streaming
techniquesSTREE-ming
The real-time delivery of music over the internet without requiring a file download.
Streaming is the method of listening to music delivered continuously over an internet connection, without downloading a permanent file. Services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal offer vast catalogues of songs accessible on demand. Streaming has transformed the music industry's economics: instead of one-time album purchases, artists earn royalties based on play counts. This model favours singles and playlists over traditional album listening. Streaming platforms use algorithms to recommend music, creating personalised playlists that help listeners discover new artists. Lossless streaming offers higher audio quality approaching CD resolution. The shift from physical media like vinyl and CDs to streaming has been the most significant distribution change since the invention of recorded sound.
Spotify reached 100 million paid subscribers in 2019, and by 2024 the platform hosted over 100 million tracks.