Nielsen Report Shows YouTube as a Leading Music Source, Especially for Teenagers

Ethan Smith, reporting for the WSJ:

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. teenagers under the age of 18 say they use Google Inc.’s video-sharing site to listen to music, more than any other medium, according to a new consumer survey from Nielsen Co., one of many challenges facing record companies as they transition into the digital world.

In addition to treating YouTube as a de facto free music service, young people said they are less inclined than those 18 years old and up to listen to CDs or the radio.

According to Neilsen’s survey results, YouTube is first for teenagers, and third overall, behind radio and CDs. iTunes is fourth. I find this surprising, but disruptions usually are.

★ Tuesday, 14 August 2012