YouTube News

YouTube held talks with publishers on an audiobook launch

Talks with publishers ran for months. YouTube has not confirmed the plans.

By The Creator Wire Staff Published Oct. 15, 2026

YouTube held talks with publishers over recent months about offering audiobooks on the platform as soon as next year, according to reporting published Wednesday.

YouTube has not confirmed the project. The same reporting said YouTube also considered bundling audiobooks with YouTube Premium, which costs $16 per month.

Unauthorized audiobook recordings, including AI-narrated uploads, already circulate on YouTube alongside public-domain readings.