An Investigation into Audio Quality of Streaming Services: Do Music Consumers Get the Audio Quality They Pay For?

Yıl 2024, Cilt: 7 Sayı: 1, 65 - 86, 31.07.2024

Mustafa Kemal Öztürk , Taylan Özdemir

Öz

The digitization of the music industry has transformed both the production and consumption of music globally, leading to a more accessible and convenient environment through mobile music streaming services. Service providers have developed premium packages that offer enhanced audio quality and additional features. However, previous studies have found out that individuals are often unable to perceive differences in audio quality across various listening environments. Consequently, there exists a possibility that service providers might not be delivering the pledged audio quality, and customers may remain oblivious to this issue. This study aims to examine the validity of service providers' claims regarding the audio quality provided through premium services, and investigate whether music producers and artists are allowed to upload low-quality audio files without restrictions and control mechanisms. The study focuses on two of the most widely used global music streaming service providers: Spotify and Apple Music. The results of the study indicate that the premium options of these platforms do not always deliver the promised audio quality, and low-quality sound files can be uploaded without being detected by musicians or customers. As a result, customers are paying for premium services despite not receiving the full benefits promised with respect to audio quality.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Music streaming services, premium services, audio quality, consumer perception, control mechanisms.

An Investigation into Audio Quality of Streaming Services: Do Music Consumers Get the Audio Quality They Pay For?

Öz

The digitization of the music industry has transformed both the production and consumption of music globally, leading to a more accessible and convenient environment through mobile music streaming services. Service providers have developed premium packages that offer enhanced audio quality and additional features. However, previous studies have found out that individuals are often unable to perceive differences in audio quality across various listening environments. Consequently, there exists a possibility that service providers might not be delivering the pledged audio quality, and customers may remain oblivious to this issue. This study aims to examine the validity of service providers' claims regarding the audio quality provided through premium services, and investigate whether music producers and artists are allowed to upload low-quality audio files without restrictions and control mechanisms. The study focuses on two of the most widely used global music streaming service providers: Spotify and Apple Music. The results of the study indicate that the premium options of these platforms do not always deliver the promised audio quality, and low-quality sound files can be uploaded without being detected by musicians or customers. As a result, customers are paying for premium services despite not receiving the full benefits promised with respect to audio quality.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Music streaming services, premium services, audio quality, consumer perception, control mechanisms.

Kaynakça

• Aguiar, L., & Waldfogel, J. (2018). As streaming reaches flood stage, does it stimulate or depress music sales? International Journal of Industrial Organization, 57, 278-307. Apple. (2022, 07 10). Apple Music. Retrieved from Apple: https://www.apple.com/apple-music/ Arditi, D. (2013). iTunes: Breaking Barriers and Building Walls. Popular Music and Society, 37(4), 408-424. Arditi, D. (2018). Digital Subscriptions: The Unending Consumption of Music in the Digital Era. Popular Music and Society, 41(3), 1-17. Barata, M. L., & Coelho, P. S. (2022). Music streaming services: understanding the drivers of customer purchase and intention to recommend. Heliyon, 7(8), 1-17.