Music fans spend more time listening to tunes during pandemic: Study

Globally, music enthusiasts are dedicating more time to listening to their favorite tunes, averaging about 18.4 hours per week, according to a survey released on Thursday. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), representing the recorded music industry, reported an increase from 18 hours in 2019. This substantial listening time, equivalent to approximately 368 three-minute songs, is attributed to various platforms, with listeners predominantly turning to subscription audio streaming, video streaming, radio, and short-form video apps like TikTok.

The “Engaging with Music 2021” study, described by IFPI as the largest of its kind, is based on the perspectives of 43,000 music enthusiasts in 21 countries. IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore highlighted the findings, stating that fans are not only consuming more music but are also exploring new, dynamic, and immersive music experiences. The report emphasizes the role of music labels’ investments and the abundance of music licensed to streaming services in driving this engagement. Moreover, music has served as a source of comfort and healing during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study revealed a significant rise in music listening time through subscription audio streaming, with a 51% increase. Additionally, 68% of respondents reported searching for specific songs more than once a week. Short-form videos, livestreaming, and in-game experiences also gained popularity, with one in three individuals stating that they had watched a music livestream in the past year.

Regarding musical genres, respondents mentioned over 300 different kinds of music, including electronic dance gqom from South Africa and axé, originating in Brazil in the 1980s. Around 87% of participants claimed that music lifted their spirits during the pandemic, with 68% of 16- to 19-year-olds noting that new releases from their favorite artists provided solace.

However, the survey highlighted the challenge of unlicensed music, as almost one in three respondents (29%) admitted to using illegal or unlicensed methods to listen to or download tunes.