There’s been a major transformation in how people access and enjoy songs in recent years. A few decades back, the go-to was vinyl records and then CDs. Today, everyone uses online streaming services.
It’s not arguable that streaming is much more convenient than vinyl or CD, especially with the current popularity of smartphones. These devices can load heavy game elements on platforms like Reel crypto, https://www.reelcrypto.com/en, among others. So, playing music is more or less a minimal task.
However, the question is, how has this global access to streaming services impacted music consumption? Let’s discuss.
More Accessibility Equals More Discovery
Due to streaming services, music is now much more accessible, as almost everyone owns a smart device. With it, it’s easy to log on to platforms like Apple Music and Spotify and start streaming from anywhere. If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, there are free options like Audiomack.
The above has improved music discovery such that people can easily find new songs regardless of their preferences. It’s a fact that the popular streaming platforms mentioned feature millions of tracks across different genres. So, you have a vast music library in your hands, which won’t be possible with vinyl or CD options.
Interestingly, you don’t have to manually sort the available songs to find something suitable to listen to. Most platforms feature algorithm-driven recommendations. So, the system analyzes your listening patterns and preferences and then curates songs that suit your taste.
Higher Focus on Singles than Albums
People consume more singles than albums nowadays due to streaming services. Artists used to focus on creating full LPs, with many tracks for listeners to buy. They won’t be maximizing marketing resources if they release a single track on a CD or vinyl tape.
With streaming services, that’s not the case. An artist can easily upload a single track for people to listen to without much difficulty. So, they don’t need to spend much time creating multiple songs before putting out something to the fans. It’s the reason why many opt to release EPs rather than albums.
There’s another angle to it as well. It’s easier for a single track to get famous than an album. That’s because streaming services often feature playlists with varying songs from multiple artists. Even a playlist for a single musician will feature different tracks released over the years.
A Shift in Expenses
You pay just once to purchase a tape during the CD or vinyl era. Then you can play it for as long as you want. You’ll only need to spend money on a particular tape if the CD or vinyl loses quality or gets damaged.
It’s a different story with streaming services. Some let you purchase tracks and albums in the traditional sense — like the iTunes store. However, the majority and most popular require a subscription. So, you have to repeatedly pay every month if you want to consume music.
Conclusion
It’s clear that streaming services have had significant impacts on how people consume music. There’s now easier access to songs, more attention on singles and albums, and a different payment pattern. As digital technology continues to evolve, we can witness more profound impacts of streaming on music consumption.