The Debate on Audiobook Listening Speeds
Setting playback rates is up to the consumer, but may take away enjoyment of the performance
How fast do you listen to audiobooks?
We've talked before about how fast audiobooks are narrated. Usually, the average speed is about 155 words per minute, or 9,300 words in an hour. Some narrators go slower or faster, and the books I work on usually range from 150 to 160 words per minute.
But the consumer can hear it back at a faster, or much faster rate. Many audio players, like Spotify, let you change the playback speed. You can make it 1.2 or 1.5 times faster and listen quicker than it was recorded.
Audible also lets you change speeds now, and they recently advertised this feature.
[Watch ad here: The best speed for an audiobook is_____]
The ad shows different celebrities and authors sharing their thoughts on the best listening speed. Some said fast listeners were less desirable. Most people prefer listening at the original speed, but some start slow and then speed up. Others listen quickly through boring parts and slow down for interesting sections. Another person with ADHD said faster speeds help them focus better.
The ad caused a stir however, because someone joked that people who listen at high speeds might be “psychopaths.” This apparently upset some viewers who felt judged by Audible for their listening choices. That may not have been the best word use, being called loopy or freaky or on too much caffeine might have been less controversial.
Although I’m not really sure why anyone would be upset by it. Ultimately, the listening speed choice is up to the listener, and faster listening doesn’t make you anything bad, just perhaps a multi-multi-tasker?
Personally, I don't like how my voice own sounds at higher speeds, or others' voices either. It might save time sure, but you’d miss out on the narrator's performance and the material's richness when sped up too much.
I mean, do you ever listen to your favorite songs at a faster speed? How about speeding up a TV show or movie?
Probably not! We usually enjoy these things just as they were made, at the artists or producers original intent.
So why do we often speed up podcasts or audiobooks? Maybe the usual 155 words per minute is too slow? Would you like it better if the narrator read at 180 words per minute? It would be interesting to hear the same story read slowly, at a medium pace, and then fast, letting listeners choose their favorite narrating speed.
Yes, you can always listen back as fast—or as slow, as you like. That's the great thing about having choices. But as the person performing, I think it sounds best in its original form.
What do you think?
Would you rather hear someone faster? Would you like to be heard faster? Let me know in the comments.
I can’t wait to hear👂you,
Todd
Thanks for checking out DIY Audiobooks & Podcasts. I teach writers how to record your own writing with your own voice. New to audio? Start by getting the 5 essentials for recording good audio. Sign-up for more free insights and helps: