How to Add Audiobooks to Plex Media Server for Playing

Audiobooks provide a convenient way to enjoy books while multitasking or on the go. If you have an existing library of audiobook files, you may want a centralized place to access and play them alongside your other media. Plex Media Server is a great option for organizing all your digital media in one place and accessing it from multiple devices. However, Plex does not natively support audiobooks in the same way it handles music and video. With a metadata tagging tweak and an audio player adjustment, you can include your audiobooks in Plex searches, listings, libraries and play them from any Plex app. Let's learn more on how to deal with Plex Audiobooks and sort it out.

Part 1. Can you Stream Audiobooks in Plex?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly stream audiobook files using Plex Media Server. This is because Plex does not recognize audiobook file metadata in the same way as music and video files. Specifically, properties like artist, album, and track data have very different meanings for audiobooks versus music.

Additionally, Plex lacks the audio book specific playback features that properly handle bookmarking your current play position. Out of the box, Plex is intended for continuous playback media like music and video, so Plex audiobooks do not fit this model well. However, with a targeted audiobook configuration adjustment to both the media files' metadata tags and your Plex client audio player, you can achieve the desired library organization and playback capabilities needed to include audiobooks in your Plex media experience.

Part 2. How to Convert Audible AA/AAX Files to MP3 for Plex?

The need to convert Audible proprietary AA and AAX audiobook files to more common formats arises because Plex does not support direct playback of those closed formats. By converting to MP3 or M4B, you can tag the files with metadata that Plex recognizes for proper audiobook library and playback treatment. The best tool for efficiently batch converting Audible books is HitPaw Video Converter. If you are looking for an alternative to Plex and audiobooks, this is the best option to try.

Features of HitPaw Video Converter

Guide to Convert Audible AAX/AA to MP3 or M4B

Step 1: Initiate Audiobook Conversion

Open HitPaw Video Converter and click the "Audible Converter" option to access the dedicated audiobook conversion workflow. This presents options tailored to manipulating Audible content versus standard video files.

Step 2: Import Audible Files

Use HitPaw "Add Files" button or drag and drop to load the AA and AAX files purchased and downloaded from Audible. Files will queue up for conversion based on your output format selection.

Step 3: Choose Output Format

For continuous playback like a standard audiobook, select MP3 format. To preserve chapter divisions, choose M4B format and edit chapter titles if desired.

Step 4: Convert Audiobooks

Click "Convert" button in HitPaw to begin batch converting your audiobooks to your selected format. The streamlined interface enables efficient queued conversion from Audible to playable Plex formats.

Step 5: Export Converted Files

Once conversion processing finishes, navigate to "Converted" section in HitPaw to access your new DRM-free audiobook files. Add these MP3 or M4B files to Plex for audiobook library capabilities.

Part 3. How to Add Audiobooks to Plex Server?

How to add audiobooks to Plex Server? Here are the steps that you should follow for it.

Step 1: Install Plex Media Server

Go to plex.tv and download the version of the Plex Media Server that matches your computer's operating system. Run through the installation process, creating a free Plex account if you don't already have one. Name your media server for easy identification within Plex apps. Optionally enable Sync features for keeping libraries in sync across devices.

Step 2: Create a Dedicated Audiobook Library

Sign into the Plex dashboard and click settings, then "Libraries". Choose to create a new "Music" library to serve as your Audiobook collection. Name it accordingly and select language preferences for metadata fetching. Within advanced settings enable "Preface track title with artist name" to help isolate audiobooks.

Step 3: Add Audiobook File Locations

Still within the new audiobook library setup screen, specify the locations of your Audible book files. Click "Browse for Media Folder" and select folders containing your converted MP3 or M4B files. Add multiple locations if your audiobooks span separated drives. Finally click "Add Library" confirm folder selection and complete setup.

Step 4: Manage Your Audiobooks in Plex

With setup complete, Plex will automatically scan your audiobook files, gathering metadata and generating appropriate artwork and descriptions. Access this new library from the Plex sidebar under Music as its own "Audiobook" category separating it from music content for easier access. Customize sort order preferences as desired to fit audiobook consumption patterns. Your audiobooks are now integrated into the Plex ecosystem for unified media management.

Part 4. How to Listen to Audible Audiobook via Plex Anytime/Anywhere?

Now you know how to get audiobooks in Plex. Along with that, you should also learn how to play them. Can I Plex play audiobooks? Yes, you can and here are the steps for it.

Step 1: Access Audiobook Library

Navigate to the "Music" hub and your custom Audiobook library to browse titles. Tap an audiobook to begin playback through the client app's built-in player.

Step 2: Use Playback Controls

Use playback controls for pausing, bookmarking progress, variable speed listening, sleep timers and auto chapter transitions if available. The app may prompt managing local file caching for smooth streaming.

Step 3: Enjoy Seamless Access

You now have access to your complete Audible library virtually anytime and anywhere thanks to Plex integration. Continue enjoyment of your favorite audiobooks on mobile devices while retaining a centralized server-based library. Using Plex for audiobooks is simple as that.

FAQs about Plex Audiobooks

Q1. How to label audiobooks in Plex?

A1. To properly label audiobooks in Plex, go to the library settings and enable the option to "Preface track title with artist name”. This will allow Plex to distinguish between audio books versus music by listing the author name first. You can also edit metadata fields manually if needed.

Q2. How do I set up audiobooks on Plex?

A2. Setting up audiobooks involves creating a dedicated Music library, toggling the above labeling preference, selecting folders containing your Audible format converted files, and allowing Plex to scan and populate the library. Add cover art as needed and customize sort orders to suit an audiobooks workflow.

Q3. What format are Plex audiobooks?

A3. The best formats for adding audiobooks to Plex are MP3 and M4B files. This requires converting the proprietary Audible formats first using a tool like HitPaw Video Converter. The resulting files will integrate seamlessly into Plex after a few configuration tweaks.

Conclusion

Now you have answers to the question, will Plex support audiobooks. With a few format conversion and metadata configuration steps, you can unlock the full potential of Plex Media Server for unifying your personal media collection including Audible audiobooks. Condense your libraries down to a single app-accessible platform. Give HitPaw Video Converter a try for streamlining preparation of Audible books to integrate with Plex's powerful, multifaceted media management ecosystem.

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