Italians spend more time listening to music

The relationship between music and the Italian public is stronger than ever, according to the “Music Engagement Study 2026,” a new report by the FIMI, which provides an updated overview of listening habits and the role music plays in daily life.

The research, conducted by Sparks of Fire Consulting for FIMI, shows that music continues to play a central role in Italians’ cultural experience. Over the past year, the average time spent listening to music reached 21.9 hours per week, an increase of 15% compared to five years ago, CE Report quotes ANSA.

A significant share of this listening happens through digital platforms: about half of music consumption now comes from audio and video streaming services, which remain the main access channels for music.

The study also highlights how discovering new music is increasingly influenced by digital and social environments.

Radio and word of mouth remain important for older generations, while social media plays a key role among younger people, with TikTok standing out in particular.

The report also notes the economic importance of music for Italian consumers, with an average monthly spending of €57. This figure is even higher among young people and “superfans” (12% of consumers).

It also emphasizes music’s role in personal well-being, with most Italians across all age groups recognizing its positive impact on mental health, relaxation, and stress management.

Finally, regarding music and artificial intelligence, Italians are open to new technologies but strongly support preserving human creativity. Most respondents favor clear rules on transparency, labeling AI-generated content, and the use of copyrighted works for training AI systems.

Photo: Youtube (Spotify)