Streaming and social media play a central role in discovering new artists Growing demand for transparency on the use of artificial intelligence    The report can be downloaded here   The relationship between music and the Italian public has never been stronger, as the Music Engagement Study 2026 reveals: it’s the new research by FIMI, the Italian body of Recording Music Industry, which provides an updated snapshot of Italians’ listening habits and the role music plays in their everyday lives. The study, conducted by Sparks of Fire Consulting for FIMI, highlights how music continues to hold a central place in Italians’ cultural experience. Over the past year, the average time spent listening has reached 21.9 hours per week, up 15% compared to five years ago. A significant share of this consumption takes place through digital platforms: around half of all listening is concentrated on audio and video streaming services, which are the main access channels for music. Alongside listening habits, the research also shows how the way Italians discover new music is increasingly influenced by digital and social environments. While radio and word of mouth remain key channels for older generations, social media plays a decisive role among younger consumers, with TikTok standing out as one of the main drivers. This confirms the growing overlap between music consumption and digital entertainment platforms. The report also highlights the economic relevance of music for Italian consumers, with an average monthly spend of €57 on music-related products and experiences. This figure rises significantly...