More children now enjoy listening to audiobooks than reading books. According to the latest research from the National Literacy Trust (2024), 42.3% of young people prefer listening to audio in their free time, compared to just 34.6% who choose reading. This marks a major shift in how children engage with stories and raises important questions about the role of audiobooks in literacy development.
So, what does this mean for parents, educators, and literacy advocates? How can listening help children build reading skills, expand vocabulary, and develop a love of storytelling? In this blog, we’ll explore the findings of the study and how audiobooks are shaping the future of literacy.
Audiobooks have become a mainstream way for children to engage with stories, offering a screen-free alternative to digital entertainment. The ease of access, improved technology, and growing library of high-quality narrated books have all contributed to increased listening habits.
Why Are More Kids Turning to Audio?
- More Access Audiobooks are now widely available across physical and digital platforms.
- Screen-Free Entertainment Many parents prefer audiobooks over video content as a way to reduce screen time.
- Convenience Audiobooks fit into busy schedules. Whether on the go, at bedtime, or during quiet time.
- Engaging Storytelling Professional narration and voice acting bring stories to life in a way that captivates young listeners.
Listening to audiobooks is not just entertainment. It’s also a powerful tool for literacy development. The National Literacy Trust study revealed that 37.5% of children said listening to audio encouraged them to read more books.
Here’s How Audiobooks Help Improve Literacy:
- Expanding Vocabulary - Hearing new words in context helps children learn pronunciation and meaning faster.
- Boosting Comprehension – Audiobooks allow children to focus on understanding stories without struggling over text.
- Encouraging Reluctant Readers – Kids who may not enjoy traditional reading often find audiobooks more engaging.
- Building Listening & Cognitive Skills – Developing active listening skills strengthens attention span and memory.
One of the study’s most striking findings was the gender gap between reading and listening habits:
- Only 28.2% of boys said they enjoyed reading, compared to 40.5% of girls.
- However, listening to audiobooks was nearly equal—43.4% of boys and 40.4% of girls said they enjoyed it.
This suggests that audiobooks could be an essential tool in engaging boys with stories, particularly those who may struggle with traditional reading formats.
Beyond literacy, audiobooks offer important emotional and cognitive benefits:
- 52.9% of children said listening to audio stimulates their imagination more than watching videos.
- 52% said it helps them relax and reduce stress.
Listening to audiobooks can provide comfort, escape, and emotional connection, whether it’s winding down before bed, easing anxiety, or simply enjoying a great story.
If you’re thinking about introducing audiobooks to your child, here are some tips:
- Pick Age-Appropriate Stories – Ensure the narration and themes are suitable for your child's stage of development.
- Pair Audiobooks with Physical Books – Research shows that combining listening and reading can enhance comprehension.
- Incorporate Audiobooks into Daily Routines – Bedtime, car journeys, and quiet time are great moments for listening.
While many audiobooks are accessed through apps and streaming services, screen-free options like Voxblock offer a more independent and immersive experience for children.
- No Wi-Fi, no screens, no distractions. Just press play and listen.
- Physical audiobooks encourage collection and engagement.
- Easy for kids to use on their own, fostering independence.
As more children turn to listening as their preferred way to engage with stories, having a dedicated, screen-free audiobook player makes all the difference.
The shift towards audio-first storytelling presents a huge opportunity for children’s literacy. Whether it’s sparking an interest in reading, helping children develop listening skills, or simply making stories more accessible, audiobooks are playing an increasingly important role in literacy development.
At Voxblock, we believe stories should be easy to enjoy, without screens or barriers. With research now showing just how impactful listening can be, it’s time to rethink how we support children’s reading journeys, one audiobook at a time.
What do you think about the role of audiobooks in literacy? Let us know in the comments!
