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Audio content such as audiobooks, podcasts and audio series are gaining ground in the daily lives of the French. According to a study, around half of parents use this content to entertain their children. A growing trend that reflects the growing interest in this form of entertainment, particularly among 15-19 year-olds.
Young French people aged 15 to 19 are increasingly fond of audio content. According to the fourth edition of Audible’s annual report “The French and Audio Content 2024”, 63% of them have already listened to an audiobook, an increase of six points compared to 2023. 41% of them have even listened to one in the last twelve months.
Parents, prescribers of audio content for their children
Parents play a key role in introducing their children to audio content. 46% of parents report listening to audiobooks, and this figure rises to 49% for parents of children aged 5 to 10. Audio content is used to both entertain (49% of parents) and educate (42% of parents) children. It is also seen as an attractive alternative to limiting screen time, with 28% of parents viewing audio as a way to reduce their children’s screen time. This is five points more than in 2023.
Audio content, a trend among the French in general
Beyond young people, audio content is experiencing remarkable growth among all French people. The survey conducted among French people aged 15 and over indicates that 57% of respondents have already listened to at least one audio content and 45% have listened to it in the last 12 months. More specifically, 33% of French people have already listened to at least one audio book, representing a growth of 2 points compared to 2023.
The French appreciate the complementarity between traditional reading and listening to audio content. For 64% of respondents, audiobooks are complementary to paper and digital books. 42% of respondents go even further by stating that listening to audiobooks encourages them to read more paper or digital books. A trend that has gained an additional point compared to last year.
Increasingly mobile listening
Listening to audio content is also increasingly mobile. 55% of listeners listen to audio content during their daily or occasional travels, the study highlights. Audiobook lovers are 64% in this case. Cars and public transport are used by 25% of listeners.
*Sources: 4th edition of the annual report “The French and audio content 2024” by Audible with Opinion Way. Study carried out by Opinion Way, in 2024, on a panel of 3,007 French respondents aged 15 and over. The sample was constituted according to the quota method, with regard to the criteria of gender, age, socio-professional category, agglomeration category and region of residence. The interviews were conducted from March 27 to April 5, 2024.