How to Get Into Audiobooks: A Beginner's Guide
· 8 min read
New to audiobooks? This practical guide covers everything from picking your first title to building a listening habit that sticks.
You've been meaning to try audiobooks for a while. Maybe your commute is long, maybe you used to read more than you do now, or maybe someone won't stop telling you about this narrator who "completely transforms" a book you already love. Whatever brought you here, getting started with audiobooks is easier than you think — but there are a few things that can make the difference between falling in love with the format and bouncing off it.
Here's everything you need to know to start your audiobook journey the right way.
Step 1: Pick a Book You Already Know You'll Like
Your first audiobook is not the time to experiment with a genre you've never tried. Pick something in your comfort zone — a genre you already enjoy, an author you already love, or even a book you've already read and liked.
Why? Because you're learning a new way to consume stories. If you're simultaneously adjusting to the audio format and trying a genre that doesn't click, you might conclude audiobooks aren't for you when really the book just wasn't right.
Some great starter categories:
- Memoirs narrated by the author: There's something special about hearing someone tell their own story. Try Trevor Noah's Born a Crime, Michelle Obama's Becoming, or Matthew McConaughey's Greenlights.
- Thrillers: Fast-paced books are ideal because the momentum carries you through. The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl are proven winners.
- Books you've already read: Experiencing a favorite book through a new narrator's interpretation can be genuinely revelatory.
Step 2: The Narrator Matters More Than You Think
This is the number-one thing new audiobook listeners underestimate. A great narrator can make a good book unforgettable. A bad narrator can make a great book unbearable.
Before committing to a title, listen to the sample. Every audiobook app lets you preview a few minutes. Pay attention to:
- Does the narrator's voice feel comfortable? You'll be spending hours with it.
- Is the pacing natural, or does it feel rushed or sluggish?
- For fiction: how does the narrator handle different characters?
- For non-fiction: does the narrator sound engaged with the material?
Some narrators to start with if you want a guaranteed great experience: Stephen Fry (anything, but especially the Harry Potter series), Julia Whelan (literary fiction and romance), Ray Porter (sci-fi and thrillers), and any author narrating their own memoir.
Step 3: Find Your Listening Sweet Spot
Most people have a few activities that pair naturally with audiobooks. The key is finding yours. Common ones:
- Commuting: The most popular listening time. Whether driving or on public transit, audiobooks make the time productive.
- Exercise: Running, walking, and gym sessions pair well with audiobooks (especially for people tired of the same playlist).
- Household chores: Dishes, laundry, cooking — mundane tasks become enjoyable when there's a story playing.
- Before bed: Many listeners use audiobooks with a sleep timer to wind down. It's a healthier screen-free alternative to scrolling.
- Walking the dog: Easily the most underrated audiobook time.
Start with just one activity. Don't try to listen during everything at once. Let it become a habit in one context before expanding.
Step 4: Use Playback Features to Your Advantage
Modern audiobook apps have features that can dramatically improve your experience:
- Playback speed: Many people settle at 1.2x-1.5x speed after a few books. Start at 1x and gradually increase if the default pace feels slow. Never go faster than feels comfortable — you'll lose comprehension.
- Sleep timer: If you listen in bed, set a 15-30 minute timer so the book doesn't play all night while you sleep.
- Bookmarks: Mark passages you want to return to, just like you'd dog-ear a physical book.
- Offline downloads: Download books before flights, road trips, or subway rides where you won't have cell service.
- Skip back: If your mind wanders (it will — it happens to everyone), the 30-second rewind button is your friend.
Step 5: Build the Habit
The listeners who fall in love with audiobooks are the ones who build a consistent habit. A few tips:
- Always have a book ready: The moment you finish one, have the next one queued. Dead air between books is where the habit breaks.
- Don't force it: If a book isn't clicking after a few chapters, abandon it. Life is too short for books you're not enjoying, and there are 300,000 more where that came from.
- Mix genres: Alternate between heavier and lighter books to avoid fatigue. A thriller after a dense non-fiction title feels like a palate cleanser.
- Track what you listen to: Keeping a simple list of books you've finished is surprisingly motivating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few pitfalls that trip up new listeners:
- Starting with a slow book: Save the 600-page literary epic for later. Start with something pacey.
- Listening at the wrong speed: Too slow is boring. Too fast is incomprehensible. Find your sweet spot.
- Feeling guilty about "not really reading": Science confirms that listening comprehension is equivalent to reading comprehension. You're reading. The format is just different.
- Choosing a rigid purchase model too early: If you're just starting out, it's helpful to use an app that makes it easy to sample different genres and narrators while you figure out what clicks.
Ready to Start?
The best way to get into audiobooks is to simply start one. Download Anyplay, browse the library, pick something that looks interesting, and press play. The 7-day free trial means there's zero risk — and you might just discover your new favorite way to experience books.