TOP TAKEAWAYS FROM “INFINITE DIAL 2020” • UPDATED STATUS OF PUBLIC MEDIA CONFERENCES

Last Thursday (3.19) Edison Research and Triton Digital released the 23^rd annual Infinite Dial report. 

The report debuted in a webinar hosted by Edison’s Tom Webster and Triton Digital’s John Rosso.

The Infinite Dial series is closely watched because the survey is based on a random sample of 1,502 Americans age 12+. Data is weighted to the total population. You can access the full report and audio of the webinar here. 

It is important to note that the survey was conducted in January 2020 before the Coronavirus pandemic. The impact of the crisis on habitual listening patterns is unknown, but it certainly is a factor. Even the webinar was affected by COVID-19. Webster and Rosso were self-quarantined at home as they conducted the webinar.

Here is, what we feel, are the most important takeaways from Infinite Dial 2020:

• AM/FM radio remains the “Used Most Often” source for in-vehicle audio listening, but its share of the listening continues to decline.

• Smartphone ownership growth has leveled-off, but 85% of population (an estimated 240 million people) own at least one phone.

• Social media platform usage has stalled. Facebook continues to be the top player.

• Podcast listening is showing a significant growth in listening.

• Ownership of Smart Speakers continues to grow, but only one in four American’s has a one.

• Amazon Prime is a growing source of digital audio content, particularly music. The survey estimates that 104 million Americans are now Prime members.

CHARTS & DETAILS FROM INFINITE DIAL 2020

45% of the respondents say they already listen to music in-car via a Smartphone. 

There is also a significant increase in the number of people who use their own digital music and online radio in the car.

People in older demographics are the most likely to have radio(s) in the home. 

Young people are less likely to own an AM/FM radio.

Smartphone ownership and use has increased every year since they were introduced in 2008.

An estimated149 million listen to audio via tablets. Only Apple and Lenovo grew, others are down.

Growth in the ownership and use of Smart Speakers is due, in part, to the increase in voice navigation systems for many everyday devices.

Younger people are the most apt to be listening to podcasts, but podcast usage is growing in all demos.

Frequent podcast users listen to multiple shows each week.