UK music store: DRM-free outsells DRM’d 4:1

12 Nov 07 21:17 by Seán Byrne in category Uncategorized To news archive

Despite iTunes launching its DRM free store a few months back and recently reducing DRM-free tracks to the price of its DRM-infected tracks, so far it is not clear how well its DRM-free versions are selling compared to its regular DRM protected tracks.  Now, the UK’s music store 7 Digital, which has a mixed library of DRM protected and DRM-free music, has revealed that its store’s DRM-free tracks outsells DRM protected tracks 4 to 1, which means that DRM-free music accounts for 80% of its sales.

7 Digital has noticed one other interesting difference in the behaviour of customers when it comes to DRM-free tracks in that they are more likely to buy albums than those purchasing DRM protected tracks.  70% of its MP3 sales are part of full album downloads, which means that DRM-free tracks are a benefit for artists and labels interested in selling more full albums. 

At present, EMI is the only major label willing to have its music sold DRM-free by any music, while Universal is still experimenting with DRM-free music with select music stores.  With 80% of 7 Digital’s music sales now DRM-free, it is fairly clear that Warner and Sony BMG make up only a small portion of its sales.

Further info can be read in this Ars Technica article.

 

2 Comments

ezdup
Posts: 8
Posted on: 13 Nov 07 11:55
Good catch. With this posting, consumer reaction is now validated. Prior, we were dealing personal feelings which had no basis for a reaction. DRM issue is not new. But working proven sales numbers and the current push in education on proper downloadable material, a real message can be sent. We here have always believed DRM Free would stand on its own. Now the second leg of this issue can be addressed, quality of the DRM Free track. As with your previous posting, some have lessened the quality to counter act the pending understanding of "sold". This current info not only reaffirms consumers intent it brings into play the one complaint manufactures hung-on too, album sales. Consumers are again using their purchasing power to make a point. Affordable priced solutions. Total sales will influence any negative feedback.
This message was edited at: 13-11-2007 11:58
guest
Posts: 15288
Posted on: 13 Nov 07 16:20
This makes sense. You wouldn't buy a song you can't listen to.

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