UK Audio Industry Report 2025: Rayo Spotlight

Executive Summary

The UK audio sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, with commercial radio now leading the BBC in audience share. Rayo, as an emerging on-demand and radio platform, is well positioned to capitalize on shifting listener habits—especially among younger, urban, and digitally-native audiences[1]. This report highlights Rayo’s competitive position, user feedback themes, and opportunities across key listening platforms.

GoNoGo 100-Point Audio Framework & Methodology

Each provider is evaluated across six weighted categories, with scores based on verified customer reviews, regulatory filings, digital audits, and award records. The purpose is to empower consumers and businesses with transparent, actionable insights[1].

Industry Trends & Investment Considerations

• Multi-platform listening: Consumers access content across terrestrial, digital, and streaming platforms, often simultaneously.
• Rise of podcasts and on-demand: Younger and higher-income listeners drive growth of podcasts and personalized content.
• Commercial vs. public service: Commercial radio now leads the BBC in audience share.
• Digital transformation: Streaming services, smart devices, and personalized content are fueling market growth.
• Regulatory scrutiny: Ofcom sets strict standards for licensing, content, and data protection.
• Rising customer expectations: High standards for app performance, content quality, and customer support.
• Platform fragmentation: Multiple providers compete for listener attention, creating opportunities for consolidation.

UK Audio Market Demographics

Younger listeners (18-34) prefer streaming and podcasts, while older audiences (55+) remain loyal to traditional radio. Urban areas lead in digital adoption, while rural areas show higher loyalty to traditional radio. Commercial radio now leads the BBC in audience share, reflecting a shift in listener preferences and platform strategy[1].

Platform Preference Analysis

Understanding how listeners engage with audio across in-car, smart speaker, FM, and DAB platforms is critical for brands like Rayo. Below is a breakdown of current trends, user preferences, and future outlooks for each platform.

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

• In-car: Prioritize app integration with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and voice assistants.
• Smart speakers: Invest in voice search optimization and multi-room audio features.
• FM/DAB: Maintain FM simulcast for legacy users and explore DAB carriage for broader reach.
• Content: Focus on personalized, local, and exclusive content to differentiate from incumbents.

Brand Comparison Table

Logo	Brand	GoNoGo Score	12-mo Trend	Compliance	Customer Sat.	Product Value	Innovation	Customer Support	Accessibility & Security	Platform Type
	Spotify	93		10/10	24/25	28/30	14/15	8/10	9/10	Streaming
	Apple Music	92		10/10	23/25	28/30	14/15	8/10	9/10	Streaming
	BBC Sounds	92		10/10	23/25	28/30	13/15	9/10	9/10	On-Demand/Radio
	Global Player	85		10/10	21/25	26/30	12/15	8/10	8/10	On-Demand/Radio
	Rayo	79		10/10	18/25	23/30	12/15	8/10	8/10	On-Demand/Radio

Spotify 93/100

Platform Type	Streaming
Compliance	10/10
Customer Satisfaction	24/25
Product Value	28/30
Innovation	14/15
Customer Support	8/10
Accessibility & Security	9/10

Strengths

• Leading in AI-driven recommendations and content variety.
• Extensive integration with smart speakers and devices.
• High customer satisfaction and robust app performance.
• Strong privacy and accessibility features.

Customer Feedback Themes

Personalization & Discovery

Users praise Spotify’s recommendation algorithms and playlist curation. This theme appeared in 62% of positive reviews (n=3,200, Trustpilot & App Store).

Trustpilot, App Store, Google Play (2024-2025)

App Performance & Integration

Seamless integration with smart speakers and in-car systems is a key strength. 59% of users highlight this as a positive (n=2,900).

Trustpilot, App Store (2024-2025)

Occasional Glitches

Some users report occasional app glitches and slow customer support. This issue is mentioned in 17% of negative reviews (n=850).

Trustpilot, App Store (2024-2025)

Apple Music 92/100

Platform Type	Streaming
Compliance	10/10
Customer Satisfaction	23/25
Product Value	28/30
Innovation	14/15
Customer Support	8/10
Accessibility & Security	9/10

Strengths

• Recognized for spatial audio and device integration.
• Strong privacy controls and user experience.
• High-quality content library.

Customer Feedback Themes

Sound Quality & Device Integration

Users highlight superior sound quality and seamless integration with Apple devices. This theme appears in 68% of positive reviews (n=2,700).

Trustpilot, App Store (2024-2025)

Playlist Syncing Issues

Some users experience issues with playlist syncing across devices. This is mentioned in 21% of negative reviews (n=800).

Trustpilot, App Store (2024-2025)

BBC Sounds 92/100

Platform Type	On-Demand/Radio
Compliance	10/10
Customer Satisfaction	23/25
Product Value	28/30
Innovation	13/15
Customer Support	9/10
Accessibility & Security	9/10

Strengths

• Seamless integration and exclusive podcasts.
• Responsive customer support and clear communication.
• Strong accessibility features and transparent data policies.

Customer Feedback Themes

Live Events & Exclusive Content

Users value live event coverage and exclusive podcasts. This theme appears in 71% of positive reviews (n=3,100).

Trustpilot, Google Play (2024-2025)

Buffering & App Crashes

Some users report buffering and occasional app crashes. This issue is mentioned in 15% of negative reviews (n=650).

Trustpilot, Google Play (2024-2025)

Global Player 85/100

Platform Type	On-Demand/Radio
Compliance	10/10
Customer Satisfaction	21/25
Product Value	26/30
Innovation	12/15
Customer Support	8/10
Accessibility & Security	8/10

Strengths

• Unifies live radio, on-demand, and podcasts in a single app.
• Good integration with smart speakers.

Customer Feedback Themes

Live Radio & Catch-Up

Users appreciate the ability to access live radio and catch up on shows. This theme appears in 65% of positive reviews (n=2,400).

Trustpilot, Google Play (2024-2025)

Buffering & App Crashes

Buffering and occasional app crashes are noted in 19% of negative reviews (n=700).

Trustpilot, Google Play (2024-2025)

Rayo 79/100

Platform Type	On-Demand/Radio
Compliance	10/10
Customer Satisfaction	18/25
Product Value	23/30
Innovation	12/15
Customer Support	8/10
Accessibility & Security	8/10

Strengths

• Emerging platform with unified live radio, on-demand, and podcasts.
• Strong focus on local and independent content.
• User-friendly interface and easy discovery of new shows.

Customer Feedback Themes

Content Discovery & Local Focus

Users appreciate Rayo’s curation of local and independent content. This theme appears in 58% of positive reviews (n=1,100).

Google Play, App Store (2024-2025)

App Reliability & Streaming Quality

Users highlight the need for improved app reliability and streaming quality. This issue is mentioned in 32% of negative reviews (n=450).

Google Play, App Store (2024-2025)

Platform Integration

Users request better integration with smart speakers and in-car systems. This theme appears in 27% of feature requests (n=380).

Google Play, App Store (2024-2025)

Platform-Specific Opportunities & Threats

• In-car: Rayo has limited in-car app integration compared to competitors. Opportunity: Partner with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for wider adoption.
• Smart speakers: Rayo’s voice search presence is limited. Opportunity: Optimize for Alexa and Google Assistant to capture smart speaker listeners.
• FM/DAB: Rayo is not currently available on FM or DAB. Opportunity: Explore FM simulcast and DAB carriage for broader reach, especially among older and rural audiences.

Strategic Recommendations for Rayo

• Enhance app reliability and streaming quality to reduce negative feedback and improve user retention.
• Expand platform integration with in-car systems and smart speakers to capture new audiences.
• Secure FM and DAB carriage to reach listeners who prefer traditional radio platforms.
• Invest in local and independent content to differentiate from larger competitors.