This shift is helping more people earn passive income. With the right tools, you can turn book ideas into steady earnings on Audible without writing or recording everything yourself.
You can create audiobooks, narrate for others, offer production support, sell audio courses, or join the affiliate program. In this guide, I will show you how to make money on Audible, share a success story, and list the best AI tools to help you earn on Audible in 2025.
What is Audible?
Audible is Amazon’s audiobook platform with over 200,000 titles across all genres. It holds around 63% of the U.S. audiobook market and works on phones, tablets, and smart devices.
In 2025, the audiobook market is expected to hit $10.86 billion, showing how fast audio content is growing. Audible gives users monthly credits, access to exclusive content, and lets them keep their audiobooks forever.
How to Make Money on Audible with AI [Video Tutorial]
Here’s a quick video showing how I used ChatGPT to write an audiobook for Audible. Watch to see the simple steps I followed to create and publish it easily.
What Are the Easiest Ways to Start Earning on Audible?
Depending on what you’re good at and the tools you have, there are a few easy ways to earn on Audible. You can create your own audiobooks, lend your voice to someone else’s story, or simply spread the word and get paid for it. Here are 5 simple ways to get started:
- Self-Publish Audiobooks on Audible with ACX: Use AI tools to write and narrate audiobooks even if you’re just starting out.
- Become a Paid Audiobook Narrator (Even from Home): Earn from home by recording books on platforms like ACX.
- Make Money by Promoting Audible as an Affiliate: Share your referral link and get paid for each signup.
- Offer Audiobook Production Services with AI Tools: Provide editing, voiceovers, or full production using AI tools.
- Apply for Audible’s $10,000 Podcast Development Program: Submit your podcast idea for a shot at $10K and exposure.
Now, let’s explore how you can use these 5 methods to start earning on Audible. Below are step-by-step instructions for each one.
1. How to Self-Publish Audiobooks on Audible with ACX?
You can self-publish audiobooks on Audible using ACX, a platform that helps authors turn their written work into professionally distributed audiobooks available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
What is ACX?
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is Audible’s platform that connects authors with narrators and producers to create audiobooks. It hosts over 348,000 titles and has produced more than 106,000 audiobooks since 2011.
It offers flexible payments like upfront fees or royalty shares, suitable for both new and experienced voice actors.
What Are the Steps to Self-Publish Your Audiobook?
To get your audiobook ready for listeners, you need to follow a few simple steps on ACX. Here’s what you’ll do:
- Write Your Book: Use AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Claude to create your book. Before publishing, check your content with AI detection tools to ensure it meets platform standards.
- Proofread and Format Your Manuscript: Use tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to polish your writing and format it properly for audio narration.
- Sign Up on ACX: Visit www.acx.com and register as an Author or Rights Holder. ACX distributes your audiobook on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
- Choose Narration Style: Decide whether to narrate your book yourself, hire a professional narrator via ACX, or use AI voice tools like ElevenLabs or Murf. AI dubbing tools can help you reach a global audience.
- Record and Enhance Audio: Record your audiobook or work with your narrator. Use AI audio tools such as Auphonic or Adobe Enhance to clean and improve sound quality.
- Submit Your Audiobook: Once your audiobook is ready, submit it to ACX for distribution. Your audiobook will be available on Audible, iTunes, and Amazon, allowing you to reach a global audience.
What Are the Revenue Models for Getting Paid on ACX?
ACX offers two main ways to earn money from your audiobook:
- Royalty Share: You split the sales earnings with your narrator, usually keeping about 40% of the revenue. This option is great if you want to minimize upfront costs.
- Pay-Per-Finished-Hour: You pay the narrator a fixed fee based on the audiobook’s length, and then keep 100% of the royalties from all sales.
Your income will vary depending on factors like the length of your audiobook, how well it sells, and its price. With effective promotion, popular audiobooks have the potential to earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars in royalties over time.
2. How to Get Paid for Narrating Audiobooks from Home?
If you enjoy using your voice to tell stories, turning audiobook narration into a career can be both fun and profitable.
How to Become a Professional Audiobook Narrator
With a clear, expressive voice and a love for storytelling, you can bring books to life for listeners around the world. Many authors and creators seek talented narrators to make their stories engaging and memorable.
To get started, you’ll need:
- Sign up as a narrator on ACX: Go to www.acx.com and create a Producer profile. Upload high-quality sample recordings so authors can evaluate your voice style.
- Use AI tools to improve your voice: Train and refine your voice using AI tools like VoiceMod or Descript. These tools help you test pitch, tone, pacing, and clarity for professional delivery.
- Prepare your setup for recording: You’ll need a few basics to meet Audible’s quality standards.
Professional mic: Use reliable microphones like the Rode NT1-A, Audio-Technica AT2020, Shure SM7B, or Blue Yeti depending on your budget and sound needs.
Sound-dampened space: Record in a quiet place. A closet works well because clothing absorbs sound and reduces echoes.
Engaging voice skills: Practice varying your tone, pace, and emotion. This helps bring characters and stories to life and keeps listeners engaged. - Search for books needing narration: Browse through open auditions on ACX. Choose titles that match your style and submit your audition recordings.
- Choose your payment model: Pick from pay-per-finished-hour, royalty share, or royalty share plus options depending on your preferences and negotiation with the author.
- Record, edit, and submit: Use a quiet home setup with a mic and pop filter. Clean and master the audio using AI tools like Auphonic or Adobe Podcast Enhance before submitting the final version.
Where to Find Audiobook Narration Jobs?
You can find narration gigs on platforms like ACX, Voices.com, and other freelance sites. ACX also lets you audition for projects and connect directly with authors seeking narrators.
💰How Much Do Narrators Earn on Audible?
Narrators typically earn $50 to $300 per finished hour. You can also opt for a Royalty Share, where you earn a cut of every sale over time. The better your voice and reviews, the higher your income potential.
3. How to Earn Money by Promoting Audible as an Affiliate?
You earn money by sharing a custom Audible referral link. When someone signs up for a free trial, buys a membership, or purchases an audiobook through your link, you get paid. No need to create or narrate anything.
What Is the Audible Affiliate Program?
It’s a referral program where you earn commissions by recommending Audible products. Once you join, you’ll receive trackable links for audiobooks, memberships, and free trials. Every click that leads to a sign-up or sale puts money in your pocket.
Where Can You Promote Audible?
You can share your referral links almost anywhere online:
- Social Media: Post audiobook reviews, quotes, or deals on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Add your link in your bio, captions, or stories.
- Blog Posts: Write about your favorite audiobooks or share lists like “Top 10 Audiobooks for kids.”
- YouTube Videos: Review books, create Audible tutorials, or post “best of” lists. Add your link in the video description.
- Email Newsletters: Recommend a great listen of the month and include your link.
💰How Much Can You Earn?
Your earnings depend on which program you join:
- $15 for each free trial via Audible Creator Program
- $10 per Audible Gold Membership via Amazon
- $5 for Amazon free trials
- $0.50 per audiobook purchase
With consistent promotion and content, you can build a steady stream of passive income just by sharing audiobooks you love.
4. How to Start an Audiobook Production Service?
If you’re good at editing or want to build a team, you can start a small business offering audiobook production services even from home. Here are the steps to offer audiobook production services:
- Understand the production process: Know the key responsibilities including casting narrators, directing sessions, editing audio, and matching the tone to the book’s content.
- Set up your audio editing workspace: Use tools like Audacity, GarageBand, or Adobe Audition. Add AI tools like Krisp to remove background noise and Auphonic to balance audio levels.
- Build a production team (optional): If needed, outsource voice actors, sound engineers, and QA specialists from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork or collaborate with AI-based tools.
- Start with small indie projects: Reach out to self-publishing authors and offer your services at an affordable rate to gain experience and build a portfolio.
- Apply to become an ACX Approved Producer: After completing at least 25 quality audiobook titles, apply to get officially approved on ACX, increasing your credibility and visibility.
💰 How Much Can You Make Offering Production Services?
You can charge $100 to $500+ per project or per finished hour. As you build experience and quality, you can work with bigger authors and grow your rates over time.
5. How to Apply for Audible’s $10,000 Podcast Program?
If you want to earn $10,000 to produce your podcast pilot, Audible’s Podcast Development Program is a great opportunity. They look for fresh, original stories that haven’t been published before and don’t rely on existing intellectual property. Audible values diverse voices and creative ideas that stand out.
Keep checking Audible’s website for submission deadlines because the application periods close quickly. If you’re chosen, you’ll get funding, production help, and expert guidance to turn your podcast idea into reality.
Here’s how to apply:
- Create a unique podcast idea: Focus on an original, unpublished story that is entirely your own work.
- Watch for submission dates on Audible’s site: Stay informed about when applications open and close so you don’t miss the deadline.
- Put together a strong application: Craft a clear, persuasive pitch that meets Audible’s requirements and highlights what makes your podcast special.
- Have backup funding plans ready: If your podcast isn’t selected, consider other options like sponsorships, crowdfunding, or memberships to support your project.
💰How Much Can You Earn with Audible’s Podcast Programs?
Your earnings with Audible’s podcast opportunities depend on the specific program and your involvement. Audible offers different ways to make money, including affiliate marketing for podcasts and their podcast development program.
Audible Affiliate Program for Podcasters
- Commission per Trial You can earn $15 for every new Audible 30-day trial membership sign-up through your unique affiliate link.
- Commission per Audiobook Sale You receive a small percentage of sales from audiobooks purchased via your affiliate link.
- Payment Schedule Payments are usually made monthly once you reach a minimum payout of $30.
Audible Podcast Development Program
- Pilot Production Fee If your podcast pilot is selected, you may earn a commission, often around $10,000, to produce your pilot episode.
- Production Costs Covered Audible may also cover production expenses, including talent fees, to support your podcast creation.
Now that you know the basic steps to earn on Audible using AI, it’s important to find the best method that suits your skills and goals.
Which Audible Monetization Method Is Right for You?
Whether you’re a writer, speaker, marketer, or multi-tasker, there’s an Audible path that fits your style and skills.
| What You Love Doing | Suggested Method | Passive Income | Upfront Cost | AI Tools Needed | Earnings Potential |
| Writing | Create an audiobook | ✅ Yes | Medium | ChatGPT, ElevenLabs | Up to 40% royalties |
| Talking | Become a narrator | ❌ No | Low | Descript, VoiceMod | $50–$500 per audiobook |
| Recommending things | Join the affiliate program | ✅ Yes | None | Jasper, Writesonic | $0.50–$15 per signup |
| Doing a bit of everything | Mix and match! | ✅/❌ Depends | Varies | All of the above | Unlimited potential |
| Podcasting (apply for funding) | Audible Podcast Grant | ✅ Yes | None | Copy.ai, Notion AI | $10,000 development grant |
| Audio editing + production skills | Offer production services | ❌ No | High | Auphonic, Adobe Audition, Krisp | $100s–$1000 per project |
Choosing the right monetization method can boost your success. To see how these methods work in real life, let’s look at a powerful example.
Can You Really Make Passive Income on Audible?
Yes, you can. Audible is not just a platform for listening to books, it is a growing hub for creators to earn residual income by publishing audiobooks. Many individuals are building automated earning streams using smart tools, outsourcing, and content strategies that require little to no manual input after setup.
Is There Real Proof That Passive Income on Audible Works?
Angelina and Chris built a low-effort audiobook business on Audible, earning around $4,500 per month. They outsourced both writing and narration for about $300 per audiobook, earning approximately $3 per listen in royalties.
Their winning move? Targeting low-competition niches. A search for “personal finance for women” on Audible showed only 110 titles, compared to over 50,000 on Amazon KDP. That gap helped them stand out and grow fast.
Well, Hold On Here Is What Reddit Users Are Saying
If you think Audible is easy money Reddit users on r/audible have some harsh truths for you:
- You need to write or outsource books, then get them narrated and published on Audible
- The real money is made by selling overpriced $1000+ courses, not by audiobook profits
- AI-generated voices are banned by Audible and can get your account removed
- It’s time-consuming and requires upfront investment, not a passive income dream
After going through the entire Reddit thread, I realized it’s just another overhyped online hustle. If you’re serious about writing or narration, go for it with clear expectations. But if you’re just chasing quick cash like the ads suggest, do yourself a favor and walk away.
After the Reddit reality check, it’s clear Audible success isn’t easy. But AI tools can help you create audiobooks faster and cheaper, giving you a real advantage.
What Are the Top AI Tools in 2025 for Creating Audiobooks on Audible?
If you’re like me and want to turn your ideas into professional audiobooks and actually make money on Audible, the right AI tools can help you get there faster. Here are the tools that make the process easier, cheaper, and way more profitable.
| Tool | Key Features | Audible Compatible | Can You Make Money With It? | Overall Rating (Out of 5) (Based on Voice Quality, Ease of Use, Monetization Potential, and Features) |
| Audible AI Platform | Built-in text-to-speech, voice tuning, direct publishing | Yes | Yes, perfect for scaling audiobook production | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| PlayHT | 900+ voices, 142 languages, emotional tones | Yes | Yes, ideal for selling multilingual audiobooks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| ElevenLabs | Hyper-realistic cloning, custom voices, multi-platform use | Yes | Yes, great for fiction/non-fiction narration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7) |
| DeepZen | Expressive, emotion-driven narration | Yes | Yes, useful for immersive storytelling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2) |
| Speechki | Clean voiceovers, academic focus | Yes | Yes, especially for educational content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1) |
| Murf.ai | Studio-quality AI voices, natural flow | Yes | Yes, great for marketing and podcasting too | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3) |
| Wellsaid Labs | Easy-to-use, lifelike voice transitions | Yes | Yes, simple tool for quick audiobook generation | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.9) |
| Amazon Polly | Natural-sounding, wide language support, AWS integration | Yes | Yes, works well for bulk content conversion | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.8) |
| Microsoft Azure TTS | Broad voice options, scalable API, solid tech | Yes | Yes, helpful for pros scaling audiobook catalogs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0) |
| Designrr | Full suite: import text, pick voice, export audiobook | Yes | Yes, ideal for beginners and pros | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2) |
| Pixflow AI Voiceover | High-quality voices, simple UI | Yes | Yes, perfect for solo creators | ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.7) |
| Adobe Podcast | AI voice cleanup, transcript editing, pro-level results | Yes (post-prod) | Yes, enhances voice quality for better sales | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4) |
| Krisp | Live noise cancellation, echo removal | Yes (post-prod) | Yes, improves listener experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1) |
Can You Really Use AI-Generated Voices on Audible’s ACX?
No, according to user reports, ACX (Audible’s publishing platform) currently does not accept AI-generated narration. When creators submitted audiobooks made with tools like ElevenLabs, ACX rejected them with this message: “Requirement: All ACX productions must be narrated by a human. Solution: Re-record the production with a human narrator.”
However, Audible is beginning to use AI voices by running a limited beta that allows select narrators to use AI voice replicas of their own voices. This opportunity is not open to general AI-generated voice submissions.
Tools that offer the ability to create replicas of your own voice, like the one I used to record the video above, can currently work for you.
Well, I have added an example of that joke audio for you so you can hear how good the voice quality from ElevenLabs actually is. Do give it a listen. Just remember, you cannot use it on Audible, but it still works great on other platforms.
What Is the Future of Making Money on Audible with AI?
AI is reshaping how people create and sell audiobooks on Audible. Here’s what the future looks like in simple terms:
- AI narration cuts costs – Create audiobooks without hiring voice actors.
- Faster production – Turn books into audio in hours, not weeks.
- Passive income – Earn royalties long-term with minimal effort.
- Global reach – AI translation lets you sell in multiple languages.
- Better discoverability – AI boosts your visibility with smart recommendations.
- Low entry barriers – Anyone can start publishing audiobooks.
- High competition – More creators means standing out is key.
- More opportunities – Ideal time for self-publishers and digital entrepreneurs.
Audible believes that AI represents a momentous opportunity to expand the availability of audiobooks with the vision of offering customers every book in every language,” said Audible CEO Bob Carrigan in a press release.
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FAQs
Can you make money through Audible?
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Wrap Up
Audible offers a real opportunity for narrators and authors to earn by sharing their voice and stories. If you’re exploring how to make money on Audible with AI, platforms like ACX and tools for voice production make it easier than ever to turn creativity into income.
Success requires patience and consistent effort. Improve your skills, apply feedback, and focus on engaging your listeners with quality content. If you released your first audiobook today, what would excite or challenge you most? Share in the comments.
