Growing popularity streaming platforms changed the way information is accessed musicbut it also creates a problem for those using insurance plans. limited mobile data.
Data consumption when listening to music on services such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube It can reach high numbers, especially when you play songs in high quality or select videos. Differences between each application and the playback quality chosen can mean significant variations in monthly data costs.
Listening to music on Spotify without downloading songs involves data consumption that varies depending on the selected quality. The platform offers several options:
- Steel (24 kbps): 10 to 25 MB per hour
- Normal (96 kbps): 40 to 60 MB per hour
- Below (160 kbps): 70 to 150 MB per hour
- Very High (320 kbps): from 140 to 750 MB per hour
Most of the new releases are in the range between 160 and 320 kbpswhich increases the average consumption to about 150-200 MB per hour. If a person listens to two hours of music a day on this platform, he can spend up to 10 GB per month.
Use it YouTube Listening to music requires much more consumption as the video is played along with the audio. Quality video 480 p may be needed between 500 and 700 MB per hourwhile in 720p or 1080p the cost is easily exceeded 1 GB per hour. If a higher resolution is selected, e.g 1440p or 4Kthe number is increasing dramatically.
Parish of a YouTube Music responded to this problem by focusing on audio playback without video, which reduces data consumption. It is recommended that you choose a specific music app whenever possible, especially if you are looking for a song that is not available on other platforms.
Available quality options:
- Steel (48 kbps)
- Normal (128 kbps)
- Below (256 kbps): only for premium
In the case of Apple Musicthe risk lies in the quality options available. This platform allows you to activate audio Lossless y Hi Res Losslessformats that provide high quality at the expense of high data consumption. High resolution playback can achieve 2.7 GB per houralthough only some songs are found in these formats.
When the device is connected to the network Wi-Fiquality is not a problem. But if you’re using a limited data rate, playing high-quality music can drain your monthly plan in no time. For this reason, it is recommended to review the quality settings in the application and Download your favorite songs while connected to Wi-Fi.
Available quality options:
- High Quality (256 kbps AAC): Compatible with any standard hearing aid.
- Lossless (24-bit / 48 kHz ALAC): wired headphones or quality speakers are required.
- Lossless Hi-Res (24-bit / 192kHz ALAC): you need an external DAC (digital to analog converter).
- Dolby Atmos (surround audio): Compatible with AirPods or compatible headphones for a 360° effect.
Many users underestimate the data consumption associated with music streaming. Factors such as falling asleep while playing a playlist, long journeys, or playing content in the car via CarPlay or Android Auto They can increase costs as these systems use mobile communications and sometimes show lyrics or video clips.
