Immersion reading is a feature that allows listeners who have access to both the eBook and audiobook versions of a title, through membership and à la carte purchasing, to simultaneously read and listen to that title directly within the Audible app. Immersion reading is an extension of the Read & Listen (Whispersync for Voice) functionality previously available only on Kindle devices, which allows listeners to switch seamlessly between reading a Kindle eBook and listening to its corresponding audiobook across devices without losing their place. While Whispersync for Voice allows listeners to switch between reading and listening, immersion reading combines both activities simultaneously, allowing listeners to follow along with spoken narration as they read, with real-time word-by-word text highlighting that stays in sync with the audiobook narration.

Immersion reading while listening complements existing benefits that leverage Audible and Kindle catalogs, including discounted audiobooks for listeners who own the matching eBook, and page syncing between formats and devices. The core features for the Read & Listen experience, including how customers can access both the ebook and audiobook versions of the same title, remain unchanged. To learn more about the Read & Listen experience, please refer to our Whispersync for Voice Help Center article.

In this article:

• What is immersion reading and how does it work?
• What are the eligibility requirements for immersion reading?
• How does immersion reading affect royalties and pricing?
• Will immersion reading change how my audiobook sounds?
• What are the benefits of immersion reading for ACX productions?
• In which marketplaces is immersion reading available?

What is immersion reading and how does it work?

Immersion reading synchronizes the text of an eBook with its corresponding audiobook, highlighting the text word-by-word as it's narrated. This feature allows listeners who have access to both the eBook and audiobook versions of a title through membership and a la carte purchasing, to read and listen to books simultaneously within the Audible app, enhancing the overall experience for your audience.

How immersion reading works:

• Available for titles that are "Read & Listen" (Whispersync for Voice) enabled
• Accessible to listeners who have both the eBook and audiobook versions of a title
• Word-by-word text highlighting synchronized to the audio narration, directly in the Audible app
• Titles are identified by the "Read & Listen" badge next to covers in the Audible app, or using the "Read & Listen" filter in the Audible app
• Option for listeners to switch between "Listen" and "Read & Listen" modes

What are the eligibility requirements for immersion reading?

To enable the Immersion Reading feature for your ACX project:

• Your audiobook must be Whispersync for Voice enabled
• The audiobook must be unabridged
• The content must be in English
• Listeners must have access to both the eBook and audiobook versions, through membership and a la carte purchasing

Eligible titles can be identified by the "Read & Listen" badge or found using the "Read & Listen" filter in the Audible app.

No additional action is required from ACX creators if your audiobook is already Whispersync for Voice enabled. To learn more about Read & Listen, please refer to our Whispersync for Voice Help Center article.

How does immersion reading affect royalties and pricing?

Immersion reading does not change the royalty structure for ACX creators. Royalties will continue to be paid based on audiobook sales and listens as per your existing agreement.

Learn more about how royalties work.

Will immersion reading change how my audiobook sounds?

No, immersion reading does not alter your audiobook production or how it sounds. It simply adds a synchronized text component for listeners to access who have purchased both the eBook and audiobook versions of a title. The audio quality and narration remain exactly as you produced them.

What are the benefits of immersion reading for ACX productions?

As a rights holder, author, or publisher, there are several potential benefits of having this feature available:

• May enhance comprehension and focus for listeners
• Provides a more engaging consumption experience, potentially increasing listener satisfaction
• May help attract new audiences, such as language learners or those with learning differences
• Increases content accessibility across formats

In which marketplaces is immersion reading available?

The feature will initially be tested in the US starting February 2026.

Note: There will be no changes to the immersion reading experience on Kindle devices. This update only adds the functionality to the Audible app.

For faster resolution of any questions about immersion reading, contact us using the email address listed in your ACX Account Settings.