It’s been more than a decade since Spotify first launched in the United States, marking a major shift in the way Americans consume music. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that streaming music has become a part of our daily lives.Based on the latest insights from Issue 22 MusicWatch’s annual U.S. music studyLast year, a staggering 91% of U.S. internet users used a music streaming service. The data heralds a new era, with more than half of U.S. internet users aged 13 and older (109 million people in total) now subscribing to music streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited.
The changing landscape of music streaming
From the early days of internet music streaming to its current state reveals the fascinating evolution of user behavior and technology. Initially, streaming was a novelty that only 56% of Americans liked. This number soared to 69% in 2014 and easily exceeded 80% in 2018. 2023 marks a milestone, with music streaming users exceeding 90% of the Internet population for the first time. This growth isn’t just in numbers; It’s about how and why we listen. MusicWatch counts all forms of streaming, from ad-supported platforms like Spotify and Pandora to video services like YouTube, but does not include short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
The role of the internet and devices
The U.S. Internet population will grow from approximately 125 million in 2012 to 193 million in 2023, highlighting the explosive growth in music streaming adoption. It’s not just about more people coming online; it’s about more people coming online. It’s about how they access the internet. The shift from dial-up to high-speed home internet, coupled with the emergence of mobile internet, has played a major role. Additionally, the reasons behind paying for subscriptions have also changed. Early adopters were attracted by features such as playlists and social network connections. Today, as MusicWatch’s Russ Crupnick points out, the convenience of seamless listening across a variety of devices and settings has become a major motivator.
The financial tune of music streaming
As music streaming services have become an integral part of our lives, per capita spending on recorded music has also increased significantly, up 7% from 2022. This growth has been attributed to both organic growth and price inflation, with services such as Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and Amazon Music all implementing price increases. These adjustments reflect the value users find in these services, ensuring access to their favorite music anytime, anywhere.
Music streaming has undoubtedly changed the landscape of music consumption in the United States, becoming a ubiquitous part of everyday life. As technology and user preferences continue to evolve, the harmony between accessibility and enjoyment promises to keep the melodies of music streaming alive and well for years to come.
[H/T] – billboard