Storytel App's contribution to the digital economy

Abstract

This study examines the impact of digital transformation on the audiobook sector through the example of Storytel. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the acceleration of digitalization has profoundly transformed not only technological innovations but also economic structures and cultural consumption habits. Audiobook platforms, serving as tangible laboratories of this transformation, have paved the way for new ecosystems that integrate the access economy, data-driven business models, and network effects.The research discusses how the fundamental dynamics of the digital economy (network effects, low marginal costs, data management) are reflected in Storytel’s business model and explores the ethical and economic issues that these platforms raise in relation to content creators, users, and copyright. Findings from qualitative thematic analysis show that factors such as accessibility, content diversity, time- and space-independent consumption, personal development, cost-performance balance, and subscription continuity shape the user experience. In conclusion, the audiobook ecosystem is not merely a digital extension of publishing but an active component of the cultural economy, supported by data-driven infrastructures, localized content, and recommendation algorithms. Inclusive policies that address copyright regimes, market concentration, and algorithmic diversity are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of digital publishing.