The popularity of digital music formats differs depending on region. For example, the Internet remains the primary distribution channel for digital music in the US; whereas full-track downloads to mobile phones is the primary digital music format in Japan.
In-Stat's latest report focuses on the online distribution of digital music. However, in an effort to understand how the growth in the mobile music market may impact online music, In-Stat includes discussion around new developments in mobile music, with a focus on full-track downloads to mobile phones.
Worldwide forecasts are provided for revenues derived from online music sales and subscription-based music services, physical CD sales online, and full-track downloads to mobile phones. Results from a US-based survey regarding end-users' attitudes and behaviors toward online music and video are also included.
Consumers continue to enthusiastically embrace digital music. Digital music sales represented 10% of the total worldwide music market in 2007, up from 6% in 2006. In-Stat expects that by 2012, digital music sales will represent an impressive 40% of all music purchased worldwide.