UK Retail Books and Music - PPC Market Share Analysis May 2026

Leveraging Adthena’s Whole Market View, this analysis explores recent trends in Google Ads for the UK Books and Music category from the last month. Our Data Analyst, Ask Arlo provides commentary on key findings.

Books and Music – UK

Google AI Overview visibility for Retail Books and Music UK

See how often AIOs appear and how search intent is distributed across buying signals.

AIO Frequency

How often a Google AI overview appears on search terms relevant to this category.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 11.8997920644
88.1002079356
11%

Complex Query Frequency

A complex query is a longer, more detailed search that often contains multiple keywords, specific conditions, or multi-part questions.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 40
60
40%

Search Intent Distribution

Breakdown of search queries by their underlying goal.

Intent Distribution
Investigational 12%
Transactional 14%
Navigational 12%
Seasonal 9%
Local 0%
Problem Solving 5%

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Market Exposure

Share of Clicks for top 10 UK Retail Books and Music brands

Here are the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Clicks for the last month.

Share of Clicks - Last month
Share of Clicks - Last month
Domain Share of clicks
amazon.co.uk 82.02
worldofbooks.com 3.19
etsy.com 2.49
moonpig.com 1.82
awesomebooks.com 1.27
gear4music.com 1.18
ebay.co.uk 0.62
axelbooks.com 0.57
funkypigeon.com 0.52
hmv.com 0.46
others 5.86
  • amazon.co.uk - 82.02%
  • worldofbooks.com - 3.19%
  • etsy.com - 2.49%
  • moonpig.com - 1.82%
  • awesomebooks.com - 1.27%
  • gear4music.com - 1.18%
  • ebay.co.uk - 0.62%
  • axelbooks.com - 0.57%
  • funkypigeon.com - 0.52%
  • hmv.com - 0.46%
  • others - 5.86%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Amazon.co.uk dominates with 82.02% click share, overshadowing others like Worldofbooks.com at 3.19% and Etsy.com at 2.49%. ‘Others’ collectively hold 5.86%.

Market Exposure

Share of Spend for the top 10 UK Retail Books and Music brands

Curious about your market position? Here you can see the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Spend for the last month. 

Share of Spend - Last Month
Share of Spend - Last Month
Date amazon.co.uk moonpig.com etsy.com worldofbooks.com gear4music.com ebay.co.uk funkypigeon.com photobox.co.uk axelbooks.com awesomebooks.com
2026/05/01 74.36% 1.02% 1.36% 4.06% 1.38% 0.73% 0.47% 0.74% 1.46% 1.63%
2026/05/02 66.8% 1.04% 2.55% 5.26% 2.3% 1.21% 1.17% 1.16% 1.86% 1.12%
2026/05/03 73.87% 0.88% 1.52% 5.26% 1.16% 1.25% 0.73% 1.02% 1.23% 0.83%
2026/05/04 78.64% 1.57% 1.15% 3.72% 1.22% 0.74% 0.68% 0.71% 0.9% 0.96%
2026/05/05 75.3% 1.09% 2.07% 3.24% 1.62% 0.86% 0.42% 0.84% 0.95% 0.57%
2026/05/06 71.73% 1.24% 2.72% 4.19% 1.5% 1.26% 0.49% 0.6% 1.08% 1.14%
2026/05/07 71.36% 1.15% 1.84% 3.69% 2.1% 1.07% 0.39% 1.22% 1.34% 0.9%
2026/05/08 69.42% 0.98% 1.74% 5.17% 1.8% 0.77% 0.47% 0.94% 1.64% 1.36%
2026/05/09 70.4% 1.62% 2.24% 3.21% 1.53% 1.04% 0.95% 1.26% 1.56% 1.19%
2026/05/10 69.72% 1.31% 1.95% 4.96% 1.52% 1.27% 0.71% 1.07% 1.24% 1.04%
2026/05/11 73.44% 4.05% 3.39% 3.25% 1.05% 0.91% 1.14% 0.59% 0.83% 0.7%
2026/05/12 68.01% 4.55% 4.05% 3.45% 1.49% 1.04% 1.75% 0.71% 0.89% 0.88%
2026/05/13 49.21% 5.25% 6.43% 5.34% 2.56% 1.83% 2.01% 1.63% 1.8% 2.72%
2026/05/14 63.72% 3.37% 4.75% 4.52% 1.64% 1.44% 1.34% 1.15% 1.38% 1.98%
2026/05/15 69.19% 0.98% 1.73% 5.16% 1.79% 0.83% 0.47% 0.94% 1.65% 1.46%
2026/05/16 58.54% 4.49% 5.75% 3.59% 1.63% 1.69% 2.24% 1.5% 1.49% 1.9%
2026/05/17 60.83% 4.13% 5.42% 3.61% 1.61% 1.73% 1.74% 1.39% 1.4% 1.97%
2026/05/18 53.19% 5.33% 6.85% 4.33% 1.84% 1.8% 1.94% 1.97% 1.61% 2.15%
2026/05/19 45.63% 6.54% 8.07% 4.29% 1.71% 2.54% 2.23% 2.73% 1.73% 3.1%
2026/05/20 46.11% 6.91% 8.27% 4.51% 1.56% 2.43% 2.5% 2.18% 1.36% 3.02%
2026/05/21 57.76% 5.73% 5.51% 3.03% 1.38% 1.73% 2.27% 1.43% 1.02% 2.08%
2026/05/22 62.46% 4.37% 5.24% 3.05% 1.45% 1.38% 2.4% 1.44% 1.09% 1.86%
2026/05/23 57.46% 4.21% 6.77% 3.15% 1.39% 2.57% 2.48% 1.09% 1.28% 2.06%
2026/05/24 56.9% 4.49% 6.44% 3.95% 1.79% 1.95% 2.52% 1.01% 1.51% 2.14%
2026/05/25 58.2% 4.59% 5.17% 4.03% 1.65% 1.79% 2.01% 0.93% 1.38% 1.39%
2026/05/26 62.75% 5.09% 5.68% 3.99% 1.29% 1.43% 1.41% 0.84% 1.17% 1.33%
2026/05/27 60.52% 7.05% 5.71% 4.13% 1.38% 1.35% 1.63% 0.74% 1.34% 1.15%
2026/05/28 55.86% 6.38% 5.52% 3.83% 1.92% 1.81% 1.94% 1.32% 1.53% 1.57%
2026/05/29 53.93% 6.15% 6.71% 3.7% 1.51% 1.85% 2.31% 2.12% 1.69% 1.97%
2026/05/30 49.05% 6.72% 8.38% 3.9% 2.12% 1.96% 2.22% 2% 1.63% 2.25%
2026/05/31 60.08% 6.27% 5.35% 3.51% 1.92% 1.76% 1.62% 1.52% 1.41% 1.22%
  • amazon.co.uk
  • moonpig.com
  • etsy.com
  • worldofbooks.com
  • gear4music.com
  • ebay.co.uk
  • funkypigeon.com
  • photobox.co.uk
  • axelbooks.com
  • awesomebooks.com

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In May 2026, Amazon.co.uk’s PPC spend share fluctuated, peaking early and declining mid-month. Moonpig.com and Etsy.com saw significant growth, while WorldofBooks.com remained steady. By month’s end, Amazon.co.uk led, but others gained ground.

Market Exposure

Competitor Count for UK Retail Books and Music

Ever wondered how many competitors you’re up against in your industry? Well look no further, here we can see the number of advertisers bidding over the last month. 

Competitor Count - Last month
Competitor Count - Last month
Date Competitor Count
2026/05/01 452
2026/05/02 422
2026/05/03 435
2026/05/04 461
2026/05/05 452
2026/05/06 470
2026/05/07 486
2026/05/08 481
2026/05/09 451
2026/05/10 465
2026/05/11 554
2026/05/12 608
2026/05/13 578
2026/05/14 591
2026/05/15 481
2026/05/16 617
2026/05/17 614
2026/05/18 611
2026/05/19 598
2026/05/20 629
2026/05/21 632
2026/05/22 645
2026/05/23 668
2026/05/24 659
2026/05/25 678
2026/05/26 695
2026/05/27 660
2026/05/28 663
2026/05/29 665
2026/05/30 669
2026/05/31 666

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

May began with 452 advertisers, fluctuating initially, then surged mid-month, peaking at 695. The month concluded with a slight dip to 666, showcasing dynamic advertiser engagement.

Campaign Efficiency

Market Loss & Market Gains for UK Retail Books and Music

Here we’re looking at the Top 10 biggest industry movers by market share gains and losses for the last 30 days.

Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Name Market Trend
moonpig.com 1.67%
etsy.com 1.43%
awesomebooks.com 0.59%
funkypigeon.com 0.35%
ebay.co.uk 0.32%
blackwells.co.uk -0.04%
abebooks.co.uk -0.07%
bookshop.org -0.09%
hmv.com -0.12%
amazon.co.uk -6.41%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Etsy and Moonpig surged in click share, while Amazon.co.uk faced a significant decline.

Campaign Efficiency

UK Retail Books and Music Share of Impressions

Take a look at the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Impressions over the last month.

Date amazon.co.uk etsy.com worldofbooks.com moonpig.com ebay.co.uk gear4music.com axelbooks.com awesomebooks.com funkypigeon.com papier.com
2026/05/01 73.06% 1.57% 5.36% 0.58% 1.38% 1.22% 2.16% 1.68% 0.31% 1.07%
2026/05/02 67.96% 2.63% 5.7% 0.53% 1.68% 2.06% 2.79% 1.32% 0.62% 1.05%
2026/05/03 74.25% 1.95% 6.02% 0.44% 1.82% 0.95% 1.77% 0.93% 0.37% 0.72%
2026/05/04 77.94% 1.39% 5.03% 0.8% 1.05% 1.12% 1.42% 1.13% 0.34% 0.81%
2026/05/05 76.56% 2.15% 3.98% 0.58% 1.65% 1.26% 1.34% 0.69% 0.23% 1.11%
2026/05/06 71.59% 2.63% 5.25% 0.64% 2.09% 1.41% 1.59% 1.41% 0.22% 0.94%
2026/05/07 72.01% 1.99% 4.86% 0.66% 1.38% 2.25% 2.01% 1.15% 0.2% 1.13%
2026/05/08 69.21% 1.87% 6.25% 0.53% 1.4% 1.51% 2.42% 1.59% 0.3% 0.87%
2026/05/09 71.84% 2.24% 4.06% 0.66% 1.59% 1.51% 2.36% 1.35% 0.48% 0.83%
2026/05/10 69.48% 2.33% 5.92% 0.54% 1.99% 1.29% 1.86% 1.35% 0.35% 0.68%
2026/05/11 72.49% 3.6% 4.38% 2.43% 1.55% 1.17% 1.47% 0.86% 0.65% 0.46%
2026/05/12 68.93% 4.32% 4.52% 2.84% 1.62% 1.56% 1.32% 1.07% 0.96% 0.58%
2026/05/13 52.1% 6.24% 6.53% 2.94% 2.75% 2.78% 2.66% 2.85% 0.9% 0.93%
2026/05/14 64.13% 4.94% 5.73% 1.95% 2.21% 1.89% 2.11% 2.07% 0.67% 0.79%
2026/05/15 69.21% 1.87% 6.25% 0.53% 1.4% 1.51% 2.42% 1.59% 0.3% 0.87%
2026/05/16 58.12% 6.33% 4.96% 2.77% 2.8% 1.86% 2.42% 2.19% 1.25% 1.07%
2026/05/17 61.55% 5.68% 4.78% 2.49% 2.66% 1.86% 2.21% 2.11% 0.95% 1.15%
2026/05/18 53.59% 7.5% 6.05% 3.24% 2.8% 2.29% 2.6% 2.44% 1.07% 1.13%
2026/05/19 50.62% 8.12% 5.68% 3.7% 3.82% 1.76% 2.6% 3.33% 1.06% 1.19%
2026/05/20 50.03% 8.36% 5.84% 3.8% 3.71% 1.76% 2.11% 3.74% 1.27% 0.89%
2026/05/21 59.18% 5.97% 4.19% 3.35% 2.84% 1.7% 1.65% 2.39% 1.31% 0.76%
2026/05/22 62.47% 6.06% 4.03% 2.65% 2.3% 1.56% 1.72% 2.17% 1.4% 0.84%
2026/05/23 59.08% 6.92% 4.11% 2.3% 3.68% 1.48% 1.88% 2.14% 1.31% 0.69%
2026/05/24 56.68% 6.77% 5.3% 2.51% 3.01% 2.07% 2.32% 2.47% 1.38% 0.78%
2026/05/25 58.21% 5.04% 5.42% 2.79% 2.68% 1.79% 2.16% 1.51% 1.21% 0.7%
2026/05/26 63.9% 5.55% 5.21% 3.21% 2.27% 1.37% 1.7% 1.39% 0.87% 0.5%
2026/05/27 59.57% 6.01% 5.78% 4.86% 2.28% 1.65% 2.1% 1.2% 1.12% 0.67%
2026/05/28 56.47% 5.61% 5.19% 4.01% 2.77% 2.1% 2.28% 1.59% 1.2% 0.72%
2026/05/29 55.18% 6.63% 4.77% 3.82% 2.73% 1.6% 2.66% 1.97% 1.41% 0.81%
2026/05/30 49.5% 8.29% 5.13% 4.46% 2.99% 2.67% 2.43% 2.44% 1.35% 0.85%
2026/05/31 59.03% 5.87% 4.84% 4.4% 2.63% 2.3% 2.16% 1.3% 1.12% 0.66%
  • amazon.co.uk
  • etsy.com
  • worldofbooks.com
  • moonpig.com
  • ebay.co.uk
  • gear4music.com
  • axelbooks.com
  • awesomebooks.com
  • funkypigeon.com
  • papier.com

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In May 2026, Amazon.co.uk’s impression share fluctuated, peaking early at 77.94% before declining to 49.5%. Etsy.com saw a steady rise, reaching 8.36% mid-month. Worldofbooks.com maintained a consistent presence, while Moonpig.com and Ebay.co.uk experienced gradual increases. Axelbooks.com and Awesomebooks.com showed moderate fluctuations. Funkypigeon.com and Papier.com remained stable. The month concluded with Amazon.co.uk leading, despite a decline.

Campaign Efficiency

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for UK Retail Books and Music

Ever wondered how your rivals’ ads are doing? Here we can see the top-performing ads in the industry over the last month.

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for UK Retail Books and Music - Last month
  1. 1
    Amazon UK® Official Site https://www.amazon.co.uk/

    Huge Selection and Low Prices — Browse & Discover Thousands of products. Read Customer Reviews and Find Best Sellers. Free UK Delivery on Eligible Orders.

  2. 2
    Amazon/UK https://www.amazon.com › compra › amazon › uk

    Sitio oficial de Amazon.com — Obtén ofertas en Amazon/UK en Los Mejores Productos en Amazon. Sí, nosotros te lo enviamos.... , libros y más.MoreLessof snippet

  3. 3
    Blackwell's, books for life and for learning Blackwell's https://www.blackwells.co.uk

    Trading since 1879, Blackwell of Oxford is the largest academic and specialist bookseller in the UK. Fast dispatch, carefully packaged, worldwide delivery.

  4. 4
    Etsy | Official Site https://www.etsy.com › official-site

    Magical, Meaningful Items You Can't Find Anywhere Else. Shop Special Items For Every Celebration. Local UK Sellers. Everyday Supplies.

  5. 5
    World of Books https://www.worldofbooks.com

    World Of Book — World of Books Is One Of The Largest Online Sellers Of Secondhand Books In The World. Huge Selection Of World Of Book Books. Get Low Prices & Free UK Shipping Over £5! Shop Online 24/7.

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In the realm of Google PPC, Amazon UK dominates with its promise of vast selection and low prices, enticing customers with free delivery. Meanwhile, Blackwell’s emphasizes its rich heritage and academic focus, while Etsy highlights unique, locally-sourced items. World of Books appeals with affordable secondhand treasures, offering free shipping.

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