Booktrack – Soundtracks for Books

The heightened sense of drama that most people feel when they watch movies in the theater has less to do with the actors on screen, and more to do with the soundtracks they’re hearing while actors recite their lines. Booktrack is a web-based application that acts as a soundtrack for books, seamlessly syncing musical effects and ambient sound to text.

Booktrack takes the belief that books can transport readers to another place just one step further. Enter the name of your digital book into Booktrack’s web-based platform, and then select the sound or music you’d like to add. Booktrack lets you search tracks by category, such as “adventure” or “romance.” You can also search by tags and select the audio type (music, ambience, or effect). Highlight the text to tell Booktrack when certain tracks should be playing, and select details like volume and fade. Once you’ve uploaded a cover image and related information, you can share your creation with fellow Booktrack users by clicking “Publish.”

Not everyone who uses Booktrack has to put in so much effort. The application also enables users to browse books that already have soundtracks added for free. Just click “Read” when you find a book that looks enticing, and the text of that book will appear on your screen while selected audio files play in the background. Each book page includes links to booksellers online, along with a comments section with feedback from other readers.

Practical Uses:

• Self-published writers can get more readers to see their work
• Sync music and effects to your favorite books
• Add emotional layers to the book you’re writing
• Tune out the sound of people talking while reading at a coffee shop

Insider Tips:

• Users can select whether to add music, effects, or ambient sound
• Leave comments on any books you loved or loathed
• Add a soundtrack to any digital text content, not just books
• Booktrack Classroom was designed for educators

What we liked:

• Audio is paced at each person’s unique reading speed
• Students can create their own Booktracks based on the books they’re reading in class
• Booktrack Classroom includes a lesson plan library for teachers
• Readers can connect with their favorite authors through Booktrack profile pages

What we didn’t like:

• Some people may be distracted by hearing music while they read

Alternatives:

• None

Company Info:

• Launched: August 2011
• Privately Held
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California
• Founded by: Paul Cameron and Mark Cameron
• Web site: http://www.booktrack.com

Costs:

• Free

Rating:

• 5 out of 5 (wow)