“Audible is dedicated to continuously optimizing how we deliver audio programming to listeners everywhere,” it states. That isn’t so bad, but does set a troubling precedent for many ad-averse consumers.Īs to why this test was taking place at all, the company's help page offers nothing but empty buzzwords. Audible notes that a maximum of eight ads will play within a 24-hour period, regardless of what you are listening to. The company says the providers were informed of the change and given the chance to opt out of ads. The ads pop up while listening to traditional audiobooks, podcasts and Audible original content. For now at least, paying subscribers seem immune to the change. The company says it is “conducting limited testing” on a select user base with the advertisements and that this step is currently reserved for non-paying members, giving them “ad-supported access to a limited set” of titles.

Amazon-owned Audible has started putting ads in audiobooks, potentially indicating a sea change within the industry.

Apple audiobooks