Streaming Services: The Evolution of Music Listening

day’s world. Listening to music has become even easier and more convenient, thanks to streaming services that offer a wide range of music, shows, and movies at our fingertips. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), a whopping 73% of people now use licensed audio streaming services to enjoy their favorite tunes. That’s a lot of music!

Take Nick Capurso, a student at UMass Lowell, for example. He listens to music for around 100 to 200 minutes per day through streaming services. And he’s not alone. On average, people spend about 20.7 hours per week listening to music, which translates to roughly three hours each day. That’s up from 20.1 hours per week in 2022, according to the IPFI.

For Capurso, music is a constant companion. Whether he’s getting ready for class, walking to class, or sitting in class, music is always playing in the background. Valentina Munoz Roa, another UMass Lowell student, feels the same way. She listens to about five hours of music daily to help keep her mind focused while working. For her, music is a must-have for concentration.

Of course, listening to music for long stretches requires a good pair of headphones. Capurso opts for special earbuds designed for athletes that stay securely in place even during activities like jogging. On the other hand, Jennifer Viera prefers to listen to music on her phone or even on a speaker when she’s not quite sure how to use it!

While some, like Munoz Roa and Capurso, find solace in music, others may find it distracting. Munoz Roa, for instance, sometimes needs to turn off the music to concentrate on her studies. And Capurso admits that streaming services can sometimes lead him down a rabbit hole of new music discoveries, making it easy to get lost!

But there’s a flip side to all this accessibility. Capurso, for one, recognizes that while streaming services offer exposure to smaller artists, it also means they may not get paid as much for their work. Viera agrees with this sentiment, highlighting the increasing costs for consumers as a downside. On the other hand, Munoz Roa sees streaming services as a more affordable option compared to buying individual songs.

In the end, one thing is clear: music has become more ingrained in our daily lives than ever before. Whether you’re driving, working out, studying, or just relaxing, music is there to accompany you every step of the way. With streaming services making it easier to access a vast library of music, it’s no wonder that people of all generations are tuning in more than ever before. So, next time you press play on your favorite song, remember that you’re not alone in enjoying the endless world of music at your fingertips.