Whether to accompany their morning commute, soundtrack a workout, or unwind at home, consumers in India turn to music for both functional and emotional reasons through the day, highlights a recent study.

The in-depth, multi-phase research study conducted by Spotify decodes Indian listeners’ music habits - uncovering when they press play, the moods that drive them, and how preferences differ by age and gender.

While listening takes place through key moments across the day, there is higher activity associated with music consumption on weekday mornings, between 8-10 am, and on weekends, between 10 am-12 pm. The former indicates the connection between music and commutes, while the latter aligns with slower, more relaxed starts.

Key moments of consumption
The study highlighted six moments of consumption - unwinding, commuting, working out, jogging/walking, casual hangouts, and socializing/parties - and broke down listening trends based on key demographics. Each moment was found to serve distinct emotional needs, from seeking clarity during morning walks to reclaiming joy at parties.
1. Millennials dominated most music moments, particularly those involving social or outdoor settings such as commuting and jogging.
2. Gen Z listeners were more likely to embrace music during home workouts, suggesting a fitness-as-self-care trend.
3. Men skewed higher for solitary, goal-driven moments such as commuting and jogging, while women leaned into social and shared listening contexts - from home hangouts to group workouts.