IP Democracy: Berkman-Gartner Study: Music Sharing Spurs Sales

The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School and Gartner Inc. are expected to release a study today that shows how music file sharing increases record sales, according to this piece in the Boston Globe.

Based on a study of 475 frequent music-downloaders, the research shows

Nearly one quarter of frequent online music users say that the ability to share music with others is a key factor when selecting an online music service. And a third were interested in technology that helps them discover and recommend music, such as tools that allow Internet users to publish and rank lists of their favorite songs. Perhaps most important for the recording industry, a tenth of those surveyed said they frequently make music purchases based on others’ recommendations.

The study’s authors also conclude that by 2010 25% of online sales will be driven by recommendations of other users via music sharing, but only if the music industry allows users to easily publish playlists or include music in their podcasts or blogs.

Posted by Cynthia Brumfield on December 13, 2005 8:28 AM to IP Democracy