Streaming Music Surpasses Radio in Daily Music Reach

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:14pm CT

Edison Research at SSRS

Streaming music has surpassed AM/FM radio in daily music reach among Americans age 13 and older, according to the latest Share of Ear study from Edison Research at SSRS.

As of the second quarter of 2026, 46% of Americans 13 listen to streaming music on a typical day, compared with 43% who listen to music on AM/FM radio or radio streams. Overall, 87% of Americans 13 engage with music in some form each day.

The findings mark a reversal from when Edison first began releasing Share of Ear data. In 2015, AM/FM radio held a substantial advantage, with 61% of Americans 13 listening to music through AM/FM or radio streams on a typical day. At the time, streaming music reached just 27%.

While streaming has moved ahead in overall daily music reach, Edison said the picture changes substantially when only ad-supported listening is considered.

AM/FM radio and radio streams have a 43% daily reach for ad-supported music, more than twice streaming music's 19%. The difference reflects the significant portion of streaming consumption occurring through paid, commercial-free services.

The findings suggest AM/FM continues to maintain a significant advantage for advertisers seeking consumers through ad-supported music, even as streaming has become the leading platform for overall daily music reach.