LONDON-Mobile music accounts for nearly 15 percent of the worldwide music market, generating $4.4 billion in revenue this year and nearly $6 billion in 2006, according to a study from U.K. consultant firm DhaliwalBrown.
The report claims mobile music-including ringtones, ringback tones and full-track downloads-is the most valuable content in wireless. Emerging markets including Brazil, China, India and Russia are leading the charge, DhaliwalBrown said, accounting for the “vast majority” of growth in the ringtone market.
Other key market drivers include subscription-based offerings, all-you-can-eat data plans and niche segments including adults and ethnic groups. Users older than 25 could represent a $2 billion market if correctly targeted, the report said.
“Consumers are increasingly demanding niche genres and more advanced music formats,” said DhaliwalBrown analyst Graham Brown. “To survive in over-supplied mature markets, providers need to consider covering increasingly niche offerings combined with new growth opportunities of adult and ethnic users.”
