Music fans are experts when it comes to finding the music they love, even when it’s indie or niche.
Comprehensive new research from Spotify confirms that Australian music fans are not only loyal streamers but highly satisfied with the quality, variety and accessibility of new and local music available on streaming platforms.
The Australian Music Discovery Report, conducted in partnership with YouGov, surveyed more than 4,000 Australian adults who stream music online.
The findings offer insight into how listeners find new artists, how visible Australian music is on streaming platforms, and how empowered fans feel in their discovery journeys.
The report is the second instalment of Spotify’s local music initiative, Turn Up Aus, following July’s Global Impact Report.
Through marketing campaigns, curated programming, education sessions, a dedicated music hub and fan events, Turn Up Aus aims to champion homegrown talent and strengthen the sustainability of the Australian music ecosystem.
Streaming platforms deliver strong discovery results
At a time when choice can feel overwhelming, Australians say streaming platforms make discovering new music easy. The research shows that 85 per cent of listeners are satisfied with their ability to find new music on streaming services.
This satisfaction extends beyond chart tracks, with listeners valuing the ability to explore deeper cuts, new genres and emerging artists.
The same proportion, 85 per cent, are satisfied with the range of artists and songs available. Nearly half of all respondents say they are “very satisfied,” and this rises to 52 per cent among daily streamers suggesting that the more people use streaming services, the more they find love.
Local music wins
The report highlights that Australian artists are not only easy to find but increasingly woven into everyday listening habits. Four in five streaming users say that Australian artists are easy to discover on the platform.
Visibility is strongest among younger audiences, with 83 per cent of Gen Z and 84 per cent of Millennials agreeing that Australian music is accessible.
A majority of listeners, 61 per cent, say they are satisfied with how much local music is available to them indicating strong foundations and a clear opportunity to continue growing demand for Australian artists.
Fans are actively hunting for new and emerging artists
While platform recommendations play an important role, many Australians are proactively shaping their own discovery experiences.
According to YouGov Profiles, 42 per cent of Australian adults say they actively seek out independent or lesser-known artists across music and film.
The research suggests that for many listeners, discovery itself is a source of enjoyment whether it’s unearthing emerging talent or finding the next big act before they break.
Spotify continues to invest in tools designed to support that behaviour. Its search function, in-app music guide, personalised DJ (“Hey DJ, play more Australian music”), editorial playlists and personalised recommendations all contribute to the discovery process.
Alicia Sbrugnera, Spotify’s Head of Music Development for Australia and New Zealand, said the findings show clear progress.
“The data tells a positive story: that 81% of listeners feel Australian music is visible, accessible, and easy to explore on streaming platforms.”
“We know that when we support the discoverability of new music, we’re supporting the entire Australian music ecosystem – for artists, venues, labels, and fans – and through this new research, fans have told us that it’s working.”