Streaming analytics and RAJAR figures are produced using fundamentally different measurement methodologies, so they should not be expected to align directly.


RAJAR is a survey-based audience measurement system that estimates listening behaviour across broadcast platforms using participant research and statistical sampling.


Streaming metrics, by contrast, are derived from technical listening activity generated when devices connect to streaming services. These systems measure data points such as:

  1. Playback sessions
  2. Listening duration
  3. Device activity
  4. Platform behaviour
  5. Listener identifiers where available


Because streaming platforms measure technical activity rather than directly surveying people:

  1. One stream may represent multiple listeners in shared environments
  2. One listener may appear multiple times across devices or platforms
  3. Different listening environments provide different levels of reporting visibility


As a result, streaming analytics are generally best used for:

  1. Digital trend analysis,
  2. Engagement measurement,
  3. Platform performance monitoring,
  4. Understanding listening behaviour over time;

rather than as a direct equivalent to survey-based audience measurement.


For more information, see:
Why Unique Listeners Are an Estimate, Not an Exact Audience Count
Understanding Digital Radio Metrics