The Era of Spoken Storytelling: Why We’re at a Turning Point for Authors

By Spoken Co-Founder Andrew Wallner and Content Strategist Stacy Smith Rogers

There has never been a better time to be a self-published author, even for writers struggling to affordably build their platforms and earn money from their writing. With recent ground-breaking advancements in technology, self-published authors have unprecedented opportunities to bring their stories to life through immersive audio performances. 

This new era of storytelling is rooted in tradition and bolstered by technology. It unlocks new creative possibilities for writers, redefines engagement between authors and audiences, and carves out new economic opportunities for storytellers. 

Even better, it’s fun.

Spoken Experience is Eye- (and Ear-) Opening

In a recent interview with Spoken, author Jessica Wheeler shared how the process of giving voice to her writing has opened up a whole new creative experience for her. “It’s inspired me to write more because the studio is just plain fun. It’s fun to do it and it’s fun to hear your work come to life. I would say for someone who’s more comfortable with a notebook, this has been so eye-opening.”

Wheeler has traditionally published poetry and is visible on several platforms but branched out to prose when she started publishing on Spoken because she wants to build her audience and connect with readers in new ways. One of her short stories, On a Bench by the Sea, was selected as a 2025 Staff Pick. (See a trailer of it here.) 

“Authors who seek to build their brands can now connect with growing audiences through affordable narration …” – Spoken CEO Phil Marshall

Like a lot of other indie authors narrating their work on Spoken, Wheeler is embracing the affordability and accessibility of quality narration on the platform. What was once reserved for major publishing houses or self-publishers with expansive budgets is now within reach for independent creators. The barriers that traditionally made audiobook production expensive and time-consuming—voice talent, studio recording, distribution—have been significantly reduced by AI-driven narration, streamlined publishing platforms, and growing audience demand.

Spoken is driven by AI automation, fueled by a three-tier economic model and fostered by a vibrant storytelling community that connects creators in new ways. One of the key features that makes Spoken unique is the ability to cast multiple voices for a project, sourcing from the voices of real voice actors (who can profit from it) and from a vast library of system-generated voices, including custom voices the authors can design themselves through prompts.

New Storytelling Economy for Creators

Spoken Founder and CEO Phillip Marshall explains how this new era in storytelling is groundbreaking not only because of the tech behind it, but because of how it helps writers, and in some cases, the actors who are lending their voices to the technology. “Authors who seek to build their brands can now connect with growing audiences through affordable narration, even uploading an entire novel with multiple voices. And for those authors who produce short works, there’s an opportunity for them to showcase their unique pieces alongside other authors. That gives listeners a broad range of works to choose from,” he said. 

“What’s even better, is that after we move through the beta phase, we have a monetization plan in place that enables authors to make money in ways they have never done before. So, for the first time, these writers can self-publish spoken stories, build their brand, and share their work in a way that benefits them.” According to Marshall, this isn’t just a shift in format. It’s an entirely new economy for creators who have never had a viable way to monetize their work in audio storytelling. 

“I think Spoken is going to speak for itself” – Author Jessica Wheeler

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, storytelling is undergoing a profound transformation. The resurgence of audio storytelling marks a return to our roots, where narratives were shared orally, fostering deep connections and communal experiences. For authors like Wheeler who are using the studio experience in Spoken to foster their own creativity and reach readers in new ways, it’s not just about authors pushing a button or the automation of the process. It's about being a part of this new era in storytelling. “It’s not going to take them long to see what the potential is,” Wheeler noted, emphasizing her excitement in casting voices for her stories and how that has contributed to her editing process. “I think Spoken is going to speak for itself,” she added. 

Why This Moment in Audio Storytelling Matters

Just as platforms like Instagram revolutionized visual storytelling, audio is now poised to become the next frontier in narrative expression. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about a fundamental shift in the way audiences consume and interact with narrative-based written content.

• The Spoken Word Audio Report released in 2023 from NPR and Edison Research highlights that almost half (48 percent) — approximately 135M people — of people in the U.S. age 13 or older listen to some type of spoken word audio daily. According to the report, listeners spent 31 percent of their daily audio time with spoken word, which is a 55 percent increase in the last decade.

• The global audiobooks market (estimated at $10 billion) is expected to continue to grow at more than 25 percent each year.

• Thirty-eight percent of American adults listened to an audiobook in the last year - that equates to nearly 100 million people, listening to an average of five books in a year (up from four just a year earlier)

“This is a monumental time in the audio self-publishing industry,” Marshall added. “Here at Spoken, we’re creating a platform where authors are rewarded, and we’re delivering listeners a high-quality audio experience in a format that celebrates authors and readers alike. We believe that Spoken storytelling is the missing link that finally allows unpublished authors to turn their passion into sustainable income.”

What’s Next for Aspiring Authors?

Join us! Tune in and listen to a narrated version of this article on Spoken. (The voices cast for this performance are those of real voice actors.)

Learn more about the Spoken experience at spoken.press. and follow along on socials at social.press. And when you have time, check out the interview with Jessica Wheeler on Spoken's YouTube channel. Jessica's story, On a Bench by the Sea, and others can be found at spoken.press.

Help Storytellers. Tell Stories. Author Jessica Shares Her Experience.

Jessica Wheeler’s creative journey is one of transformation, resilience, and discovery. From her early days writing poetry to her current foray into storytelling across genres, Jessica embodies the spirit of an ever-evolving artist. Her connection to Spoken began during its beta phase, when she was both intrigued and intimidated by the platform’s promise of giving writers tools to narrate and share their work. Reflecting on her first impressions, Jessica said, “I’m not the most tech-savvy person, and for this to be as seamless as it’s been says a lot about the platform.” What began as an experiment with AI-driven narration became a pivotal part of her creative process.

One of the standout features Jessica discovered was Spoken’s custom voice generator, which allowed her to assign unique voices to her characters. She described this as a turning point in how she approached her work, explaining, “The custom voice generator was the only thing that truly brought my character to life. It made me dig deeper into who they are—it’s like casting more than picking voices.” This feature not only added depth to her characters but also helped Jessica refine her storytelling in ways she hadn’t anticipated. “It’s fun to do, fun to hear your work come to life,” she shared, “It’s like a toy and a tool at the same time.”

Jessica’s interaction with Spoken also reshaped her editing process. Listening to her stories narrated in real-time revealed nuances in pacing, tone, and dialogue that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. “Assigning voices has become a part of my editing process,” Jessica explained. “Listening back forces me to think about pacing, tone, and even word choice. I didn’t realize how much Spoken would help me refine my work until I started.” This newfound approach has not only elevated her craft but also reinvigorated her passion for storytelling.

Beyond the technical aspects, Jessica’s experience with Spoken has had a ripple effect on how she connects with audiences and the broader writing community. She’s shared links to her Spoken stories on other platforms, where the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Spoken makes sharing your stories fun and engaging,” Jessica said. “I added links to Spoken on other platforms, and the feedback has been amazing.” Through these efforts, Jessica has expanded her reach while inspiring other writers to explore new creative tools.

Jessica’s journey is a testament to the power of experimentation and the importance of embracing new methods in storytelling. From rediscovering her love of writing to refining her craft and connecting with audiences in fresh, exciting ways, Jessica Wheeler shows how technology can empower storytellers to bring their visions to life. As she put it so eloquently, “Spoken has made storytelling approachable. It inspired me to write more.” Her words remind us of the transformative power of storytelling, and how the right tools can help writers push boundaries and create works that resonate deeply with others.

Listening Is

Beleiving Is

Listening Is Beleiving Is

“Turn the page for BookTok. Spoken Empowers Authors & Readers in the Post-TikTok Era”

Turning the Page for TikTok Authors

Over the past several years, seemingly unknown, emerging authors have skyrocketed to success with their self-published works. Viral reactions on TikTok turned novels into an Amazon bestsellers, proving the platform’s unparalleled power in launching authors. But with TikTok facing a looming ban in the U.S., thousands of other author-creators are grappling with the potential loss of a vibrant community and vital marketing tool.

TikTok gave authors a direct line to readers, democratized book promotion, and catapulted careers overnight. As the platform nears its uncertain fate, authors are left asking: What’s next? The answer lies in adapting to the evolving trajectory of the creator economy.

Spoken—a self-publishing, social, and streaming audiobook platform—offers authors and their readers not just a place to survive but to thrive.

BookTok and The Creator Economy

BookTok didn’t just amplify authors—it reshaped the book industry by bringing stories to life for a new generation of readers. Viral trends sent novels soaring up bestseller lists, while younger audiences embraced reading through short, engaging storytelling. The potential ban leaves a gaping hole for authors who built their success on the platform and for readers who found their next favorite books in the scroll.

For authors, TikTok offered a direct line to readers, bypassing traditional gatekeepers and enabling authentic connections. For readers, it transformed their experience of discovering and celebrating books. Videos showing emotional reactions, plot twists, and heartfelt recommendations fueled a sense of community that print ads and marketing campaigns never could.

But the creator economy thrives on adaptability. As publishers pivot to platforms like Instagram and Threads, Spoken emerges as the platform where both authors and readers can thrive in the next era of storytelling.

Spoken: A Home for Writers and Readers Who Love to Listen

Spoken is not just a replacement for author and reader communities on TikTok; it’s a new frontier for stories to thrive. It’s where writers and readers who love to listen can connect in meaningful ways – A place where listening the new reading.

1. Transform Stories into Audiobooks with Ease

Spoken’s AI-powered narration tools allow authors to create professional-grade audiobooks, turning TikTok-style serialized stories into fully realized audio experiences. Readers can now immerse themselves in their favorite tales anytime, anywhere.

2. Monetize Every Minute

Authors no longer need to rely on fleeting virality. Spoken’s Unified Network and Affinity Model™ ensure writers are paid for every minute their work is streamed, creating sustainable income. Readers, in turn, support their favorite creators directly through their engagement. Monetization will become available after the conclusion of the beta (mid-spring)

3. Build Community Through Shared Listening

Spoken builds on TikTok’s spirit of community with features that connect readers and writers in new ways. Readers can discover curated content through tags and profiles, engage in discussions about their favorite works, and even leave reviews that fuel meaningful conversations.

4. Retain Creative Ownership

Authors retain full control over their work, while readers enjoy an ever-expanding library of unique and self-published content. On Spoken, everyone has a voice, and every story finds its audience.

For Readers: Why Listening is the New Reading

Readers embraced BookTok because it made storytelling interactive, personal, and fun. Spoken takes that to the next level by making stories more accessible through audio. Whether you’re multitasking during your day or relaxing at night, audiobooks on Spoken allow you to enjoy stories in a format that fits your lifestyle.

Discover More, Share More

On Spoken, you’ll find not only the best new stories but also a platform designed for interactive discovery. Share your favorite moments, connect with fellow fans, and explore genres you never thought you’d love—all while supporting the writers who bring these worlds to life.

Unspoken. Until Now. Empowering Authors and Readers Alike

For authors and readers mourning the potential loss of BookTok, Spoken offers a place to rebuild—and go beyond.

• For Writers: Spoken makes it easy to create, share, and monetize your stories without sacrificing creative control.

• For Readers: It’s a space to discover immersive, high-quality storytelling, connect with your favorite authors, and explore a world where listening is the new reading.

Spoken is more than a platform; it’s a movement that unites writers and readers in the shared love of stories.

Join Us. Make History.

The creator economy rewards adaptability, and as TikTok’s story ends, Spoken invites you to write a new one. Whether you’re an author building your brand or a reader discovering your next obsession, Spoken is the platform where stories find their voice, and community can thrive.

The next chapter begins now.

Listening Is

Believing Is

Listening Is Believing Is