Limelight Networks Release New State of Digital Downloads Report
Limelight Networks is a leading content delivery network provider, offering their customers blistering performance thanks to their cutting edge network of global points of presence (PoPs) as well as a comprehensive set of CDN services that can deliver a wide range of data around the world.
As part of their commitment to provide customers with blistering performance and leading services, Limelight Networks regular conducts research into the state of the internet and the trends associated with its use.
Their latest research, the second annual ‘State of Digital Downloads’ report, looks to explore consumer perceptions and behaviour around digital content, and the results provide interesting reading.
Limelight Networks Shows Preferences for Streaming Media and Digital Download
One key takeaway from the Limelight Networks report showed that consumers are steadily moving towards a preferences for streaming and downloadable media over traditional hard copies:
- 66% of consumers prefer streaming or downloading TV shows and movies
- Only 14% still prefer to rent or purchase DVDs
- 38% of consumers prefer downloading books, newspapers and magazines
- 25% prefer hard copies of books or print media
- 46% of consumers prefer downloading music and 37% prefer streaming
- 17% still prefer to purchase CDs
Another interesting finding shows that smartphones are becoming the device of choice for users, with 17% of consumers noting they download content to this device daily, and another 29% downloading every few days.
Finally, consumers also have a preference for free content, with 74% of respondents only downloading an app if it’s free and 51% of consumers only downloading music if it’s free.
“Digital content is now the preferred format for media consumption by a growing mobile-first audience,” said Michael Milligan, Senior Director at Limelight Networks.
“There’s no question that content needs to be easily accessible and optimized across all connected devices and global networks if it’s to reach the widest possible audience and provide the best experience. This is no longer a feature for providers, but a necessity for survival.”
The “State of Digital Downloads” report is based on a survey of 3,500 consumers ranging in age, gender, and education in France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, the UK, and the U.S. The complete ‘State of Digital Downloads” report is available here.