News in Short

• Audible has introduced three new features aimed at making audiobooks more interactive.
• The features include a visual explorer, character guide and interactive stories.
• The character guide will show speakers and spoiler-free character information.
• Generative AI will let listeners interact with characters in selected stories.

Audible is adding new technology to make audiobooks more interactive. The Amazon-owned audiobook platform has introduced three new features that let listeners explore characters, stories and additional information while listening.

The move comes as Audible faces increasing competition in the audiobook market. Spotify has also expanded its presence in audiobooks, giving listeners more options.

Audible’s new features include a visual explorer, character guide and interactive stories. However, the rollout will initially cover only a small number of titles.

Audible’s visual explorer adds context to books

The visual explorer will provide additional imagery and information related to locations and landmarks mentioned in a book.

The first title to receive the feature is “The Cultural Tutor: A Modern Guide to History, Art and Philosophy in 49 Short Chapters” by Sheehan Quirke.

The book explores subjects including poetry, art, architecture and geography. The visual explorer is designed to add more context to these subjects while listeners move through the audiobook.

Audible has not yet announced a broader list of titles for the feature.

Character guide helps listeners follow the story

Audible is also introducing a character guide. The feature addresses one of the challenges of listening to books, especially when stories have large casts.

The character guide will initially launch with Audible’s new “Dracula” production. It will show who is speaking in real time on the player page.

Listeners will also see spoiler-free character cards. These cards will include information about the character and the narrator behind the voice.

Audible says listeners will eventually be able to ask the guide questions about the story as it develops.

The character guide will also expand to the Audible Original version of George Orwell’s “1984”. It will also arrive with the upcoming “Exoplanet”, from writer Benjamin Percy and executive producer Andy Weir.

AI lets listeners interact with book characters

The third feature brings generative AI directly into the listening experience.

Audible calls the feature interactive stories. It creates a separate experience where listeners can interact with a character from the book.

“Dracula” will offer an experience involving Dracula’s servant, Renfield. The character speaks first and gives the listener a role, goal and stakes.

Listeners can then respond using their own words. Renfield’s character will react to those responses in real time.

The experience will also arrive with “Exoplanet”.

Audible says creators help shape AI experiences

Audible says creators are involved in developing the foundations of its interactive stories.

The company says this approach helps keep the experiences connected to the original story. For “Dracula”, it also aims to keep the experience faithful to the original creator’s vision.

That distinction could become important as publishers and entertainment companies experiment with generative AI. Audible is using AI to extend a story rather than simply generate a standalone conversation.

New features arrive as audiobook listening grows

Audible’s changes come as audiobook consumption continues to expand. U.S. audiobook sales reached $2.43 billion in 2025, according to Publishers Weekly, cited in the source report.

Smartphones and increasingly busy schedules have helped make audio a convenient way to consume books. Social platforms such as TikTok have also helped bring books and reading communities to wider audiences.

Audible says its new features are currently being tested in beta. The company plans to expand them to more titles over time.

The move gives Audible another way to differentiate its listening experience. It also signals how generative AI could add new layers to traditional audiobook formats without replacing the core listening experience.