Freedom of choice: Examining music listening as a function of favorite music format.

Abstract

With so many formats available for individuals to use to listen to music, the present research adopted a uses and gratifications approach to investigate why people prefer particular formats. Specifically, the present study considered six formats: physical, digital file, free-streaming, paid-for streaming, radio, and live music. A sample of 396 people (Mage = 34.53) completed an online survey, detailing the reasoning for their favorite format via a free-text response. Live music and digital files were the most popular formats. A thematic analysis of the uses and gratifications pertaining to each format highlighted how participants were attuned to the advantages (and disadvantages) of different formats, demonstrating an awareness of, and consideration relative to, rival formats. Findings suggest that choosing to listen to music across different formats may satisfy different needs and that people demonstrate an awareness of their preference relative to the other available options.