Introduction
Audiobooks have become increasingly popular over the years, offering a convenient and enjoyable way to indulge in literature, self-help, and other genres. However, giving audiobooks as gifts can often be expensive, especially if you don’t know if the recipient is going to enjoy the book. Luckily, there are several ways to send someone an audible book for free.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to sending audiobooks for free, including using a free Audible trial, sharing via social media, borrowing from a library, using subscription services, utilizing free audiobook websites, joining an audiobook exchange, and using free Audible credits. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift or simply want to share your favorite book with a friend, these methods will help you send an audible book for free.
Using a Free Audible Trial
One of the easiest ways to send someone an audible book for free is by using a free Audible trial. Audible offers a free 30-day trial to new customers, which includes one free audiobook of your choice. Here’s how to use a free Audible trial to send an audiobook to someone else:
Step 1: Sign up for a free Audible trial
Visit www.audible.com and follow the instructions to sign up for a free trial. You will be prompted to enter your name, email, and payment information, but you won’t be charged until after the trial period ends.
Step 2: Select the audiobook you want to send
Browse through Audible’s catalog and select the audiobook you want to send. Note that not all audiobooks are eligible for sending, so make sure to select an eligible title.
Step 3: Click on “Give as a gift”
Once you’ve selected your audiobook, click on the “Give as a gift” button on the Audible page. You’ll be prompted to enter the recipient’s email address and a personalized message.
Step 4: Send the audiobook
After you’ve filled out the required fields, click on “Send this book.” Your recipient will receive an email with a link to the audiobook. Note that your recipient does not need to have an Audible membership to receive the audiobook.
While this method is generally straightforward, there are some limitations to consider. For example, your recipient cannot exchange the audiobook for another title, and the email with the audiobook link might end up in their spam folder, so make sure to follow up with them to ensure they’ve received it.
Sharing via Social Media
Social media can also be an effective way to share audible books with someone for free. Not only does it offer a quick and simple way to get the word out, but it also allows you to reach a wider audience. Here’s how to share an audiobook via social media:
Step 1: Choose your social media platform
Select the social media platform you want to use, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Step 2: Find the audiobook you want to share
Find the audiobook you want to share and make note of its title, author, and narrator.
Step 3: Share the audiobook details
Write a post or tweet that shares the audiobook details, including the title, author, and narrator. You can also add a personal message or comment about why you enjoyed the book or think others would like it.
Step 4: Add hashtags or groups
If you want to increase the visibility of your post, consider adding relevant hashtags or joining relevant groups. For example, if you’re sharing a thriller audiobook, use the hashtag #thrillerbooks or join a Facebook group dedicated to thriller fans.
This method is ideal for audiobook enthusiasts who want to share their favorite books with their followers or friends. However, keep in mind that not everyone on your social media platforms might be interested in audiobooks, so this method may not be as effective for reaching a specific audience.
Borrowing from a Library
Borrowing audiobooks from a library is another free and convenient way to send someone an audiobook. Many libraries now offer digital lending programs, where you can borrow audiobooks online and listen to them on your favorite device. Here’s how to borrow and share an audiobook from a library:
Step 1: Locate your local library
Find out if your local library offers digital lending for audiobooks. Many libraries use services such as OverDrive or Hoopla to lend digital materials to their patrons.
Step 2: Sign up for an account
Once you’ve identified the library system you want to use, visit their website and sign up for an account. This process will likely involve entering your library card number and creating a username and password.
Step 3: Search for the audiobook you want to share
Search the library’s audiobook collection for the title you want to share. If you’re not sure what title to choose, browse the catalog to find books that you think the recipient might enjoy.
Step 4: Check out the audiobook
Once you’ve found the audiobook you want to share, check it out just as you would a physical book. Depending on the library system you use, you may be able to borrow the audiobook for a set period of time (e.g., two weeks).
Step 5: Share the audiobook
You can share the audiobook with your recipient by either giving them access to your account or downloading the file and sending it to them directly. Note that there might be limitations on sharing the file, so make sure to check your library’s rules and regulations regarding digital lending.
This method is an excellent option for individuals who don’t want to spend any money on audiobooks but generally requires more planning than other methods.
Using Audiobook Subscription Services
Audiobook subscription services have become increasingly popular over the years, offering a wide selection of audiobooks for a monthly fee. Some services, like Audible, even offer free audiobooks to new members. Here’s how to use an audiobook subscription service to send someone an audiobook for free:
Step 1: Sign up for an audiobook subscription service
Choose an audiobook subscription service that appeals to you, such as Audible, Audiobooks.com, or Audiobooks Now. Sign up for a free trial or use a special promotion to receive a free audiobook.
Step 2: Choose the audiobook you want to share
Browse the catalog of available audiobooks and choose the one you want to share. Make sure to select an audiobook that is eligible for sharing.
Step 3: Use the platform’s sharing features
Most audiobook subscription services offer sharing features that allow you to share audiobooks with friends and family. Follow the instructions provided by your chosen service to send the audiobook to your recipient.
This method is ideal for individuals who are audiobook enthusiasts and regularly listen to audiobooks. Keep in mind that not all audiobook subscription services offer sharing features, so make sure to check before signing up.
Utilizing Free Audiobook Websites
There are several websites that offer free audiobooks, making it a great way to find free content to enjoy or share. Here’s how to use a free audiobook website:
Step 1: Find a free audiobook website
Choose a free audiobook website that you like, such as LibriVox, Loyal Books, or Lit2Go.
Step 2: Sign up for an account
Create an account on the website and verify your email address. This process should only take a few minutes.
Step 3: Search for the audiobook you want to share
Find an audiobook that you want to share, either by searching the website or browsing through audiobooks by genre or author.
Step 4: Share the audiobook
Most free audiobook websites allow you to download the audiobook for free. Once you’ve downloaded the audiobook, you can share it with your recipient via email or another sharing platform.
While there are many excellent audiobook websites available, keep in mind that the free selection might be limited, and the quality might not be as high as other methods.
Joining an Audiobook Exchange
Audiobook exchanges are online communities that allow users to trade audiobooks with each other. Here’s how to join an audiobook exchange:
Step 1: Find an audiobook exchange
Choose an audiobook exchange website that you want to join, such as Audiobook Boom, Reddit’s Audiobook Exchange, or the Goodreads Audiobooks Group.
Step 2: Sign up for an account
Create an account on the website and verify your email address. This process should only take a few minutes.
Step 3: Search for the audiobook you want to share
Search the exchange’s catalog or forums for the audiobook you want to share. You can also post a request for the audiobook you want, and someone might be willing to share it with you.
Step 4: Share the audiobook
Once you’ve found the audiobook you want to share, contact the user who has it or post a request to the community forums. Once you’ve agreed on the details, you can share the audiobook by email or another sharing platform.
While audiobook exchanges are a great way to find rare or hard-to-find audiobooks, keep in mind that there might be some risks involved. Make sure to only join reputable communities and use caution when sharing personal information with strangers.
Using Free Audible Credits
Audible members receive a credit each month that they can use to purchase any audiobook on the site. However, Audible also offers free credits to members for various promotions or incentives. Here’s how to use your free credits to send an audiobook to someone else:
Step 1: Check your account for free Audible credits
Log in to your Audible account and check your account for any free credits that you can use to purchase audiobooks.
Step 2: Choose the audiobook you want to share
Find the audiobook you want to send and add it to your cart. Make sure to select an audiobook that is eligible for sharing.
Step 3: Click on “Give as a Gift”
On the checkout page, click on the “Give as a Gift” option. You will be prompted to enter the recipient’s email address and a personalized message.
Step 4: Send the audiobook
After you’ve filled out the required fields, click on “Send this book.” Your recipient will receive an email with a link to the audiobook. Note that your recipient does not need to have an Audible membership to receive the audiobook.
Keep in mind that the number of free Audible credits you have might be limited, and not all audiobooks are eligible for sharing.
Conclusion
Sending someone an audiobook doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Utilizing one of these free and convenient methods can help you save money while still being able to share your favorite audiobooks with others. Whether you opt for a free Audible trial, social media, library lending, audiobook subscription services, free websites, audiobook exchanges, or free Audible credits, there are plenty of ways to send someone an audiobook without breaking the bank. Give one of these methods a try and discover how easy and enjoyable it can be to share audiobooks with others.
