In today’s fast-paced digital world, music and podcasts have become essential companions for many Indonesians. According to some reports, music streaming app users in Indonesia are predicted to continue to grow rapidly. The Indonesian music streaming market is expected to grow to US$190 million by 2024 [1]. Meanwhile, in 2021, data showed that Indonesia was the 2nd largest podcast listeners in the world [2].
Hence, which do Indonesian people prefer? Do they prefer listening to music or podcasts?
Check out the result of our latest survey below.
With 1.907 sample of respondents, our study found that while a small percentage (5%) of Indonesians dislike listening to music or podcasts, the majority have a clear preference:
- 83% enjoy listening to music
- 12% enjoy listening to podcasts
Across different age groups, music remains the dominant choice, with Gen Z leading the trend (86%), followed by Millennials (80%), Gen X (78%), and those over 60 years old (78%). Podcasts, on the other hand, have a smaller but steadily growing audience.
Furthermore, this study also discovered that Indonesians’ listening habits vary depending on the time of day. As shown in the infographic above, many Indonesians listen to music or podcasts in the morning while getting ready or commuting to work or school, as audio content helps them start their day with energy or inspiration. A substantial number of people also listen during lunch breaks, using the time to relax and recharge. In the afternoon, 14% of listeners tune in while commuting home from work or school, seeking entertainment or relaxation. The highest engagement occurs in the evening, as 38% of people unwind at home with their favorite music or podcasts.
Indonesians’ Favourite Ways to Listen to Music and/or Podcasts
Indonesians have multiple ways of accessing their favorite music. Music streaming platforms are the most common method, with Gen Z showing the highest level of engagement, as they are digital natives accustomed to on-demand music consumption. However, a significant portion of Indonesians still rely on MP3 audio files stored on their phones and radio, particularly among older generations.
On the other side, unlike music, which is primarily accessed through streaming services, podcasts are predominantly consumed through social media platforms (83%). This method is particularly popular among Gen Z (83%) and Millennials (81%). Dedicated podcast streaming platforms account for 15% of listeners, while radio usage for podcasts is minimal (1%).
The evolution of digital media has made music streaming platforms the preferred method for consuming music in Indonesia. For music lovers, Spotify dominates with 64% of respondents using it. YouTube Music follows at 30%, appealing to listeners who enjoy visual content. JOOX, though serving a niche audience, maintains a loyal following at 3%.
In the meantime, for podcast consumption, Spotify remains the most widely used platform, with 50% of listeners choosing it. Podcast Go follows at 14%, while Noice, a locally developed platform, has gained traction among Indonesian audiences that it holds 8% of the market, providing exclusive and culturally resonant content.
Despite the rise of digital streaming, radio continues to play a role in Indonesian media consumption. Gen FM is the most popular station (17%), appealing to both music lovers and podcast enthusiasts. Prambors follows at 12%, which has carved out a strong presence among Millennials, offering contemporary music and engaging talk shows. Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) also remains a significant presence, that it holds an 11% share, especially among older audiences, as it provides news, cultural programming, and traditional music broadcasts.
Indonesians’ Favourite Music and Podcast Genres
Indonesians have diverse musical preferences, with pop music being the most favored genre across different age groups. Pop is especially dominant among Millennials (57%) and Gen X (55%). Hip-hop, rap, and similar genres have found popularity primarily among Gen Z, reflecting global music trends. Meanwhile, dangdut, a traditional Indonesian music genre, continues to thrive, particularly among older generations, with its highest popularity among those over 60 years old (11%), where its emotional depth and cultural relevance resonate deeply.
Podcasts are increasingly capturing the interest of Indonesian listeners, with certain genres standing out. Comedy ranks as the top podcast category, appealing to 21% of listeners, particularly those over 60 years old (33%) who appreciate lighthearted content Horror and mystery podcasts are enjoyed by 20.7% of respondents, with the highest popularity among Gen Z (25%), who enjoy thrilling and suspenseful storytelling. Motivational and inspirational content is widely consumed (20.7%) by Gen X who leads at 27%, as they seek guidance and encouragement for both personal and professional growth.
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