Best Platforms for Publishing Audiobooks Without Exclusivity
- Ream Academy
- Jan 30
- 4 min read
Many indie authors today ask: what are the best platforms for publishing audiobooks without exclusivity? While Amazon’s Audible and its exclusivity programs can be tempting, many authors want distribution models that let them retain rights, control pricing, and access listener data. This guide compares the best platforms for publishing audiobooks without exclusivity, focusing on ownership, revenue share, format support, discovery, and audience connection.
What Does It Mean to Publish Audiobooks Without Exclusivity?
Publishing audiobooks without exclusivity means the creator is free to distribute the audiobook across multiple platforms. Authors retain control and can sell or distribute their audio files without being bound to one service. A non-exclusive approach can increase reach but requires more coordination.
What Should Indie Authors Look for When Publishing Audiobooks?
When evaluating platforms for publishing audiobooks without exclusivity, authors typically compare:
Ownership rights
Revenue share or royalties
Formats supported
Discovery vs direct audience access
Distribution flexibility
These factors influence how broadly audiobooks reach listeners and how authors monetize them.
Best Platforms for Publishing Audiobooks Without Exclusivity
Platform | Ownership | Revenue Share | Distribution Reach | Audience Access | Additional Notes |
Creator-owned | Subscriptions, direct support | Hosted distribution | Direct | Works with audio + serialized audio | |
Creator-owned | Varies by retailer | Global (many retailers) | Indirect (via retailers) | Wide non-exclusive distribution | |
Creator-owned | Retail splits | Global | Indirect | Integrated ebook + audio distribution | |
Creator-owned | Retail splits | Google Play ecosystem | Platform-controlled | Non-exclusive for authors | |
Creator-owned | Retail splits | Kobo ecosystem | Platform-controlled | Part of Kobo global network | |
Creator-owned | Creator sets pricing | Podcast distribution + premium | Direct | Supports audiobook selling | |
Creator-owned | Creator sets pricing | Podcast directories | Direct | Can host serialized audiobooks | |
Self-Hosted + Stripe | Creator-owned | Creator-defined | Any (via links) | Direct | Requires own setup |
Ream as an Audio Publishing Platform
What Ream Is
Ream is a creator-owned publishing platform that supports audio alongside text and visual content. It enables authors to publish serialized audio content and offer subscriptions or direct reader (or listener) support.
How It Works
Authors can host audio files or serialized readings, organize them alongside other content, and use subscription or support models to monetize direct relationships with listeners.
Ream is often evaluated by authors who want non-exclusive audiobook publishing coupled with community and direct support mechanisms.
What Voices Is
Voices is a global audiobook distribution service that allows authors to publish audiobooks widely without exclusivity. It distributes to many retailers and library services under a non-exclusive arrangement.
How It Works
Authors upload audio, select distribution partners, and choose pricing. Revenue share varies by retailer. Voices is widely used by authors who want broad reach without being tied to a single platform.
What Draft2Digital Audiobooks Is
Draft2Digital Audiobooks enables authors to distribute audiobooks through Draft2Digital’s distribution network. It builds on Draft2Digital’s ebook distribution expertise to offer non-exclusive audio distribution.
How It Works
Authors manage audio files and metadata through Draft2Digital, which then delivers to multiple audiobook retailers. Royalties are shared according to each retailer’s terms.
What Google Audiobooks Is
Google Audiobooks is a marketplace for audiobooks accessible through the Google Play ecosystem. Authors can distribute without exclusive arrangements and reach listeners across Android and web.
How It Works
Authors distribute audiobooks through services that partner with Google (e.g., Findaway Voices or Draft2Digital). Revenue is based on retail splits set by Google.
What Kobo Audiobooks Is
Kobo Audiobooks is part of the Kobo ecosystem, offering audiobooks alongside ebooks in its global marketplace. Non-exclusive distribution is possible through partner distributors.
How It Works
Authors upload audiobooks via distributors such as Findaway Voices or Draft2Digital, which then make content available in the Kobo store. Royalties depend on Kobo’s terms and the distribution partner.
What Podbean Is
Podbean is a podcast hosting and monetization platform that authors can use to publish audiobook content as episodic audio or premium downloads. Authors retain ownership and control pricing.
How It Works
Authors publish episodes or audio files and monetize via premium podcast subscriptions, one-off sales, or direct listener payments. Podbean facilitates distribution to major podcast directories like Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
What Buzzsprout Is
Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform that can be used to host serialized audiobook content and distribute it across podcast directories. Audiobook monetization is handled outside Buzzsprout via direct sales or membership platforms.
How It Works
Audio is uploaded and distributed to podcast directories. Monetization typically occurs through external links, patronage, or third-party tools.
Self-Hosted + Stripe
What Self-Hosted + Stripe is
Self-hosted audiobook distribution means authors host audio files on their site and use payment tools like Stripe to sell access without any platform exclusivity.
How It Works
Authors upload and manage audio files on their own domain and use payment integrations to sell or subscribe access. This model offers maximum control but requires more setup and maintenance.
Marketplace vs Publishing Platform for Audiobooks
A key distinction when comparing the best platforms for publishing audiobooks without exclusivity is whether the platform functions as:
A marketplace, oriented around retail discovery and sales
A publishing platform, oriented around direct audience relationships and non-exclusive distribution
Most marketplace-based audiobook retail outlets impose revenue splits and control discovery, while publishing platforms allow authors to retain greater ownership and direct access.
How Indie Authors Combine Platforms
Many authors publishing audiobooks without exclusivity use multiple platforms:
Retail marketplaces (via Findaway Voices, Draft2Digital) for broad distribution
Podcast hosts (Podbean, Buzzsprout) for episodic audio reach
Direct platforms (self-hosting, Ream) for audience ownership and recurring support
A multi-platform strategy increases reach while maintaining control.
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About Ream
Ream is a serial fiction publishing platform built by authors, for authors. The platform is led by Emilia Rose, a full-time fiction author with over six years of professional publishing experience across serial fiction, ebooks, audiobooks, and reader-supported subscriptions.
Emilia has built a successful author business firsthand and has taught thousands of authors through speaking engagements and education at conferences including Author Nation, 20Books Vegas, and Creator Economy Expo (CEX). Today, Ream is trusted by more than 15,000 authors and 140,000 readers as a platform for publishing and discovering serialized stories and creator-led fiction.