The line chart illustrates music purchases through different methods in the period between 2011 and 2018. Overall, CD purchases accounted for the highest percentages before declining steadily by the end of the period, whereas streaming services became more popular over the years, ending with the biggest proportion. The downloads category fluctuated in the mid-period, falling gradually to a low level.
Initially, CD purchases started at approximately 55%, exhibiting the highest level of music sales. However, this method became less popular over the years, declining steadily from 55% to 25% by 2015, ultimately resulting in it being the lowest music sales. The opposite was true for streams, whose sales started at a mere 5%, rising gradually over the years. By the end of the period, it accounted for the largest share of music purchases at just over 40%, surpassing the remaining two methods.
Figures for downloads rose from 35% to just over 40% during the first five years, but followed a downward trajectory, declining pronouncedly to 30% in 2018.