IFPI report: Copyright infringement still a problem

The report, which was released on 21 October, is based on data collected between June and July from 43 000 online users aged 16 to 64 years in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US. 

The report says that almost one in three (29%) of respondents admitted to using illegal or unlicensed methods to listen to or download music, with stream ripping being the most prevalent form of online copyright infringement. Some 14.4% had used unlicensed social media platforms for music purposes.

Looking at on-demand streaming consumption globally, subscriptions to audio streaming continue to grow, driven in part by record labels’ efforts and investments. However, the demand for physical music is still apparent, especially among people aged between 25 and 34 years. Time spent listening to music through subscription audio streaming grew 51% ­– as music fans continue to embrace the format for ease of access and autonomy in music selection.

The respondents were asked about the impact of music on their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 87% said it had provided enjoyment and happiness. About 73% respondents said they could always listen to music despite changes in routine. Some 63% of respondents said they spent time exploring new music and finding new favourites during the pandemic.

Music engagement has also influenced the rapid emergence of short-form video, live streaming and in-game experiences. Mexico recorded the highest monthly users of short-form video apps, followed by Brazil, Russia, Argentina and South Africa. Another form of music engagement was live-streamed concerts, with Brazil recording the highest engagement at 61%, followed by Mexico (44%) and South Africa (44%). Furthermore, about one in three respondents said they had watched a music live stream such as a concert in the last 12 months.

Music remains the primary reason why 74% of the respondents listen to radio. Sixty-six percent of respondents said that without music, they would not listen to radio. Older music fans are increasingly turning to radio, with the biggest engagement coming from those aged between 35 and 64.

Apart from listening to more music, the report says that fans are also engaging with new, dynamic, and immersive music experiences. For instance, South Africa’s gqom music style is among the top 10 genres globally alongside disco polo (Poland), shisha rap (Russia), Carnatic (South India), space disco (Italy) te reo Maori (New Zealand), video game soundtracks (Canada) and K-trot (South Korea), among others.

“Engaging with Music 2021 tells the story of how fans around the globe are connecting with the artists and music they love in ways never before imagined, with the rapid emergence of short-form video, live streaming and in-game experiences, all enhanced by people’s love of music,” IFPI CEO Frances Moore said. “Record companies have enabled artists to develop their vision, licensed an abundance of music tracks to a multitude of platforms and harnessed new technologies to pave the way for music fans around the world to connect with artists in these growing and exciting ways.”

She added: “The freedom of record labels to license music to these new and immersive experiences is crucial to the future growth of the entire music ecosystem. We are campaigning worldwide to ensure governments maintain or implement a fair environment in which such commercial deals can be made.”

Download the full Engaging with Music 2021 report here.