Music lovers may be creatures of habit, with new research revealing that many people regularly return to the same songs, artists and playlists.
A survey of 2,000 adults who listen to music regularly found that the average listener typically sticks to just seven favourite songs, six artists and four go-to playlists.
The research also suggests that listening to music has become a more individual experience, with 11% of people saying they never enjoy music with other people.
For many, music is now something enjoyed through headphones or while driving, rather than as a shared experience. Just 8% of music listening was found to take place at live events, highlighting how rare in-person music experiences have become.
However, those who do attend live shows appear to discover more new music, with concert-goers finding four times as many new artists as people who never attend live events.
Looking back, many older listeners feel music was once a more social experience. Among those aged over 35, 59% said music felt more communal during the 1990s.
A third (33%) said they listened to music with others much more often in the past, while 24% fondly remember making and sharing mixtapes with friends.
Meanwhile, 33% said they miss the days before streaming services and algorithms shaped music discovery, with 30% saying finding new music was more enjoyable in the past.
For younger listeners, the way music is discovered has changed dramatically. Among Gen Z, 34% said they often only discover new music after it has gone viral on TikTok.
While streaming and social media have made millions of songs instantly available, the research suggests many listeners are still returning to the familiar tracks they already know and love.
