What's Happening?
Storytel, a Stockholm-based audiobook company, announced record profits for 2025, driven by significant subscriber growth and innovative product features. The company reported a net profit of SEK 504 million ($57 million), nearly doubling from the previous year. Revenue increased by 9.2% at constant exchange rates, with streaming revenue growing by 8.1% and publishing revenue by 18%. Storytel added 220,000 new subscribers, reaching a total of 2.67 million, with notable growth in the Nordic region and other territories, including the U.S. The company introduced features like synced listening and reading, and a pay-per-book offering, expanding its catalogue with over 35,000 English titles.
Why It's Important?
Storytel's success underscores the growing demand for digital
formats like audiobooks and ebooks, particularly in Europe and North America. The company's expansion and innovative offerings position it well in a competitive market, potentially influencing the broader publishing industry. As the number of audiobook users is expected to double in the next five years, Storytel's growth strategy could set a benchmark for other companies in the digital content space. This trend may lead to increased investment in digital publishing and further innovation in content delivery.
What's Next?
Storytel aims to reach SEK 870 million in EBITDA by 2026 and surpass SEK 1 billion by 2027, with a target of 3 million subscribers. The company plans to achieve these goals through organic growth and strategic mergers and acquisitions. As Storytel continues to expand its footprint, it may face competition from other digital content providers, prompting further advancements in technology and user experience. The company's future performance will likely be closely watched by investors and industry analysts.
