Audible rolls out AI-driven character guides and interactive storytelling features

To counter Spotify's push into audiobooks, Audible unveiled three new AI-enhanced features aimed at making listening more immersive. A real-time character guide, first used in the Audible Original "Dracula," displays speakers and provides spoiler-free cards with narrator bios, and will later allow question-asking. A visual supplement offering images and background on locations appears first in Sheehan Quirke's "The Cultural Tutor: A Modern Guide to History, Art, and Philosophy in 49 Short Chapters."

The interactive story function, powered by generative AI, lets users dialogue with characters such as Renfield from "Dracula," with the narrative staying true to the original work. Additional titles like "1984" and "Exoplanet" will receive the character guide, and the interactive mode will expand to more releases. Audible cites rising U.S. audiobook sales—$2.43 billion in 2025—and trends like BookTok as drivers for these innovations.