Influence of Music

How music shapes the app experience: Inside Feed.fm's 2024 consumer survey

To understand the impact of music on app engagement and user behavior, Feed.fm conducted a comprehensive survey targeting a diverse group of mobile app users across the U.S. Our respondents, aged between 18–55, represent a broad spectrum of individuals who regularly use mobile apps such as fitness and wellness platforms, mobile games, social media, and other entertainment applications. Each participant in this survey uses these apps more than once a month, giving us deep insights into how music influences their app experiences, choices, and behaviors.

By understanding the preferences and behaviors of today’s mobile app users, we can deliver actionable strategies that align with business goals—whether it's increasing engagement, downloads, or user retention.

Top takeaway—
music drives app engagement

In today’s crowded app marketplace, users have countless options at their fingertips. What makes them choose one app over another? It’s more than just great functionality—it’s about creating an experience that resonates with them. One of the most effective ways to elevate your app experience is by integrating the right music. Music not only enhances user satisfaction but drives longer session times, higher engagement, and more downloads. Here’s how.

When 64% of users spend more time in apps featuring their favorite tunes, it's clear they're not just in it for the functionality—they're here for the experience! Whether they're learning, meditating, or just scrolling through media, users are more likely to hang around if they can rock out to a personalized soundtrack.

The right music:

• Creates emotional connections
• Boosts session length
• Enhances focus
  
  
  

Here’s a stat that speaks volumes: 76% of users are more likely to download an app if it lets them choose the music they listen to. That’s a game-changer in today’s app market. Giving users control over their soundtrack could be the competitive edge that sets your app apart from the crowd. The ability to choose their own soundtrack isn’t just a perk—it’s a must-have for today’s consumer.

Empowering users to be able to choose music results in:

• Higher user acquisition
• User personalization
• App differentiation
  
  
  

In the world of apps, generic, royalty-free tracks just don’t cut it anymore: 64.4% of respondents are more likely to download an app with popular music. From today’s chart-toppers to timeless classics, apps that offer popular music are way more likely to get downloaded than those stuck with generic soundtracks. If you want your app to stand out, you need to give users the music they love.

Popular music delivers:

• Positive emotional association
• Instant engagement
• A competitive advantage

Music’s impact on emotional well-being

Music has the power to transform how users feel, think, and engage with your app. Whether it's enhancing emotional well-being, boosting motivation during workouts, or making the overall experience more enjoyable, the right music can elevate every interaction. With over 73% of users reporting that music improves their emotional state, and more than half saying it increases engagement, adding music is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.

Working on a fitness or wellness product? 
Click here for bonus content—special insights for fitness and training apps. Learn how to enhance motivation, engagement, and emotional connection with functional music. 

Looking ahead

In the next few years, expect the music and streaming worlds to get even more hyper-personalized, immersive, and interactive. Music will go beyond just matching personal tastes—it’ll be synced to your mood, physical state, and real-time data, creating deeper emotional connections and supercharging user engagement across fitness, health, wellness, and entertainment apps.

Don't wait. Get started on a music strategy that drives engagement in your app today.