5 Most Popular Music Streaming Services in Japan
Music streaming services have become a central means of music consumption today, and their popularity is spreading rapidly in Japan. Especially among Generation Z which incudes teens to those in their 20s, music subscription usage is extremely high at around 70%, and many services tailor their services to the tastes of this generation.
In this article, five music subscription services that are frequently mentioned on ranking websites have been ranked based on their usage by Generation Z. As this ranking shows, each service offers unique attractions and features that enrich the music experience for younger generations.
Top Music Streaming Services (by Usage Rate)
- Apple Music
- Spotify
- LINE Music
- Amazon Music Unlimited
- YouTube Music
1. Apple Music
Image Source: https://www.apple.com/jp/apple-music/
Apple Music can seamlessly plays songs from iTunes, and its extensive song library, high sound quality and perfect integration with Apple devices are the reasons for its popularity. It is particularly popular with Gen-Z and makes it easy for users to discover trending playlists and new music. It also offers a wide variety of plans, including offline playback and family plans, making it a cost-effective option. Its wealth of content and ease of use are its biggest strengths.
2. Spotify
Image Source: https://www.spotify.com/jp/premium/
Spotify offers unlimited music on its free plan, which is a convenient plan for those on a budget, as long as you don't mind the limited functionality. The user-created playlist function and algorithms that recommend music according to individual tastes are attractive.
It is particularly popular with younger users and offers a diverse range of music genres and podcasts. Additionally, it is highly rated for its high sound quality and easy-to-use interface, as well as its affordable price point.
3. LINE Music
Image Source: https://music.line.me/about/
LINE Music is characterized by its student discount and its extensive LINE integration features. In particular, LINE, Japan's main social networking service, is an infrastructure medium for communication, with a usage rate of over 80% for all age groups. This makes it easy for LINE users to use, with a playlist function to share with friends and music sharing via LINE Talk. It covers a wide range of music, from the latest hits to old favorites.
4. Amazon Music Unlimited
Image Source: https://www.amazon.co.jp/music/unlimited
Amazon Music Unlimited offers Amazon Prime members unlimited access to 100 million songs at no extra cost, is cost-effective for Prime members and can be voice-controlled through Alexa integration. The extensive song library and ad-free music are attractive, and high-quality streaming and offline playback features are also offered. This is particularly convenient for users in the Amazon ecosystem.
5. YouTube Music
Image Source: https://music.youtube.com/music_premium/musicfeed
YouTube Music has the advantage of being linked to the YouTube platform, with many tracks from artists not available elsewhere. Users can enjoy a diverse range of content, including official music videos, live performances and cover songs. This service is particularly popular among Gen-Z. Many users subscribe to YouTube Premium, which is ad-free. The sound quality is standard, but is characterized by the enjoyment of video content.
Conclusion
The music streaming service market in Japan is very active, especially among Generation Z. Each service appeals to users on the basis of its own strengths: Apple Music and Spotify are favored by many users for their extensive song libraries and personalized recommendation functions. Meanwhile, LINE Music and Amazon Music Unlimited enhance user convenience by offering unique ecosystems and collaborative functions, while YouTube Music leverages YouTube's powerful platform to offer a wide range of content. These services continue to provide new value to Japanese youth through music.
