A recent nationally representative survey conducted by YouGov has indicated that the number of people pirating music is falling, as streaming services like Spotify have developed in both their affordability and music comprehensiveness.
The survey received responses from 4,009 adults in the UK in March of this year, and the primary findings are as follows:
- One in 10 currently download music illegally, down from 18% five years ago.
- 63% of those that have stopped downloading music illegally are now using streaming services.
- 36% say using unverified file sharing sites and torrents to illegally download music is becoming more difficult.
YouGov’s Associate Director Justin Marshall said about the report: “Our research reveals a change in behavior, with those that previously attained music by unlawful means now being enticed by the low costs and ease of use associated with streaming… there are encouraging signs”. Indeed, one respondent said: “Spotify has everything from new releases to old songs, it filled the vacuum, there was no longer a need for using unverified sources.”
Of course, such results should be considered with some care, as results may be skewed by respondents not wanting to disclose their illegal activities.
However, arguably the report could further highlight the shifting landscape in the music industry to one that increasingly seeks to protect music creators and their creations, and to ensure they are more fairly compensated for their work.
