How to Start Making Money with Audible: 5 Best Ways to Earn in 2025

Audible, a subsidiary of Amazon, is one of the largest platforms for audiobooks and audio content. According to Wikipedia, it offers over 200,000 audio programs, including books across various genres, radio shows, speeches, interviews, stand-up comedy, and audio versions of publications like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

But Audible isn’t just for listening, you can also make money from it. Based on in-depth research and insights from industry professionals, this guide explores the three best ways to start earning with Audible. Perfect for beginners.

Let’s dive in!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to earn money with Audible. By sharing an affiliate link, you can earn commissions whenever someone signs up or buys an audiobook. Currently, there are two main programs:

1. Amazon Associates Program

This program is open to everyone. You can earn:

• $10 for each gold membership sign-up.
• $5 for each free trial sign-up.
• $0.50 for each individual audiobook sale.

How to Join:

• Apply through Amazon Associates.
• Once approved, share your affiliate links on blogs, social media, or YouTube.
• Use Amazon’s built-in analytics to track your link performance.

2. Audible Creator Program (For Podcasters Only)

This program is designed for podcasters who want to monetize their audience. It offers a higher commission:

$15 for every listener who signs up for a 30-day free trial through your affiliate link.

How to Join:

• Apply through Audible Creators, providing details about your podcast.
• Naturally integrate Audible promotions within your episodes.

Pro Tip: Recommend audiobooks related to your podcast niche. For example, if your podcast focuses on entrepreneurship, suggest books on investing or business strategies.

Case Studies

Here are real-life examples of people successfully making money with Audible.

1. Selling Audiobooks on Audible – Earning $4,500 per Month

According to The Sun, Angelina and Chris, two entrepreneurs and TikTok users, earn $4,500 per month selling audiobooks on Audible.

The interesting part? They don’t write or narrate the books themselves. Instead, they outsource the process, sometimes using AI tools like ChatGPT to create content.

Their Strategy:

1. $300 per audiobook production cost.
2. $3 per listener
3. Leveraging TikTok for promotion.

The result? A profitable passive income stream.

2. Earning $100/Day with the Audible Affiliate Program

A YouTube video titled “How To Make $100/Day With The Audible Affiliate Program” shares five free strategies to reach this goal.

Key Takeaways from the Video:

• Using blogs & YouTube to drive organic traffic.
• Email marketing to improve conversions.
• Focusing on a niche to attract a highly interested audience.

3. Community Discussions: Audible as an Income Opportunity

On Reddit, many users discuss their strategies for making money with Audible. One popular approach is publishing “how-to” books with an initial investment of $1,200-$1,300.

Why is this strategy effective?

1. People actively search for practical audiobooks on Audible.
2. If your book is relevant, it can generate long-term passive income.

Read the discussion here: Reddit Audible Discussion.

Now that you’ve seen real-life success stories, let’s dive into the best strategies to maximize your Audible affiliate earnings!

Proven Strategies to Succeed in the Audible Affiliate Program

To maximize earnings from the Audible affiliate program, you need proven marketing strategies. Below are some of the most effective methods used by successful affiliate marketers:

A. Blogging & SEO: Driving Organic Traffic from Google

According to Ahrefs, 68% of all online experiences begin with a search engine. This makes blogging one of the best ways to generate high-converting traffic.

Write audiobook review articles targeting high-search-volume keywords such as:

• Best Audiobooks for Entrepreneurs 2024
• Top Audible Books for Personal Development

Use long-tail keywords like Audible vs Blinkist: Which is Better? to attract ready-to-buy audiences.

Case Study:

Blogger and self-improvement content creator Ali Abdaal successfully uses SEO to drive thousands of visitors to his affiliate pages every month. By targeting the right keywords, he generates passive income through Audible referrals. (Source: Ali Abdaal).

B. YouTube & TikTok: Leveraging Video for Higher Conversions

According to Wyzowl’s 2023 report, 96% of consumers trust a product more after watching a video review. This makes video content an extremely powerful tool for boosting affiliate conversions.

Effective YouTube & TikTok Strategies:

1. Create audiobook review or book summary videos.
2. Use a clear Call to Action (CTA): 👉 “Get this audiobook FREE with an Audible trial! Link in the description.”
3. Optimize thumbnails and titles to grab attention.

Real-World Examples:

• Ali’s Book Club on YouTube has gained thousands of views and high conversions by summarizing popular books (Check his channel here).
• TikToker @booktokqueen successfully drives Audible sales by recommending books using engaging short-form content.

C. Email Marketing: Building a Loyal Audience

According to HubSpot, email marketing delivers an average ROI of 4,200%, meaning every $1 invested can generate $42 in returns.

1. Build an email list by offering a giveaway or lead magnet, such as: “Download a FREE list of top audiobooks for self-improvement!”
2. Send weekly audiobook recommendations to keep subscribers engaged.
3. Use storytelling to build trust. Share personal experiences of how a specific audiobook changed your perspective and how readers can benefit from it.

Case Study:

Affiliate marketing expert Pat Flynn relies on email marketing to promote various affiliate programs, including Audible. By using a storytelling-driven approach, he significantly increased his affiliate conversion rates. (Source: Smart Passive Income).

Choose the strategy that fits you best and start experimenting to see what works!

Comparison with Other Affiliate Programs

From this table, Audible offers one of the best commission structures, especially for podcasters using the Audible Creator Program. However, if your audience prefers book summaries instead of full audiobooks, Blinkist might be a better choice.

2. Self-Publishing Audiobooks

Self-publishing an audiobook can be a lucrative way to earn royalties, especially as the audiobook industry continues to grow. According to Grand View Research (2023), the global audiobook market is projected to reach $35.05 billion by 2030, making it a promising opportunity for authors.

How to Publish an Audiobook on Audible (ACX)

To publish an audiobook and start earning passive income, follow these steps:

1. Write and Prepare

1. • Have a completed, well-edited manuscript.
   • Many successful authors outline their books first to streamline the writing process.

2. Create an ACX Account

1. • Sign up as a Rights Holder at ACX.
   • Your book must be available on Amazon Kindle before you can create an audiobook.

3. Set Up the Project

1. • Provide book details, including genre, description, and keywords.
   • Choose between exclusive (higher royalties) or non-exclusive (wider distribution).

4. Find a Narrator (or Narrate Yourself)

1. • Option 1: Narrate It Yourself – You need a Blue Yeti microphone and Audacity software for professional-quality audio.
   • Option 2: Hire a Professional – Platforms like ACX or Voices.com allow you to find narrators, with costs ranging from $200 – $1,500+ per finished hour (Source: ACX Marketplace).

5. Produce and Submit

1. • Record, edit, and format your audiobook to ACX standards.
   • ACX’s approval process takes up to 30 days before distribution.

6. Distribute on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes

Once approved, your audiobook will be available to millions of listeners.

Earnings Potential from Self-Publishing

Audible offers two royalty models:

Example: If your audiobook sells 1,000 copies at $15 each under exclusive rights, you earn $6,000 in royalties.

Case Study: How One Author Earned $10,000 from Audiobooks

According to Joanna Penn (The Creative Penn, 2022), one of her audiobooks generated over $10,000 in passive income by leveraging smart marketing strategies, including:

1. Using Podcast Interviews: Promoting the book on industry-related podcasts.
2. Running Amazon & Facebook Ads: Targeting audiobook listeners specifically.
3. Building an Email List: Offering free content to attract potential buyers.

Marketing Strategies to Increase Sales

Promoting your audiobook effectively is key to maximizing sales. According to WordsRated (2023), the audiobook market has grown by 24.7% annually in recent years, driven by SEO, social media, and influencer marketing. Here are the best strategies to ensure your audiobook reaches the right audience:

1. Blogging & SEO

Google searches for audiobook recommendations are increasing. According to Ahrefs (2023), keywords like “best business audiobooks 2024” receive 10,000+ searches per month.

1. Write a blog post summarizing your book and optimizing it for long-tail keywords (g., “Best Productivity Audiobooks for Entrepreneurs 2024”).
2. Create comparison articles (g., “Audible vs Blinkist: Which is Better?”) to attract organic traffic.
3. Use internal linking to connect your blog posts and improve site authority.

Case Study:

Author Nick Loper (Side Hustle Nation, 2023) shared that by optimizing his audiobook-related blog posts with SEO-focused content, he increased sales by 35% in six months.

2. YouTube & TikTok (BookTok)

Short-form video content drives engagement. Wyzowl (2023) reports that 91% of people want to see more video content from brands.

1. YouTube Strategy: Post audiobook summaries, top book lists, and reviews.
2. TikTok Strategy (BookTok): Use trending hashtags like #BookTok, #AudiobookReview, #MustRead.
3. Call-to-Action (CTA): End videos with: “Get this audiobook free with an Audible trial—link in bio!”.

Case Study:

According to Forbes (2023), TikTok’s #BookTok community has driven millions in book sales, helping authors like Colleen Hoover reach bestseller lists.

3. Email Marketing & Social Media

Email marketing delivers an ROI of $36 for every $1 spent.

1. Build an email list by offering a free chapter or audiobook sample.
2. Send personalized recommendations based on listener preferences.
3. Use Instagram & Facebook Ads to retarget past website visitors.

Example Strategy:

Bestselling author Mark Dawson (Self Publishing Formula, 2023) built an email list of 100,000+ readers and now earns six figures yearly from audiobooks, using targeted email sequences.

3. Narrating Audiobooks

Becoming an audiobook narrator through ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is a great opportunity to earn income, especially if you have a captivating voice and strong reading skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started (source: acx.com):

1. Create an Account on ACX

Visit the official ACX website and sign up as a narrator. Fill in your profile with detailed information, including your experience, voice type, and preferred genres.

2. Upload Voice Samples

Record several narration samples showcasing your ability in different styles and genres. These samples will help authors and publishers evaluate whether your voice fits their projects.

3. Apply for Audiobook Projects

Browse the available books on ACX and audition for projects that match your skills and interests. The audition process usually involves submitting a recorded sample from a provided script.

4. Complete the Production

If selected, you will be responsible for the entire audio production process, from recording to mastering. ACX provides various resources to help you produce high-quality audio.

5. Get Paid

ACX offers several payment models (Source: krystalwascher.com):

• Per Finished Hour (PFH): You get paid a fixed rate per finished hour of audio. Rates vary, typically between $50 and $500 per finished hour, depending on your experience and quality.
• Royalty Share: You and the rights holder share royalties from audiobook sales. Typically, you receive 50% of the royalties the author earns per sale.
• Royalty Share Plus: A combination of PFH payment and royalty sharing.

Earning Potential

Your earnings as an audiobook narrator will depend on the payment model you choose and the volume of work you complete. Some professional narrators report significant earnings. For example, a narrator with a $150 per hour rate completing three 10-hour books per month could earn around $4,500 per month. (reddit.com)

Tips for Success as an Audiobook Narrator

• Improve Your Narration Skills: Continuously refine your reading and vocal expression.
• Invest in Quality Equipment: Use a high-quality microphone and recording setup to ensure professional audio results.
• Leverage ACX Resources: ACX offers various guides and resources to help you through the production process. (help.acx.com)

With dedication and effort, becoming an audiobook narrator on ACX can be a rewarding and sustainable source of income.

For a visual guide on getting started as a narrator on ACX, check out this video:

4. Selling Audiobook-Related Services

While most people think of Audible as a place to sell or promote audiobooks, there’s another profitable side to the industry, offering services that support audiobook creators. Authors, narrators, and publishers often need help with editing, writing, and design, which opens up multiple opportunities to earn money.

If you have skills in audio production, writing, or graphic design, here are some of the best ways to turn them into a steady income stream.

A. Audio Editing & Production Services

Many audiobook creators focus on storytelling and narration but lack the technical skills to produce high-quality audio. That’s where professional audio editors come in.

As an audiobook editor, you can help with:

• Noise Reduction & Sound Enhancement: Cleaning up background noise and improving clarity.
• Mastering for ACX Compliance: Audible has strict audio requirements, and editors ensure files meet those standards.
• Adding Background Music & Effects: Some audiobooks use subtle music or sound effects to enhance the listening experience.

Earning Potential

Freelance audio editors charge $50 to $300 per hour of finished audio, depending on their experience and the project’s complexity. Some top freelancers earn $5,000+ per month working with multiple clients.

Useful Resources:

• ACX Guidelines – Official Audio Submission Requirements
• Freelance Work – Fiverr – Audiobook Editing Services

B. Ghostwriting Books for Audiobooks

Not all audiobook authors write their own books. In fact, many professionals and entrepreneurs prefer to hire ghostwriters to create content for them. If you’re a skilled writer, you can get paid to write books that later become audiobooks on Audible.

How Much Can You Earn?

Freelance ghostwriters charge $0.05 to $1 per word, meaning a 30,000-word book could earn you $1,500 to $30,000. According to Reedsy, experienced ghostwriters make $5,000 to $25,000 per book (Reedsy – Ghostwriting Rates).

How to Find Clients?

• Freelance Platforms – Upwork – Ghostwriting Jobs
• Networking – Join Facebook groups & Reddit forums where authors discuss audiobook publishing.

C. Designing Audiobook Covers

“A book is judged by its cover” and that applies to audiobooks too! A well-designed cover can attract listeners and increase sales, so many authors hire graphic designers who understand Audible’s cover requirements.

Skills You Need:

• Experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.
• Understanding of ACX cover specifications (square format, 2400×2400 pixels).

How Much Can You Earn?

Freelancers on Fiverr and Upwork charge $50 to $500 per cover. Top designers can make $1,000+ per project by working with established authors.

Example: A successful audiobook cover designer on Upwork earns $10,000+ per month (Upwork – Audiobook Cover Design).

D. Where to Sell These Services?

No matter which service you offer, finding clients is key. Here are the best platforms to start selling your skills:

• Fiverr: Great for beginners offering editing, writing, or design services (Fiverr – Audiobook Services).
• Upwork: Higher-paying projects for experienced freelancers (Upwork – Freelance Audiobook Jobs).
• Reedsy: Ideal for professional ghostwriters & editors (Reedsy Marketplace).
• Facebook & Reddit: Active communities where authors seek audiobook professionals.

5. Flipping Audiobooks

Flipping audiobooks involves acquiring the rights to an audiobook (usually from independent authors or small publishers) and then reselling or republishing it on platforms like Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. With the right marketing strategy, these audiobooks can generate passive income over time.

How to Start Flipping Audiobooks

To succeed in flipping audiobooks, you need to understand how to acquire audiobook rights and resell them profitably. Here are the steps:

A. Finding and Purchasing Audiobook Rights

There are several ways to acquire audiobook rights:

Buying from Independent Authors

Many self-published authors are willing to sell audiobook rights because they lack the resources to produce and market them. You can negotiate a deal directly with them.

Using Public Domain Books

Books that are in the public domain can be turned into audiobooks without paying royalties. Examples of platforms offering public domain books:

• Project Gutenberg
• LibriVox

Buying Rights from Small Publishers

Some small publishers may be willing to sell audiobook distribution rights at a lower cost than major publishers.

B. Producing and Narrating the Audiobook

Once you have the rights to a book, you need to produce the audiobook. There are two main ways to do this:

Recording It Yourself

If you have a good voice and proper equipment, you can record the audiobook using software like Audacity or Adobe Audition.

Hiring a Professional Narrator

You can find professional narrators on platforms such as:

• ACX Marketplace
• Voices.com
• Fiverr

Selling and Promoting Audiobooks

Once your audiobook is ready, you need to sell it on the right platforms:

1. Selling on Audible via ACX: Audible is the largest audiobook marketplace. You can upload your audiobook on ACX and choose a royalty structure of 40% (exclusive) or 25% (non-exclusive).
2. Selling on Google Play Books & Apple Books: Besides Audible, audiobooks can be published on Google Play Books and Apple Books to reach a wider audience.
3. Selling on Your Own Platform: If you want full control over pricing and profit margins, you can sell audiobooks directly through your own website or platforms like Gumroad.

After discussing each method in detail, here is a comparison of the five main ways to make money on Audible, so you can choose the strategy that best suits your needs and skills.

Comparison of Methods

To help you decide, here’s a table comparing the methods:

Fees, Payment Systems, and Realistic Income

Starting a business on Audible can be a lucrative opportunity, but it’s essential to understand the associated costs, payment methods, and realistic income expectations. Let’s break it down so you can choose the best strategy for your goals.

1. Costs: What Do You Need to Prepare?

Each monetization model on Audible has different cost requirements.

• Affiliate Marketing: No upfront costs. Simply sign up for the Amazon Associates or Audible Creator Program, and start sharing your affiliate links. This is the best option if you want to start with zero investment. (affiliate-program.amazon.com)
• Self-Publishing: Requires an initial investment. If you want to publish your own audiobook, primary costs include manuscript editing and narration. On ACX, narrator fees range from $200–$500 per finished hour, or you can choose a royalty-share model. (help.acx.com)
• Audiobook Narration: Requires equipment investment. Professional narrators typically use a Shure SM7B microphone (around $400), software like Adobe Audition, and a soundproof studio for high-quality production.

So, if you’re looking for a no-cost entry, affiliate marketing is your best bet. However, if you’re willing to invest for higher earnings, self-publishing or audiobook narration can be more profitable.

2. Payment Systems: How Will You Get Paid?

Understanding payment structures is crucial for managing your income. Each method has a different payout system:

Affiliate Marketing (Amazon Associates, Audible Creator Program)

• • Payments are made via direct deposit, check, or Amazon gift cards.
  • Amazon Associates follows a monthly payout schedule, with a minimum threshold of $30 before payments are processed. (affiliate-program.amazon.com)

Self-Publishing (ACX Royalties)

• • If you choose exclusive distribution, you’ll earn 40% of the retail price per audiobook sold.
  • If you opt for non-exclusive distribution, royalties drop to 25% per sale. (help.acx.com)

Audiobook Narration (ACX Payments)

• • You can choose a flat rate per finished hour ($200–$500 per hour) or a royalty-share agreement with the author.
  • Royalty-share agreements typically involve a 50/50 split with the rights holder, meaning you receive 20% of each sale if using exclusive distribution. (acx.com)

By understanding these payment structures, you can determine which method aligns best with your income goals.

3. How Much Can You Realistically Earn?

Your potential earnings depend on your chosen business model, audience size, and consistency in marketing efforts. Here’s an estimate based on industry data:

A. Affiliate Marketing

• Beginner bloggers: Can make $100–$500 per month with a small audience.
• Large YouTubers or influencers: Can earn $1,000–$10,000 per month, especially with a strong content strategy.

B. Self-Publishing

• New authors: Can earn $2–$5 per audiobook sold.
• Bestsellers: Can generate $10,000+ per month, especially with effective marketing strategies.

C. Audiobook Narration

• Beginner narrators: Can earn $200–$300 for small projects.
• Professional narrators with regular clients: Can make $1,000–$5,000 per month, depending on the number of projects and experience level.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a zero-investment way to earn, affiliate marketing is the easiest entry point. If you want to build a long-term digital asset, self-publishing audiobooks can be highly profitable. And if you have a good voice and prefer working from home, audiobook narration can provide a steady income.

The key to success is choosing a strategy that matches your skills and resources while implementing effective marketing techniques. With consistency, effort, and the right promotional strategies, Audible can become a highly lucrative business opportunity.

Disclaimer: This article is based on research, not personal experience. Its purpose is to provide an overview of Audible as a potential income source, helping readers decide whether this platform is right for them.