Study Finds AM/FM Radio Leads Among Music Sources

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Edison Research

A new study highlights that U.S. listeners dedicate a substantial 74% of their average daily audio time to music. Despite the growing attention on podcasts and other spoken-word audio formats, music remains the dominant choice for listeners.

The data reveals that for U.S. listeners aged 13 and older, AM/FM radio and radio streams account for the largest share of music-listening time, commanding 32%. This positions traditional radio as the top platform for accessing music content.

Streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and YouTube Music, follow closely at 28%. YouTube, specifically for music and music videos, captures 18% of daily music listening. Other platforms contributing to music listening include SiriusXM (9%), owned music formats like vinyl and digital downloads (9%), and music channels on TV such as Music Choice or Stingray (3%).

For listeners aged 13 to 64, the landscape shifts slightly, with streaming edging out AM/FM radio by a narrow margin. In this demographic, streaming accounts for 31% of music listening time, compared to 30% for AM/FM radio.

The findings underscore the enduring popularity of music across various platforms, with AM/FM radio continuing to play a central role in music consumption, even as digital streaming services grow in influence.