The Next Chapter in Listening: New Ways to Interact with Stories on Audible
Audible is today introducing a new suite of features designed to deepen customers’ connections to their favorite stories. From keeping track of a complex cast of characters, to seeing the larger world behind the story, to becoming part of the story themselves, listeners will enjoy rich new ways to engage with the content they love. The three new features, Character Guide, Interactive Story, and Visual Explorer, are built in close collaboration with creators, using AI to enhance the listening experience.
Character Guide
Beginning on October 1 with the release of the Audible Original Bram Stoker's Dracula, Character Guide helps listeners track an expansive cast of characters. Customers have reported this can be harder to do in audio than in print, where they have a visual reference. Character Guide shows who is speaking, in real time, on the player page; provides spoiler-free character cards that also spotlight the performers behind each voice, complete with narrator headshots and bios; and, coming soon, will let listeners ask questions about the production as the story unfolds.
Character Guide is also now available as part of the Audible Original George Orwell’s 1984, and will be included with the forthcoming Audible Original Exoplanet from writer Benjamin Percy (Wolverine, The Ninth Metal) and executive producer Andy Weir (The Martian, Project Hail Mary), out November 5.
Interactive Story
Also rolling out this fall, interactive stories invite Audible listeners to become part of the story’s world through a bonus experience beyond the original narrative. Each Interactive Story features real-time conversation with a character brought to life through a unique combination of generative AI, conversational design, and rich sound production.
The first Interactive Story accompanies the Audible Original Bram Stoker's Dracula and follows the character of Renfield, Dracula’s unpredictable, tormented servant. The character speaks first, assigning the listener a role, goal, and stakes; the listener responds in their own words, and the character reacts in real time.
Creators define the foundations of each Interactive Story, including the opening scenes, turning points, and character persona, with Audible’s product design ensuring the story stays faithful to the creator’s vision all the way through. The next Interactive Story is coming November 5, set in the world of the Audible Original Exoplanet, and created with author Benjamin Percy.
“These new features invite listeners into a story in ways that simply weren’t possible before, marking the latest step in our nearly 30-year journey top push audio storytelling forward,” says Audible’s Chief Content Officer, Rachel Ghiazza. “We’re excited to build on these while working hand in hand with creators, because we know that more time spent with stories benefits everyone who helps bring them to life.”
“Audible continues to be the premier destination for audio storytelling. We are always innovating new ways to deepen customers' engagement as they listen,” says Andy Tsao, Chief Product and Analytics Officer at Audible. “In this case, AI is allowing us to create new interactive experiences that today’s listeners, especially younger audiences, are craving. We are opening up entry points into stories that are still part of the authors’ vision, but that make our customers' experiences more personal and unique.”
Visual Explorer
Coming soon, Visual Explorer will surface relevant imagery and visual context at key moments during listening. Listeners might glimpse a map of where a story is unfolding or tap to explore an image tied to a pivotal moment, without ever losing their place in the narrative. Within Audible’s The Cultural Tutor’s Grand Tour: The Story of Europe in Six Cities, listeners can explore additional imagery and bonus information about key landmarks, figures and places featured in six European cities.
"The Cultural Tutor has always been about making history and art feel alive and accessible, and Visual Explorer takes that a step further,” says Sheehan Quirke, a.k.a. The Cultural Tutor. “I was able to shape what listeners see and when they see it, so the imagery isn't just illustrative but is genuinely part of the storytelling. It's a new way to elevate the experience and bring listeners even closer to the world behind each chapter."
Character Guide, Interactive Story, and Visual Explorer are the latest in a series of innovations from Audible, including Maven, an AI-powered conversational search tool, and personalized discovery features that help audiobook lovers find their next great listens. We are working closely with creators and publishers to bring these features to life in additional stories where it makes the most sense, and in ways that enhance the storytellers’ original visions.
Character Guide, Interactive Story, and Visual Explorer are each rolling out in a limited beta release for U.S. and UK Audible customers. We will evolve these features based on customer and creator feedback.
