Selections from the Nielsen Music 360 2017 U.S. Report have been announced and reported, but Billboard has provided a deeper overview. As streaming expands, music listening and concert attendance are growing too. On the premium side of paid music, the figure 29 percent of consumers gives moderate cause for celebration.
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All leading music services benefit when kicking a few bucks to your music service every month becomes normal, and for a big slice of America, it already has. The 45 percent who prefer free streaming includes many tempted by free introductory offers and exclusive releases. Free streaming seems to exist on its own steady tier, as does radio.
Streaming overall increased from 32 percent to 41 percent of overall listening time while radio sustained a 1 percent ding, going down to 25 percent.
The topline numbers are that the 90 percent of people who listen to music rose from 86 percent last year and average weekly listening hours have increased from more than 26 to 32 hours. That's good news. The sustained interest in music and social interactions surrounding it appear to be adding to music's presence in daily life.
