Streaming music has become the norm for many music fans over the past few years – and some interesting trends have emerged regarding the types of music people are streaming online.
Streaming is a convenient way to listen to your favorite songs without having to download them first. But what can streaming data tell about your music fans and listeners?
Do they prefer to listen to whole albums or jump around between songs? Do they like having control over what they’re listening to, or do they enjoy letting a streaming service recommend music?
Let’s take a closer look at the different streaming habits of music fans and listeners to help you create tailored experiences for the users.
6 Streaming Habits and What They Say About Your Music Fans
1. Listening to a Song/Album Repeatedly
Streaming data can show what songs and albums are the most popular among your fans. This can give you valuable insight into what content resonates with your audience and potentially guide future music releases or tour setlists.
It can also reveal where your fans are located geographically, as different regions may have different preferences in terms of what they stream the most.
2. Frequency of Streaming
The frequency of streaming can show how dedicated a music fan is to their favorite artists.
Daily streams from your listeners may indicate hardcore fans, while sporadic streams could mean someone is just casually listening.
With this data, you can gauge your listeners’ loyalty to your music. If they consistently stream and listen to your music, it can signify a solid fanbase. On the other hand, if they only stream specific songs or sample your music without listening extensively, it may indicate that they aren’t as engaged with your music.
3. Streaming One Genre More than Others
The genres and styles your fans predominantly stream can give insight into their musical taste and preferences. Are they eclectic in their choices, or do they stick to one specific genre?
You can plan future releases accordingly.
4. Streaming New vs. Favorite Music Tracks
The balance between discovering new music and streaming familiar favorites can showcase a person’s willingness to experiment with their listening habits.
5. Listening to a Solo Artist vs. a Band
The ratio of solo artist streams to band or group streams can show if the person prefers a particular style of music or a certain level of personal connection to the artists.
In the latter case, you’d want to establish a deeper, more interactive relationship with your fans and listeners.
6. Consistency with Paid Streaming Services
Overall streaming behavior can also indicate a person’s willingness to support the music industry financially. Consistent subscription to paid streaming services and purchasing individual tracks or albums can demonstrate a dedication to the artists’ success.
Final Thoughts
As streaming continues to dominate the music industry, it’s important to pay attention to what your listeners’ streaming habits can reveal about them. By analyzing this data, you can gain valuable insights and better understand your fanbase – their musical preferences and relationship with the music industry.
So, keep an eye on those streaming numbers – they may hold the key to connecting with your fans even more effectively.

Eric Dalius is The Executive Chairman of MuzicSwipe, a music and content discovery platform designed to maximize artist discovery and optimize fan relationships. As the host of the weekly podcast “FULLSPEED,” Eric chats with pioneering entrepreneurs from diverse sectors. Through the “Eric Dalius Foundation,” he offers four scholarships to US students. Stay updated with Eric on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Entrepreneur.com.