What technical requirements does my audiobook have to meet for Audible & Co.
As the market leader, Audible sets the standards that are adopted by most platforms. Here are the most important technical requirements:
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | WAV or FLAC |
| Bit rate | Constant bit rate (CBR), at least 16 bits per sample |
| Sampling frequency | At least 44.1 kHz |
| Channels | 2-channel stereo |
| RMS value | -24 dB to -14 dB |
| Background noise | Maximum -60 dB |
| Total playing time | Over 10 minutes |
| Single track length | No longer than 60 minutes and at least 3 minutes (except intro and outro) |
| Beginning or end of a track | No more than 3 seconds of silence |
These technical specifications ensure that your audiobooks work flawlessly and sound optimal on all platforms.
Audible conditions: The complete checklist
For guaranteed acceptance by Audible and other stores, there are other important criteria to consider in addition to the technical requirements for the audio files:
Audio files
- Each chapter as a separate file
- Uniform volume across all chapters
- 1-2 seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each chapter
- Consistent recording quality without fluctuations
Cover artwork
- Minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels to maximum 4000 x 4000 pixels
- Aspect ratio 1:1 (square)
- JPG format
- RGB color mode
- Text must also be legible in thumbnail view
Tips for professional recordings
To achieve the best possible sound quality, you should consider the following points when recording:
Optimize the recording environment
- Choose a quiet room without echo
- Use foam mats or blankets to dampen the sound
- Install a pop filter in front of the microphone
- Maintain a constant distance from the microphone
Use suitable hardware
- Cardioid condenser microphone (from €100)
- External sound card or audio interface
- Headphones for direct monitoring
- Stable microphone stand or table stand
Correct recording technique
- Speak at a steady pace and tone of voice
- Leave enough pauses between sentences
- Record chapters in one piece if possible
- Mark mistakes immediately for easier editing
Post-editing for perfect results
We also recommend that you have your audiobook post-edited by an experienced sound engineer to achieve the best possible result.
Basic editing
- Remove slips of the tongue and duplicate passages
- Shorten excessive pauses
- Ensure that chapter beginnings and endings are clean
Sound optimization
- Use a noise gate to reduce background noise
- Use a compressor to compensate for volume differences
- Use a de-esser to reduce sibilance
- Use an equalizer for a balanced sound
Loudness adjustment (crucial!)
- Normalize to -19 dB RMS (ideal for Audible)
- Make sure that no peaks exceed -3 dB
- Check the loudness with a LUFS meter
- Ensure consistent loudness across all chapters
Quality control
- Listen to the entire audiobook with headphones
- Check transitions between chapters
- Ensure consistent sound and speaking speed
- Check all metadata for accuracy
If you keep these requirements and tips in mind, you can ensure that your audiobook or audio drama is of high quality and can be offered on platforms such as Audible without any problems.
