Reign of CDs over, MP3s taking over

The reign of the traditional CD shop may sooner be over as MP3 downloads look set to surpass CD sales in 2011. After a number of countries have begun to include music downloads as well as sales when totting up for the national charts this news is perhaps not too surprising: once large companies start to take notice it is clear that something very serious is happening.

Everyone likes shopping in the high street for new music, so why this shift to online purchasing? The trends a fueled by a number of factors, foremost of which is simply convenience. Buying music without leaving the house is often very attractive – especially if you really can’t wait to buy the CD – and it is often cheaper. Buying music downloads saves time (especially since most music will be transferred on to you mp3 player via the computer anyway!). Online shops and filesharing sites like Ares also have a much larger selection than brick and mortar alternatives.

According to a report, this is the “end of the music industry as we know it”. This study of music downloads is based on a survey of 5,000 people. It’s certainly not all doom and gloom though, it’s just evidence that the world is changing. Change is good.

Posted on 14 March 2008 by mike in News