Streaming was almost two-thirds of domestic UK music consumption in 2018

The UK posted a rise of nearly 6% in music consumption during 2018 on the back of more growth in streaming, according to data from BPI and the Official Charts Company. Total music consumption for the year — including purchases, downloads, and streams — was 142.9 million albums and album equivalents.

The year had 91 billion audio streams, up 33.5% from the prior year and up 2,350% from 2012. Audio streaming represented 63.6% of all UK domestic music consumption in 2018. Trade body BPI anticipates that 2019 will surpass the milestone of 100 billion audio streams.

The growth comes as the UK faces ongoing shifts away from physical sales. In a recent sign of the times, major entertainment retailer HMV recently announced that it going into administration for the second time in six years. The move was a result of declining sales and consumers favoring digital consumption rather than physical products.

“2018 saw another strong performance from the British recorded music business as consumers deepen their engagement with music in its myriad forms,” BPI CEO Geoff Taylor said. “Complemented by collectible physical formats on vinyl, CD and super deluxe box sets, streaming services are enabling more people to discover, enjoy and instantly share music they love.”

Anna Washenko

Related Posts

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency

In what is seemingly a statement of global self-sufficiency, Spotify is no longer represented on the IAB’s list of compliant podcast companies. The movement feels momentous in its abruptness, absence of presage, widespread reaction, and inherent implication. Click for details.

Sports fans are avid audio users … and big spenders. Advertisers take note. (SiriusXM)

SiriusXM has released a preview of The Sports Audio Report, produced in collaboration with GroupM and Edison Research. Its purpose is to measure the scale of sports listening, how it correlates with overall listening, and how that listening cohort behaves as consumers. For a preview, there is a surprising amount of information. Audio shines in this report, obviously … especially podcasting.

You Missed

Spotify Q1: 1B Euros; total revenue +20%; 615 monthly users

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency
Enjoy great online radio at AccuRadio!