Radio apps are breaking more records than ever.
In the US, the New York Times Audio app has surpassed one million total downloads, even though the app is only available to those who subscribe to the New York Times. You also have iHeartRadio, which now has 260 million app downloads and over 40 million users registered. These trends indicate that radio is thriving more than ever, even in a digitally focused world
Apps Are Helping Radio to Thrive
Radio is fully embracing digital transformation right now. If you look at how radio has changed, from only being available through a specific device to now being available in an app format, it’s not hard to see that significant strides have been made. It’s not just the radio sector that has experienced a sharp rise in app downloads either. Over the last decade, streaming services and even casinos have made their services available in an app format. Now you can play Paddy Power online slot games from your mobile device, with games ranging from Monster Catch to Wild Fever and even Mustang Gold Megaways. You also have the option of playing live casino games on the go, which gives gamers access to more content than ever when playing on mobile phones.
Streaming services like Netflix have also made their content available on the app. They have also enabled series downloads, so people who do not have an internet connection, can download their show and watch it even when out of signal. Strides like this have helped various companies to dominate the market, and with iHeartRadio and New York Times Audio breaking records right now, it shows radio is also taking advantage of the same trend.
iHeartRadio Is Second to Instagram
iHeartRadio’s reach is huge. They reached the milestone for downloads second to only Instagram, with the platform becoming a one-stop shop for entertainment, news, and even music. They have a growing list of registered users, and they have also seen record numbers of users as the months go by. They have a strong presence on mobiles, tablets, and gaming consoles. They also have apps available for Smart TVs as well, with all of this data counted towards their current total. As mobile devices become much more ingrained into our listening patterns, consumers are now trying to find applications that offer a fully integrated experience. The Custom Station is another great feature that iHeartRadio has adopted, allowing users to create their radio stations.
This level of customisation has helped them to thrive. When you look at other apps, including the one offered by the New York Times, you’ll see that the services offered are very different. With that being said, both have their strengths, and it is incredible to see that they are both becoming top names within the radio and audio market. With iHeart Radio’s plans to expand even more later down the line, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them set an example for other radio companies. After all, providing more accessible content is always a good thing, especially in the digitally focused world we live in.