Study: Digital music market sees ‘remarkable growth’

A new study by Solutions Research Group shows that the digital music market has experienced “remarkable growth” in the past year. According to the firm’s research, 28% of Americans aged 12 and over now own an iPod or digital music player, more than double the 12% of 2005. The study found that ownership of digital music players tripled among women—from 8% in 2005 to 27% in 2006. Among men, Solutions Research Group said ownership is up to 28% from 18%. The firm also said that Apple has increased its share of all digital music players from 53% to 68% since last year. According to their study, Creative Labs is a distant number two with 6% of the market, followed by RCA, Samsung and Sony. In addition, the firm said that 23% of web users paid for digital music online this year, up from 8% in 2005.