How to Focus on Audiobooks [8 Tips That Actually Work]

Listening to audiobooks is a skill that takes practice—it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. If you’re more of a visual learner, it might take a little time to train your brain to focus and adapt to listening.

I listen to non-fiction titles mostly, which demand extra attention since I aim to absorb and retain all the valuable information they offer.

A common question that I get from audiobook beginners is how to pay attention to audiobooks.

In this article, I will share 8 practical tips to help you stay focused and get the most out of your audiobook experience.

Tip 1. Choose the Right Audiobook & Narrator

For beginners, it is important to start their audiobook journey with a book they are familiar with. Begin with a book or series you’ve already read and loved—it’s like revisiting an old friend in a new way.

Opt for shorter audiobooks initially, as building your listening concentration takes time.

Most platforms offer narration samples, so take advantage of this feature to ensure you enjoy the narrator’s voice before committing.

Avoid diving into unfamiliar genres or categories right away; instead, stick with what you know and ease into the audiobook experience.

If you are listening to non-fiction where you need to retain information from audiobooks, it is more difficult to focus than on a fiction story.

Developing an appreciation for the audiobook format and honing your focus on the story takes time and practice.

Tip: If you are getting started with audiobooks, start with free audiobooks or affordable audiobooks. You can also take advantage of free trials of premium platforms.
This gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the audiobook format, build your listening focus, and ease into the experience—without the pressure of a monthly subscription

Tip 2. Have Dedicated & Short Listening Sessions

One of the key benefits of audiobook format is the freedom to multitask while enjoying a story. Whether you are folding laundry, going for a walk, or tackling a house chore, audiobooks can keep you entertained.

However, multitasking isn’t without its challenges—you might find your mind wandering and your focus slipping away.

To fully immerse yourself in a story, consider having dedicated listening sessions. Imagine relaxing with a cup of coffee or lying in bed at night, letting your favorite narrator transport you to another world.

That’s what I do, making bedtime the perfect moment to unwind with a good audiobook.

But knowing when to stop is equally important. If distractions are pulling you away from the story, it might be better to hit pause, handle what’s on your mind, and return to the book when you can truly enjoy it.

If multitasking is your goal, choose activities that don’t demand too much brainpower like mindless games, repetitive tasks, or light chores.

Note: I have shared 50 things to do and 60 games to play while listening to audiobooks that you can check out.

Tip 3. Identify When You Can Truly Focus

With a bit of listening practice, you can identify the activities that go well with listening to audiobooks and ones that tend to steal your focus.

For instance, I have found that I do not lose focus when I combine audiobook listening with walking, commuting, driving, or even tackling household chores.

But my attention wavers when I combine listening with browsing the internet or scrolling through social media

By identifying the moments when you can truly engage with an audiobook, you can plan your listening sessions for maximum enjoyment and focus

Tip 4. Eliminate Distractions

Feeling nervous, anxious, or stressed can make your mind overly alert, causing even the smallest distractions to pull your focus away.

Poor sleep only makes this worse, leaving your mind struggling to function and concentrate

Eliminate all distractions, including turning off your phone notifications. For me, keeping my surroundings organized boosts my mental focus. Sometimes, I use headphones to block background noise and distractions.

Tip 5. Experiment with Narration Speed

When beginners ask me how to focus while listening to an audiobook, one of my top tips is to adjust the narration speed. If the pace feels too fast or too slow, it can be hard to stay engaged.

Try experimenting with the speed settings until you find a pace that feels natural and keeps your attention. A fast-paced narration might make it easy to lose track, while a slower pace might drag and bore you.

Many experienced listeners prefer speeds like 1.25X or 1.50X, which not only feel comfortable for them but can help them save time without sacrificing comprehension.

It sounds counterintuitive, but by increasing the speed there is less time for your mind to wander

Note: Check our speed calculator to see how much time you can save while listening to your favorite title at different narration speeds

Tip 6. Pause When You Lose Focus

If you anticipate a distraction, pause the audiobook. Hit play only when you can dedicate attention back to the book.

Taking a short break can help you to better focus.

Sometimes, I grab a drink or a snack. It gives my brain a reboot, and I am back on track after a short break.

Tip 7. Rewind/ Re-listen if You Miss Something

If you miss a portion or do not understand it, simply rewind and re-listen. Once you are used to listening to books, you can identify and tell when you lose focus.

If my mind wanders, I hit the 30-second rewind button and I am on track again.

Rewinding can also help you with excessively word portions and you can catch portions that did not make sense for the first time.

Tip 8. Experiment with Immersion Reading

Immersion reading is the process of reading along while listening to audiobooks. It can help with complete focus, even on complex audiobooks.

To experiment with Immersion reading, get an eBook (Kindle version) and an audiobook (Audible version), which allows you to listen and read the book at the same time, in the Kindle app.

As the audiobook plays, the words that are playing will be highlighted on the screen so you can read along.

If you purchase an eBook on Amazon, you are offered to include the accompanying Audible narration at a discounted price.

Immersion reading is one of the standout benefits of audiobooks. It helps users fully focus on the content, boosting their concentration and enhancing learning potential—especially for students and young learners.

If you are struggling to find out how to focus on audiobooks, usually it’s a matter of practice. Use the strategies I have listed above and your concentration and focus will improve over time.