Streaming music has overtaken AM/FM radio as the top daily music platform among Americans ages 13 and older, according to Edison Research data for the second quarter of 2026.Streaming services now reach 46% of that audience each day, edging out traditional broadcast radio’s 43% daily music reach.
The findings mark a notable shift in how listeners access music, reflecting the continued growth of on-demand platforms.
However, the picture changes when focusing on ad-supported listening—the segment most relevant to advertisers. In that category, AM/FM radio maintains a clear advantage, delivering more than double the reach of streaming music.
Much of streaming’s audience listens via paid, commercial-free subscriptions, limiting its immediate value for traditional ad buys.
The Edison Research results highlight both the competitive pressure on terrestrial radio and its enduring strength in monetizable listening, even as overall daily music consumption continues to fragment across platforms.