IFPI REPORT: STREAMING ENCIRCLES THE GLOBE

The transition from ownership to streaming is now a global reality, according to key stats found in the IFPI’s just-released annual Music Consumer Insight Report for 2018.

The global trade org for the recorded-music business compiled its data by polling music consumers aged 16-64 in 18 countries, collectively representing 91.3% of the global recorded-music market. Here are some key findings:

• 86% of consumers are listening to music through on-demand streaming

As we dive further into the streaming era, owning music has become a thing of the past. While a substantial digital-download market still exists, its trajectory continues to decrease. Young music consumers are the most engaged streamers, with 57% of 16-24-year-olds using a paid audio-streaming service.

• Video streaming makes up more than half (52%) of on-demand streaming time

This is an alarming statistic, because YouTube, which takes up 47% of that share, contributes less than $1 for every $20 Spotify contributes to the recording business. 35% of consumers say that a main reason for not using a paid subscription service is that anything they want to listen to is available on YouTube.

• 86% of consumers still listen to music on the radio

With all this change, radio remains remarkably resilient.

• 38% of consumers obtain music through copyright infringement

Copyright infringement is still prevalent and a significant issue. More than one-third of consumers see it as a means to obtain music.