Is Audio’s Netflix moment approaching?

The Australian audio market is shifting toward digital adjacencies as streaming and podcasts challenge traditional radio

Justin Jameson · Venture Insights1 June 2016Period: June 20168 min read

Last updated 10 June 2026

A$924m↑

Forecast Australian non-radio audio market value (2020)

19%↑

Total adjacent audio market CAGR (2015-2020)

Locked

+2more stats

Companies covered:SpotifyApple MusicPandoraiHeartRadioGuveraJB Hi-FiNetflixCommercial Radio Australia

Abstract

This report analyses the Australian radio-adjacent audio market, exploring segmentation across streaming, digital radio, and podcasts. It forecasts the market will grow from A$393m in 2015 to A$924m by 2020 at a CAGR of 19%. The analysis highlights the shift toward paid subscriptions in streaming, the growth of digital radio supported by vehicle penetration, and the rapid but small-scale expansion of the podcasting sector. It further examines the competitive threat these adjacencies pose to traditional analogue radio.

Key Takeaways

The Australian non-radio audio market is forecast to grow at a 19% CAGR to reach A$924m by 2020.
Streaming is the dominant segment, expected to account for 62% of total adjacent audio revenue by 2020.
Podcasting is the fastest-growing sub-sector with a 43% CAGR, though it will only reach A$12.4m in total value by 2020.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The non-radio audio market is forecast to reach A$924 million by 2020, up from A$393 million in 2015. This represents a total adjacent market CAGR of 19% over the five-year period.

The market is moving decisively toward premium models, with paid subscriptions projected to account for 48% of all streaming revenue by 2020. Global majors have already secured a dominant position in this shifting landscape.

While digital radio revenue is growing at an 11% CAGR, it is expected to lose overall market share to streaming services. Streaming is currently the primary driver of the broader 19% sector growth.

Podcasting remains a niche commercial segment with forecast revenues of only A$12.4 million by 2020. Despite high engagement levels, the sector will not achieve significant scale without a fundamental change to its current business model.

Is Audio’s Netflix moment approaching?

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

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