A new UK Music research study highlights the complexity of consuming, copying and sharing of music between 14-24 year-olds.
Key findings:
- Music remains the most valued form of entertainment
- 87% said that copying between devices is important to them
- 86% of respondents have copied a CD for a friend; 75% have sent music by email, Bluetooth, Skype or MSN; 57% have copied a friend’s entire music collection; 39% have downloaded music
- There is real interest for new licensed services. 85% of P2P downloaders said they would be interested in paying for an unlimited all-you-can-eat MP3 download service from an online storage site; and 38% have ripped a TV, radio or internet stream
- The computer is the main entertainment hub – 68% of respondents use it every day to listen to music. The average teen has amassed a collection of more than 8000 tracks/
- Ownership of music is hugely important – both online and offline
- Popularity of P2P remains unchanged since 2008 – 61% said they download music using P2P networks or torrent trackers. Of this group, 83% are doing so on a weekly or daily basis
- Young people have an inherent sense of what copyright is, but choose to ignore it – the vast majority of respondents knew that sharing copyrighted content is not legal, yet continue to do so.
“Ironically, for me, perhaps the biggest change is context. Over the past twelve months, the licensed digital music market has diversified enormously – epitomised by competition in the download market and the traction being gained by streaming services. Meanwhile, the prospect of commercial partnerships with ISPs lies tantalisingly on the horizon. And, of course, the UK’s artists and creative community continue to break new ground: innovating, experimenting and engaging with fans in all manner of new exciting and ways,” commented UK Music CEO, Feargal Sharkey.
“Clearly, the shape of our entire business will continue to evolve. However, we will achieve nothing if we do not work with music fans, and young music fans in particular. They are hugely demanding in their needs, but collectively we must rise to that challenge,” he continued. “We ignore engagement at our peril. That message is loud and clear.”
