Audible introduces AI character guides and interactive storytelling

Audible is introducing three new AI-driven features designed to increase listener engagement and immersion in audiobooks. These tools include real-time character guides, interactive stories powered by generative AI, and visual information related to settings mentioned in texts.

The character guide feature, which debuts with an Audible Original production of ‘Dracula’, displays which character is speaking on the player screen and provides spoiler-free information about the voice actors. This feature is also planned for George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and the upcoming ‘Exoplanet’.

The ‘Interactive Story’ feature allows users to engage in real-time conversations with fictional characters. For example, in ‘Dracula’, listeners can interact with the character Renfield, who provides the listener with a role and objective before reacting to their responses. To ensure consistency with the original works, creators and publishers will supervise the foundations of these AI interactions. This specific interactive feature is expected to roll out in autumn 2026.

A third feature, ‘Visual Explorer’, will provide listeners with images and visual data regarding locations or significant scenes within a story. These new capabilities are currently in beta testing with limited deployment in the United States and the United Kingdom.