilities like offline listening and synchronization across several devices, making it a handy and immersive audio experience. So, if you are planning to develop an app like Audible, then you must consult with a custom Android app development company.

Market Statistics & Growth Of Audible App

• In Japan, 66.9 thousand downloads of the podcast and audiobook app Audible were made in December 2023. Over 1.7 million downloads were made in total throughout that year.
• In Japan, as of December 2023, the audiobook and podcast app Audible brought in around 553.3 thousand US dollars per month.
• A study conducted in early 2023 among individuals in the United States revealed that 53 percent of participants had ever listened to an audiobook.

• A lot of people in Portugal used the Audible app to read e-books and listen to recordings in 2023.
• In 2023, this app brought in about forty-three thousand dollars from sales on Google Play and the App Store.

How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like Audible?

The first thing that comes to mind for anyone wanting to create an app similar to Audible is, “How much does it cost to develop an audiobook app?” Although one of the most often requested concerns is how much it would cost to build an app like Audible, providing an accurate estimate may be daunting due to the wide range of variables that affect the cost to develop a mobile app.

Depending on the intricacy of the app and other previously stated cost-determining elements, audiobook app development expenses often range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more. The price to develop an app similar to Audible is broken down below based on the complexity of the project.

However, you can consult with a reputable Android or iOS app development company about your project concept and get a quote to receive a more accurate estimate of the cost to develop an app like Audible.

Factors Affecting the Cost To Develop an App Like Audible

Developing an app like Audible involves various factors that can influence its cost. So, let’s have a look at them in detail.

1. Features and Functionality

The complexity and range of features, including social sharing, offline listening, bookmarking, and user profiles, that you desire in your app will determine how much it will cost to design. The time and resources required to create and test the app increase with the number of features.

2. App Categories  

The price of creating an audible app varies mainly by the kind of application. Every category has unique features, security requirements, and demographics. For example, an audiobook app like Audible has to have all the features necessary to service millions of users, work well in real-time, and have a strong security framework. The total cost to develop an app like Audible increases due to all these features, which also take longer to construct.

3. Platform Compatibility

Costs are impacted by the choice of developing the app for one platform or others. Creating content for two platforms calls for more work in terms of testing and development, which raises the final cost to develop an app like Audible.

4. Content Delivery and Storage

If your app includes a vast library of audiobooks or requires complex content delivery and storage solutions, the development costs will increase. Implementing efficient data management systems and considering server costs are crucial factors.

5. Design UI/UX

User engagement depends on having a well-designed app with an easy-to-use interface and smooth user experience. Although it raises development costs, investing in superior design and user experience can ultimately result in higher customer happiness and retention.

6. Development Hours

The amount of time it takes for mobile app developers to create an audio app is another important factor in determining the app’s price. The amount of developers recruited will determine how long it takes to build an app.

Your team will require more developers to expedite the creation of an audio app if it is a complicated app. This implies that you must increase your investment. However, compared to the scenario above, you have to spend comparatively less for a basic squad.

Key Features To Develop An App Like Audible

When developing an audiobook app, there are a plethora of options that one may want to incorporate. As per hybrid app development services provider, below are the key features that you must check out. Now let’s get started:

1. Registration and Profiles

In order to manage accounts, establish profiles, and keep track of their listening history, users must register. Users may register for the app in two ways: first, by giving information, and second, by using their social network login credentials. Both approaches are valid and make it simple to register on the website.

2. Push Notifications

Users receive regular reminders through push notifications about new releases, discounts, exclusive deals, and other noteworthy news that they may find interesting. However if you integrate push notification features in your audible-like app, then the cost to develop an app like Audible will increase.

3. Search and Filters

Search and filter functions, which let users locate certain audiobooks based on their tastes, titles, narrators, authors, genres, or keywords, are among the most essential elements of the Audible app.

4. Audiobook Playback

Having a smooth audio streaming and download feature for consumers is one of the most important things you can do to help your app succeed in the marketplace. Make sure to include functions like play, pause, rewind, forward, and playback speed adjustment in order to do this.

5. Voice Assistance

One of the most unique features of modern apps is voice help, and audiobooks are no different. These days, customers prefer not to type keywords into search boxes to locate the products they want. With voice help, customers only need to talk into the microphone about the exact search they’re doing, and they’ll receive the appropriate result instantly.

6. Multiple Payment Options

To make sure that transactions are simple and secure, you should think about offering customers a variety of payment methods for purchasing and subscribing to their preferred audiobooks. These payment methods include net banking, PayPal, UPI, credit/debit cards, etc. Ascertain a safe and smooth payment gateway integration.

7. CMS Integration

You can create an admin dashboard to manage, upload, organize, and update audiobook material by integrating a CMS. CMS uses a collection of templates to show the material in a presentation layer. However, iIntegrating CMS can also raise the cost to develop an app like Audible.

8. Customer Relationship Management

For business owners, it may be one of the most beneficial features. CRM integration facilitates the management of contacts with both current and future consumers by providing a complete awareness of their wants and preferences.

9. Real-Time Analytics

One of the most important aspects that assists in gathering essential data based on user behavior, preferences, and usage patterns is real-time analytics. Additional uses for this data include performance enhancements for the app and tailored recommendations. Thus, to enhance the functionality of your app, don’t forget to include a predictive analytics feature.

How To Reduce the Cost Of Audible App Development?

Reducing the cost to develop an app like Audible requires strategic planning and efficient use of resources. Here are the tips to help you minimize expenses while creating a high-quality audio streaming application:

i. Clear Project Requirements

Clearly define the scope and requirements of your Audible app. A detailed project plan helps in avoiding scope creep, ensuring that the development team focuses only on essential features. This clarity minimizes unnecessary work and reduces overall development costs.

ii. Agile Development Methodology 

Adopt an agile development approach to boost flexibility to changing needs. This iterative method allows for continuous feedback, enabling adjustments during development. By addressing issues early on, you avoid costly modifications later in the process. Agile also promotes a more efficient allocation of resources, optimizing the development timeline and budget.

iii. Cross-Platform Development

Opt for cross-platform development frameworks like React Native or Flutter to build your Audible app for both iOS and Android platforms simultaneously. By using this method, the time and resources needed to maintain and update two distinct codebases are reduced, and separate development teams are not as necessary.

iv. Outsourcing Development

Consider outsourcing certain aspects of your Audible app development to regions with lower labor costs. Choose a reputable development partner with experience to assure quality results. When compared to hiring an in-house staff, outsourcing may allow you access qualified individuals at a fraction of the cost. It offers significant savings without sacrificing experience.

v. Cloud Services and Scalability

Utilize cloud services for hosting and storage to avoid significant upfront infrastructure costs. Cloud platforms offer scalable solutions that allow you to pay only for the resources you use. This flexibility ensures that your Audible app can adapt to changing user demands without incurring unnecessary expenses.

Conclusion

Creating an app like Audible requires a huge investment that takes into account a number of factors, including platform compatibility, design, and functionality. It is essential to work with a flutter app development company to successfully and quickly traverse this complicated procedure. Their proficiency guarantees a smooth transition from ideation to implementation, maximizing expenses and standards.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. What Are the Benefits Of Creating An Audible App?

Developing an Audible app gives businesses a way to connect with a large audience while giving consumers an easy way to access and enjoy audiobooks. This promotes brand loyalty, increases consumer involvement, and creates new income opportunities. It also capitalizes on the expanding market need for immersive audio content consumption while on the road.

2. How Long Does It Take To Develop An Audible App?

Depending on its features and complexity, Audible apps take different amounts of time to design. Usually, it takes 2-8 months. Quick decision-making, a committed group, and effective project management all play a part in the timely delivery of a high-caliber, user-friendly audiobook.

3. How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Mobile App?

A mobile app’s yearly maintenance costs might vary, but they usually fall between 15-20% of the app’s actual app development cost. Updates, product improvements, server hosting, and bug repairs are some of the factors that affect cost to maintain an app. Optimized performance, security, and compatibility with new and developing mobile platforms are guaranteed by routine maintenance.

4. What Are the Popular Audiobook Apps?

Here are the popular Audiobooks app that you must have a look at:

• LibriVox
• Scribd
• Chirp
• Hoopla
• Libby