| The world of online shopping has exploded over | | | | The other plus is that it is a great way to |
| the past few years. Indeed, figures indicate that | | | | discover and learn about new musical styles. In |
| of the 1.6 billion people online, more than 85 | | | | fact, because you can often take advantage of |
| percent have used it to make a purchase. | | | | pre-prepared playlists, create your own, or |
| Fundamentally altering the way daily life is | | | | receive recommendations based on what you |
| conducted, the lure of quick transactions, secure | | | | already like, you can really experiment with your |
| payment options and fast deliveries is attracting | | | | taste. |
| increasing numbers. | | | | Not only that, but after it has downloaded, you |
| Music is one of the biggest industries to have | | | | can then transfer it to another media player or |
| been affected by the rise of online shopping. | | | | portable music device, meaning you can take it |
| Irrevocably changing the way people get hold of | | | | with you wherever you go. |
| it, the industry has been strongly influenced by | | | | Generally speaking, there are two ways to go |
| the advent of the internet. In fact, according to | | | | about buying music over the internet. The first |
| research, annual sales of digital music attract | | | | operates on a pay as you go basis, whereby you |
| revenues of around $2 billion, whilst 2006 saw 509 | | | | can browse a library for free – often you will |
| million songs bought online. | | | | only get to hear the first 30 seconds of a song |
| To cater to this consumer demand, there are | | | | this way – and then pay to download individual |
| over 500 companies from across 40 countries | | | | songs and albums. This option is valuable for those |
| operating over the internet. Opening up a new | | | | who don’t intend to buy a lot of music. |
| realm of musical possibilities, people now have | | | | Ideal for regular users, the alternative is to take |
| access to an online library containing millions of | | | | out a monthly subscription. In addition to gaining |
| songs, artists and albums. Consequently, it is now | | | | access to the library, people will also be able to |
| possible to find, listen to and download a huge | | | | stream entire songs or albums, for example, or |
| range of music at the touch of a button. | | | | create playlists. In order to download and keep |
| The main benefit of buying music online is the | | | | the music, however, you would need to purchase |
| flexibility it affords. Offering people the | | | | it. |
| opportunity to create playlists, for example, or | | | | There is no denying that the way people interact |
| search through an online catalogue by artist, genre | | | | with, and buy music has significantly changed. |
| or individual song, music has become much more | | | | Compared to just five years ago, the industry |
| available. And, because you can listen to tracks or | | | | has become a lot more accessible, resulting in a |
| albums before you buy them, it reduces the risk | | | | huge number of people logging on to find out |
| of wasting money on music you don’t want. | | | | more. |