Looking for a new audiobook platform? Check out our ultimate guide to Storytel to see if the app is for you.
Ultimate guide to Storytel and reviews
Storytel is a highly popular audiobook app. But does it live up to the hype?
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Storytel app to help you decide whether it’s a good option for you. Without further ado, let’s see what makes this audiobook app such a popular choice.
What is Storytel?
Storytel is an audiobook app available on Android and iOS devices. It has a growing marketplace of over 7,000 books and supports 25 languages, including:
10+ Indian languages (Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, etc.)
German
Swedish
Norwegian
Arabic
Once you go to storytel.com, you need to choose your country before entering Storytel’s library, where you can access many books (depending on your subscription tier) and build your bookshelf. The choice of reading or listening to the books adds variety to the experience.
Features of the Storytel app
The Storytel app is available on Google Play and the App Store. Like a mix between Kindle and Audible, users can choose to read a book or listen to the audiobook version. You can switch between the two options at any point, and Storytel will save your progress.
As for the books, you can find plenty on offer in different languages. Storytel still isn’t fully available in the U.S., but it does have some English books.
Other than books, Storytel offers poems, short stories, and other forms of written content. There’s also serial content similar to a podcast if you go with the audio version.
Storytel has a separate kids mode featuring a variety of children’s books. Naturally, you can set up parental controls to ensure your child doesn’t access age-restricted content.
Finally, the app has several smaller features that add to its overall functionality. These include bookmarks, trending pages, and the ability to change the audio speed while listening.
App details
The Storytel app is for both Android and Apple devices, and you can subscribe through in-app purchases. The app size is around 100MB, so it’s best to download it over Wi-Fi.
It features a well-designed, clean user interface, so you won’t have any navigational issues. As mentioned, it’s packed with useful features, so the overall user experience is enjoyable.
Devices
Storytel offers support for various devices other than smartphones. Apple’s version is also compatible with iPad and iPod Touch. In addition, you can listen to audiobooks on the Apple Watch or MacBook.
Regarding Android, you can download Storytel on any tablet or laptop that supports the Play Store.
Unfortunately, Storytel doesn’t offer support for Microsoft or Amazon devices.
Ages
Storytel’s age rating is 12+ due to the adult or sensitive content. This includes mild horror themes, drug and alcohol references, profanity, and sexual scenes.
This is where the kids mode can be particularly useful, as you can ensure your child can’t access adult or age-inappropriate content.
Categories
Storytel features a wide variety of books, including international bestsellers in different categories:
Non-fiction
Classics
History
Crime
Thriller
There’s something for everyone, so you’ll have no trouble finding titles you’ll love.
Download Storytel
You can download Storytel from the Google Play Store or App Store. You can also find the download link on the website. As previously established, the app is free to download and use for 14 days, after which you’ll start paying the subscription.
Reviews of Storytel
Storytel reviews are generally positive, as the app delivers on its promise. Users appreciate the ability to find books in their native language, as well as the many functionalities like automatic syncing between audio and eBooks.
However, not all comments are positive. Many users have pointed out the same major flaw—there are no English-speaking countries to select. Granted, you can search for English books via tags, but there’s no way to access them from the main country selection menu on the home page.
FAQs
Is Storytel any good?
Storytel is a great app if you want to browse many titles in different languages besides English.
What should I read on Storytel?
It’s worth checking out the books from Indian authors, as they’re highly popular on Storytel.
Can I read and listen at the same time on Storytel?
You can choose to read or listen, with an option to switch between these options at any point.
How many audiobooks are on Storytel?
Currently, there are over 7,000 books on Storytel.
Is there a way to download Storytel audiobooks?
You can download books within the app for offline reading/listening.
How do I sign up for Storytel?
You can sign up either through the app or the Storytel website.
What are the advantages of Storytel?
Storytel offers titles tailored to your country. It has a user-friendly interface that makes for a fun reading or listening experience.
Who created Storytel?
Storytel’s founders are Jonas Tellander and Jon Hauksson.
What is the best audiobook on Storytel?
While this is highly subjective, many agree that one of the best audiobooks is Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly.
How often do they update the audiobooks on Storytel?
Storytel hasn’t provided any information about the frequency of updates, but new books are regularly added.
