Fifteen years after Netflix launched as the first streaming service in the UK, entertainment retailers are keeping up the pace of innovation with artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

The Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) has highlighted that the 12 months from April 2023 have seen the launch of innovations ranging from an AI-powered personal DJ on streaming platform Spotify to the introduction of wheeled robots to select products for customers in the UK’s largest CD and vinyl warehouse, operated by Proper Music Distribution.

In a survey of members conducted for its latest annual yearbook, ERA features eight case studies of innovations by streaming services and entertainment retailers in 2023.

These include Amazon Prime Video offering "Bonus X-Ray content" for film fans, Soundcloud using intelligent charts refined with AI, and Qobuz, a custom music magazine with immersive content.

ERA chief innovation and public affairs officer Lucie Caswell commented: “Over the past decade, streaming platforms and retailers have demonstrated that they are the engine room of growth in entertainment.

“But innovation is not just about the once-in-a-generation creation of an entirely new way of enjoying entertainment like Spotify or YouTube Music or Amazon Prime Video. It’s about a day-to-day commitment constantly to improve the customer experience. Only through constant innovation can we continue to grow the business to benefit creators and fans alike.”

2023 also saw the UK entertainment retail market reach £11.9bn, the eleventh successive year of broken sales records.