According to Jupiter’s research, Napster was used by 4.7% of Europe’s internet using population. Its closest competitor, Audiogalaxy, was used by 3.0% of internet users. The research stated that ”over four and a half million people across Europe regularly swap files across the internet and Jupiter’s research shows that a host of Napster clones have appeared to fill the void left by Napster, however, none have proven to be as successful.”
The results of the study, Jupiter says, point to a diminished and fragmented file swapping market. Research in February of this year found that 12 peer-to-peer services shared a combined audience reach of 16% in Europe. In August 2001, 17 sites shared a diminished audience reach of 7.6%.
Jupiter analyst and author of the report Mark Mulligan said, “the strength of Napster is testament to the popularity of sharing music over the internet, but also to the fact that consumers expect music to be free on the web.”