Did you ever think that the 30 second preview for songs on iTunes was too short to decide whether you want to buy music? Apparently, so does Apple. Starting soon, the iTunes Store will expand their previews to 90 seconds. CNET uncovered a note that Apple sent to labels informing them of their plans. Songs shorter than 2:30 will continue to have the 30 second preview, but anything longer than that will see the preview time triple.
“We are pleased to let you know that we are preparing to increase the length of music previews from 30 seconds to 90 seconds on the iTunes Store in the United States. We believe that giving potential customers more time to listen to your music will lead to more purchases.”
Apple’s belief that longer music previews will lead to more music purchases has basis in reality. CNET sites a study done by researchers at Robert Morris University last year finding that consumers are more likely to buy music if they’re given at least a 60 second preview and provided access to a high quality version of the music. There’s no word on when this changeover will occur, but it would be assumed in the next few weeks before the holiday shopping season.
