Music streaming services use in Germany 2013-2018

An increasing share of internet users were accessing music streaming services in Germany, with 50 percent doing so in 2018. In 2013, this share had amounted to only nine percent.

Just a streamer

Music streaming services usually offer a choice between free music streaming, which may include more ads being played and access to less of the available music catalogue, and paid streaming. In terms of age group distribution among users, those aged 20 to 29 years used both types of streaming the most, followed by those aged 30 to 39 years. Based on a recent survey, most respondents used only free-of-charge music streaming. Of those who spent money on digital music content, the higher share did so as part of a subscription. The most popular music genres among German listeners were rock and pop, as well as oldies and evergreens.

Apps and revenue

The most downloaded music and audio apps in the Google Play Store, to give just one example, were Spotify and YouTube Music. Digital music sales revenue has grown noticeably in Germany, from 486 million euros in 2015 to 897 million euros three years later.