How do people prefer to listen to music? Audio streaming has become a primary source for music consumption. In the U.S., consumers are slightly more likely to stream free music online than to use a paid service, with 35% opting for free streaming compared to 33% for paid options. Approximately 29% of U.S. adults still listen to music on CDs. Internet radio and paid downloaded music are also popular, each used by 27% of adults. Additionally, over a quarter of Americans, or 26%, prefer to access music through video streaming sites.
Where do people prefer to listen to music? A global survey indicates that the main places for listening to music are in transit and at home. The most frequent activities include driving (66%), relaxing at home (63%), and commuting (54%). Cooking and cleaning (54%), working or studying (40%), and exercising (36%) are also common. Attending concerts or festivals accounts for 36%, while listening to music before sleep is the least common at 19%.
How has the pandemic affected listening to music? A survey revealed that music listening increased during Covid-19. It found that 48% of respondents preferred Spotify as their music streaming platform. During the Covid-19 lockdown, 56% reported listening to more music, and 49% spent more time on online streaming services. Additionally, 94% of participants found that music helped them feel more relaxed and happy during the pandemic. After the lockdown, 54% indicated an increase in podcast listening.
How has the pandemic affected activities? Participation in outdoor activities increased during the pandemic. The 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report examined trends in five activity segments: team sports, fitness activities, outdoor recreation, individual activities, and racquet sports, from 2019 to 2020. Among these segments, outdoor recreation activities experienced the least impact due to COVID-19 shutdowns. Certain activities, such as camping, hiking, and freshwater fishing, saw increased participation during this time.
Before the pandemic, the primary locations where individuals enjoyed music included their homes and during travel. It was also found that the prevalent way of listening to music was through audio streaming. Furthermore, it was discovered that individuals participated in more outdoor activities during the pandemic, while those who remained indoors listened to a greater amount of music.
