Audible Debuts AI-Driven ‘Interactive Stories’ Starting With Dracula’s Renfield

Audible has announced the rollout of a new initiative titled “Interactive Stories,” which leverages generative artificial intelligence to allow listeners to engage directly with characters in an audio narrative. The debut experience is tied to the platform’s upcoming original adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, set to release on October 1.

The interactive segment centers on Renfield, the perpetually tormented servant of Count Dracula. According to Audible, the AI-driven character will assign the user a specific role, objective, and set of stakes. Listeners respond using their own voice, and the character reacts in real time, creating a dynamic, LARP-style experience.

Andy Tsao, Audible’s Chief Product and Analytics Officer, stated that the company believes AI enables the creation of novel interactions that resonate with modern audiences, particularly younger demographics. However, this claim contrasts with a recent Pew Research survey from September 2026, which indicated that young people globally hold wary attitudes toward AI technology.

The feature is scheduled to launch as a beta release later this fall, likely coinciding with the Dracula premiere. A second Interactive Story is also in development, set within the universe of the upcoming Exoplanet original audio novel by author Benjamin Percy. That project, executive produced by Andy Weir, is slated for release on November 5.

In addition to the interactive narratives, Audible is introducing a “Character Guide” for the Dracula adaptation and the Exoplanet series. This tool provides real-time visual cues identifying the current speaker and offers spoiler-free character cards, addressing the difficulty of tracking large casts in audio-only formats. The feature is already available for the platform’s adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984.

Audible also unveiled “Visual Explorer,” a forthcoming beta feature designed to display contextual imagery and maps at pivotal moments during playback. The initial rollout for this tool will accompany The Cultural Tutor’s Grand Tour: The Story of Europe in Six Cities, an audio documentary exploring historical destinations across the continent.