The results of Médiamétrie's survey of reading and purchasing habits for printed, digital and audio books in 2023 have just been published. Conducted on behalf of Sofia, the book industry's collective management body, the Syndicat national de l'édition (SNE) and the Société des gens de lettres (SGDL), this study is an excellent barometer of changes in the profiles, practices and habits of readers of all stripes over the age of 15.
Reading a physical book, almost a national sport
France has 40 million readers, which means that three out of every four French people over the age of 15 have read or listened to a book in 2023.
The most popular reading medium seems to be the traditional book. Indeed, 38 million people have read at least one printed book, far ahead of digital books with 11.7 million, physical audiobooks with 4.7 million and digital audiobooks with 4.3 million.
While some switch from one medium to another, 47% of readers are exclusively fans of paper books.
Paper books are read by more women, while audio books are read by more men.
The 15-34 age group and families with children are turning more to digital books.
The French read quietly at home in the evening
Whether you're an avid reader with at least 20 books a year under your belt, an average reader with between 5 and 19 books, or a small reader with fewer than 5 books, reading at home is a priority for you, especially if you like the paper version, and preferably in the evening - a widespread practice among 61% of readers of printed books.
Vacations and transport are then the preferred times for reading, and whatever the time of day or time of year for this activity, whatever the medium.
Printed books are best bought new and on the advice of a third party
For 58% of readers, traditional books are best bought new from a specialist superstore (36%) or bookshop (26%). The survey shows that the act of buying is triggered primarily by word-of-mouth, followed by advice from a bookseller.
Only 18% of people say they buy second-hand printed books.
When it comes to buying new or used physical audiobooks, the trend is the same. Digital enthusiasts, whether for books or audiobooks, download all but a tiny percentage legally. The practice of subscribing to reading and listening platforms is becoming increasingly widespread.
In 2023, 2/3 of readers who had read or listened to a book, i.e. one in two French people, visited a library.
Reading is all about pleasure
The survey shows that reading is above all a pleasurable activity. The preferred categories are literature, with crime fiction the most cited style, non-fiction, current affairs and essays, and comics. New genres such as fan fiction and newromance are increasingly appealing to a younger, female audience who enjoy podcasts and subscribe to reading and listening platforms.
