A. Guttmann
Research Lead covering media
Audio consumption in Mexico - statistics & facts
Music plays an important role in the daily lives of consumers in Latin America, and Mexico is no exception to this trend. What is of note today, is that Mexican audiences rely on digital music sources rather than traditional ones. Digital music content such as downloads, but most importantly streaming, is the second most used type of medium in Mexico. Radio and physical formats trail far behind streaming among listeners in the country. Digital music dominates consumption in Mexico.
The pivot to digital music consumption and the fact the streaming services market is currently dominated by Spotify, means that the potential of expansion for competing platforms is challenging but high. The music industry in Mexico is banking on digital, and the landscape will be developing in that direction, driven primarily by streaming consumption.
Music streaming trumps radio listening
Regional data points to a comparatively higher interest in online music among Mexicans than in the other countries in Latin America. Mexico ranks second in the region when it comes to daily time spent with music streaming services. On the other hand, broadcast radio listening time in Mexico is much lower compared to other countries in Latin America. For the most part, Mexican listeners turn to digital sources of music, including paid and free streaming, downloads, music videos, and online radio. Traditional and physical methods of music consumption in Mexico, such as CDs, vinyl, or analog radio are much less popular. It therefore comes as no surprise that the share of households in Mexico with a radio device is constantly declining1 while consumers are switching to online sources of music.Content variety is behind digital audio preferences
Having access to a wide range of content and being able to listen whenever and wherever are the main drivers of digital audio purchases in Mexico. Less advertising, high sound quality, and access to exclusive content are also important for audio listeners in the country. That is why a little over half of respondents in Mexico admit their digital audio purchases are part of their paid subscription. Only three in 10 Mexicans say they rely solely on free or ad-supported audio services. And in line with the wherever/whenever concept, smartphones are the leading devices used for audio consumption in Mexico, followed by smart TVs and laptops. Ease of access and large libraries remain the principal motivation for choosing digital audio in the country.The pivot to digital music consumption and the fact the streaming services market is currently dominated by Spotify, means that the potential of expansion for competing platforms is challenging but high. The music industry in Mexico is banking on digital, and the landscape will be developing in that direction, driven primarily by streaming consumption.
