Digital Music is defined as audio content that is distributed to the end user over the internet.
This includes paid digital downloads of professionally produced single tracks, albums, and album compilations as well as subscription-based, on-demand streaming services. Music Streaming services, e.g. Spotify, Deezer or Apple Music, offer unlimited access to their content libraries for a monthly subscription fee or for free (mostly advertising supported). Music can be streamed to various connected devices. Internet radio or video streams (e.g. YouTube) are not included.
Music Downloads are defined as paid downloads of professionally produced single tracks or albums/compilations. Digital music files, e.g. in the MP3-format, can be purchased per one-time transaction and are then permanently accessible for the user. The most popular digital music download platform is Apple’s iTunes. Digital audio books are not included.
Also included are digital advertising revenues from ad-supported free versions of premium subscription services plus services funded by advertising. This includes all ad revenue generated through pre- and in-Stream Audio Ads that appear in music (music also includes all kinds of radio services) and podcast streaming services. Formats can be single spots, tandem spots, or popular special advertising formats like presenting, On Air Promotions and Infomercials, directly embedded in the audio file or dynamically inserted.