While Peer-2-Peer and piracy issues have not entirely disappeared, consumers are showing heightened awareness and interest in legitimate online music services, reports In-Stat.
The worldwide online music market is expected to grow 134% this year, reaching $1 billion for the first time. With increased competition between sites this year, differentiation will be a key strategy. Sites are building larger catalogs and working with labels to offer new types of digital content, such as live concerts and re-mixes. In addition, branding and customer loyalty will be a primary focus.
A recent report by In-Stat included a consumer survey and found the following:
— More than half of the survey respondents who have downloaded music from the Internet admitted to not paying for it.
— The average amount spent in the past year for online music was $25.
— 35% of the respondents are owners of an MP3 player, with 70% saying it was their first one.
