Log in Book a Demo

UK Retail Books and Music - PPC Market Share Analysis August 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.

See more data

AIO Frequency

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

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 17.6283018519
82.3716981481
17%

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 34
66
34%

Search Intent Distribution

Breakdown of search queries by their underlying goal.

Intent Distribution
Investigational 9%
Transactional 12%
Navigational 15%
Seasonal 5%
Local 0%
Problem Solving 5%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

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.

See more data
Share of Clicks - Last month
Share of Clicks - Last month
Domain Share of clicks
amazon.co.uk 90.06
worldofbooks.com 2.7
etsy.com 1.36
gear4music.com 0.64
hmv.com 0.58
awesomebooks.com 0.37
ebay.co.uk 0.32
moonpig.com 0.29
abebooks.co.uk 0.26
papier.com 0.21
others 3.21
  • amazon.co.uk - 90.06%
  • worldofbooks.com - 2.7%
  • etsy.com - 1.36%
  • gear4music.com - 0.64%
  • hmv.com - 0.58%
  • awesomebooks.com - 0.37%
  • ebay.co.uk - 0.32%
  • moonpig.com - 0.29%
  • abebooks.co.uk - 0.26%
  • papier.com - 0.21%
  • others - 3.21%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Amazon.co.uk dominates with 90.06% click share, overshadowing others at 3.21%. Worldofbooks.com follows at 2.7%, while Etsy.com holds 1.36%.

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. 

See more data
Share of Spend - Last Month
Share of Spend - Last Month
Date amazon.co.uk worldofbooks.com etsy.com moonpig.com papier.com ebay.co.uk optimalprint.co.uk gear4music.com audible.co.uk photobox.co.uk
2026/08/01 52.42% 7.66% 4.13% 2.13% 1.54% 2.36% 1.51% 2.27% 1.82% 1.91%
2026/08/02 57.9% 5.79% 3.27% 2.23% 1.6% 1.83% 0.72% 2.58% 2.77% 1.59%
2026/08/03 58.02% 6.99% 3.22% 1.66% 1.6% 2.47% 1.87% 2.16% 1.23% 1.46%
2026/08/04 57.99% 4.1% 4.63% 1.66% 2.1% 2.18% 0.83% 3.03% 1.15% 1.1%
2026/08/05 71.58% 3.68% 2.19% 1.76% 1.7% 1.12% 0.95% 1.25% 0.67% 1.43%
2026/08/06 60.01% 7.31% 2.19% 1.85% 1.97% 1.66% 1.41% 1.86% 0.98% 1.91%
2026/08/07 76.32% 4.29% 1.62% 1.34% 0.9% 0.9% 1.03% 0.91% 1.15% 1.03%
2026/08/08 71.56% 4.45% 2.44% 1.47% 1.6% 1.43% 0.87% 1.52% 0.97% 0.72%
2026/08/09 77.05% 2.83% 1.92% 0.78% 1.17% 1.52% 0.55% 1.25% 0.72% 0.84%
2026/08/10 79.96% 3.27% 1.18% 1.11% 1.04% 1.21% 0.28% 0.84% 1.28% 0.6%
2026/08/11 81.15% 2.66% 1.38% 1.06% 0.74% 1.2% 0.25% 1.03% 0.97% 0.76%
2026/08/12 74.73% 3.24% 3.18% 2.18% 1.12% 1.16% 0.43% 0.95% 0.91% 0.9%
2026/08/13 66.58% 4.26% 3.36% 3.12% 2.01% 1.13% 0.85% 0.75% 1.11% 0.91%
2026/08/14 64.31% 4.63% 2.25% 2.53% 2.65% 1.19% 0.67% 1.5% 0.77% 0.93%
2026/08/15 74.89% 3.88% 2.3% 1.5% 1.63% 1.28% 0.41% 1.14% 0.67% 0.85%
2026/08/16 69.82% 4.6% 1.67% 2.26% 1.75% 1.59% 0.53% 1.91% 0.71% 1.27%
2026/08/17 65.38% 5.46% 2.58% 2.24% 2% 1.7% 0.58% 1.59% 0.92% 0.95%
2026/08/18 70.33% 3.59% 2.28% 1.76% 1.98% 1.42% 0.85% 1.92% 0.99% 1.04%
2026/08/19 64.75% 5.39% 2.54% 1.68% 1.92% 2.21% 0.7% 2.01% 1.32% 1.4%
2026/08/20 74.44% 4.11% 1.93% 1.38% 1.87% 1.27% 0.53% 1.41% 0.58% 0.79%
2026/08/21 70.77% 4.26% 2.38% 1.35% 2.34% 1.36% 0.48% 1.85% 0.75% 1.04%
2026/08/22 68.92% 4.93% 2.67% 1.51% 2.09% 1.16% 0.79% 1.53% 0.89% 1.27%
2026/08/23 71.38% 4.21% 1.35% 2.06% 2.03% 1.12% 0.87% 1.19% 0.8% 1.71%
2026/08/24 64.91% 6.02% 2.76% 1.88% 1.69% 1.54% 0.72% 1.57% 1.73% 1.41%
2026/08/25 63.58% 5.1% 4.51% 2.35% 2.34% 1.6% 1.05% 1.17% 1.24% 1.55%
2026/08/26 63.34% 4.01% 3.15% 1.61% 3.72% 1% 1.3% 1.28% 1.21% 2.53%
2026/08/27 67.15% 4.77% 2.91% 1.84% 2.24% 1.2% 1.13% 1.18% 1.1% 1.66%
2026/08/28 65.66% 5.67% 2.46% 1.81% 2.62% 1.18% 0.73% 1.35% 1.56% 1.47%
2026/08/29 64.61% 6.22% 2.97% 2.1% 1.57% 0.83% 1.85% 1.44% 1.61% 1.28%
2026/08/30 69.68% 5.07% 2.84% 2.33% 1.5% 0.68% 0.91% 1.51% 0.99% 0.85%
2026/08/31 65.9% 5.87% 2.92% 2.07% 1.78% 1.36% 1.24% 1.07% 0.96% 0.55%
  • amazon.co.uk
  • worldofbooks.com
  • etsy.com
  • moonpig.com
  • papier.com
  • ebay.co.uk
  • optimalprint.co.uk
  • gear4music.com
  • audible.co.uk
  • photobox.co.uk

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Amazon.co.uk dominated August, peaking at 81.15% on the 11th. Worldofbooks.com and Etsy.com showed fluctuations, while Moonpig.com and Papier.com maintained steady shares. By month’s end, Amazon remained the leader.

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. 

See more data
Competitor Count - Last month
Competitor Count - Last month
Date Competitor Count
2026/08/01 493
2026/08/02 520
2026/08/03 500
2026/08/04 495
2026/08/05 489
2026/08/06 462
2026/08/07 436
2026/08/08 418
2026/08/09 433
2026/08/10 451
2026/08/11 439
2026/08/12 480
2026/08/13 493
2026/08/14 472
2026/08/15 471
2026/08/16 460
2026/08/17 448
2026/08/18 459
2026/08/19 445
2026/08/20 445
2026/08/21 431
2026/08/22 450
2026/08/23 443
2026/08/24 439
2026/08/25 498
2026/08/26 496
2026/08/27 509
2026/08/28 506
2026/08/29 480
2026/08/30 492
2026/08/31 485

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

August began with 493 advertisers, peaking at 520 on the 2nd. A mid-month dip to 418 on the 8th was followed by a recovery, ending at 485.

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.

See more data
Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Name Market Trend
worldofbooks.com 0.48%
etsy.com 0.16%
awesomebooks.com 0.1%
hmv.com 0.08%
funkypigeon.com 0.07%
ebay.co.uk -0.02%
abebooks.co.uk -0.05%
axelbooks.com -0.06%
waterstones.com -0.08%
amazon.co.uk -1.04%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Worldofbooks.com surged with a 0.48 increase, while amazon.co.uk dropped by 1.04. Etsy.com gained 0.16, and awesomebooks.com rose by 0.1.

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.

See more data
Date amazon.co.uk worldofbooks.com etsy.com ebay.co.uk awesomebooks.com gear4music.com papier.com moonpig.com axelbooks.com audible.co.uk
2026/08/01 61.97% 7.08% 4.22% 2.81% 1.01% 2% 0.77% 0.99% 1.84% 1.17%
2026/08/02 65.53% 5.5% 3.14% 2.31% 1.21% 2.12% 0.74% 1.07% 1.51% 1.91%
2026/08/03 64.98% 6.83% 3.3% 2.77% 1.3% 1.79% 0.79% 0.77% 1.81% 0.78%
2026/08/04 61.42% 4.55% 4.87% 2.83% 0.76% 2.17% 1.18% 1.03% 1.76% 0.94%
2026/08/05 72.02% 4.28% 2.66% 2.04% 0.67% 1.5% 0.85% 1.07% 1.26% 0.48%
2026/08/06 71.2% 6.13% 1.96% 1.85% 0.98% 1.52% 0.76% 0.68% 1.14% 0.4%
2026/08/07 79.8% 4.31% 1.75% 1.19% 0.56% 0.88% 0.45% 0.58% 1% 0.74%
2026/08/08 74.87% 4.31% 2.15% 1.99% 0.53% 1.55% 0.82% 0.63% 1% 0.48%
2026/08/09 82.66% 2.54% 1.94% 1.52% 0.53% 1.14% 0.42% 0.31% 0.67% 0.32%
2026/08/10 83.03% 3.18% 1.29% 1.55% 0.28% 0.8% 0.46% 0.46% 0.61% 0.94%
2026/08/11 83.97% 2.58% 1.53% 1.41% 0.32% 1.03% 0.34% 0.43% 0.72% 0.62%
2026/08/12 78.81% 3.06% 3.1% 1.46% 0.48% 0.99% 0.44% 1.03% 0.82% 0.45%
2026/08/13 74.9% 3.98% 3.03% 1.47% 0.27% 0.81% 0.85% 1.51% 0.83% 0.6%
2026/08/14 74.03% 4.03% 2.02% 1.46% 0.71% 1.18% 1.04% 1.32% 1.07% 0.35%
2026/08/15 78.92% 3.67% 2.23% 1.58% 0.45% 1.15% 0.65% 0.64% 0.87% 0.33%
2026/08/16 79.21% 3.6% 1.71% 1.47% 0.27% 1.5% 0.68% 0.72% 0.85% 0.3%
2026/08/17 71.21% 4.97% 2.58% 1.88% 0.61% 1.68% 0.98% 1.25% 0.85% 0.42%
2026/08/18 75.1% 3.43% 2.45% 2.04% 0.84% 1.9% 0.77% 0.78% 0.65% 0.64%
2026/08/19 73.36% 4.34% 2.31% 2.21% 0.56% 1.9% 0.78% 0.66% 0.8% 0.67%
2026/08/20 80.02% 3.55% 1.86% 1.46% 0.3% 1.27% 0.76% 0.57% 0.64% 0.27%
2026/08/21 76.17% 4.14% 2.22% 1.49% 0.37% 1.67% 1.06% 0.61% 0.65% 0.36%
2026/08/22 75.4% 4.67% 2.4% 1.32% 0.45% 1.47% 0.92% 0.63% 0.53% 0.38%
2026/08/23 78.15% 4.17% 1.35% 1.33% 0.45% 1.12% 0.95% 0.94% 0.44% 0.38%
2026/08/24 71.3% 5.94% 2.52% 1.9% 0.99% 1.49% 0.73% 0.76% 0.92% 1.01%
2026/08/25 70.08% 5.16% 4.28% 1.91% 0.67% 1.32% 1.1% 1.08% 0.61% 0.8%
2026/08/26 70.02% 4.5% 3.46% 1.74% 0.74% 1.18% 1.9% 0.85% 0.6% 0.91%
2026/08/27 73.56% 4.88% 3.07% 1.8% 0.76% 1.02% 0.96% 0.83% 0.61% 0.67%
2026/08/28 71.85% 5.62% 2.45% 1.63% 0.51% 1.22% 1.13% 0.83% 0.68% 1%
2026/08/29 71.21% 5.96% 2.51% 0.9% 0.58% 1.1% 0.68% 0.88% 0.82% 1.25%
2026/08/30 76.19% 4.99% 2.52% 0.78% 0.66% 1.22% 0.68% 0.95% 0.62% 0.6%
2026/08/31 74.58% 5.6% 2.56% 1.39% 0.92% 0.89% 0.88% 0.87% 0.7% 0.57%
  • amazon.co.uk
  • worldofbooks.com
  • etsy.com
  • ebay.co.uk
  • awesomebooks.com
  • gear4music.com
  • papier.com
  • moonpig.com
  • axelbooks.com
  • audible.co.uk

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Amazon.co.uk dominated August 2026, peaking at 83.97% on the 11th. Worldofbooks.com fluctuated, ending at 5.6%. Etsy.com and eBay.co.uk saw declines, while awesomebooks.com remained steady. Gear4music.com and others showed minor variations.

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.

See more data
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/

    Amazon UK® — Browse & Discover Thousands of products. Read Customer Reviews and Find Best Sellers. Free UK Delivery on Eligible Orders.

  2. 2
    Audible Summer Offer | Don't Miss This Summer Deal https://www.audible.co.uk › audiobook › summer_offer

    Try 3 Months Of Audible this Summer for £0.99/M. Auto Renews for £5.99/m. Terms Apply.

  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 | Etsy UK On Etsy https://www.etsy.com › official-site

    Magical, Meaningful Items You Can't Find Anywhere Else. Unique Goods Curated For You. Connect To Buy And Sell Products. Local UK Sellers.

  5. 5
    World of Books | Buy Quality Used Books Online https://www.worldofbooks.com

    World of Books Is One Of The Largest Online Sellers Of Secondhand Books In The World. There's A Book For Everyone At World Of Books, And It Won't Cost The Earth. Cheap Second Hand Books.

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In the bustling world of online retail, Amazon UK stands out with its promise of vast product variety and free delivery. Audible entices with a summer offer, while Blackwell’s emphasizes its rich history and academic focus. Etsy highlights unique, locally curated items, and World of Books champions affordable, sustainable reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Success Stories

Coles | OMD | Smith St Adthena Case Study

Paid search optimization in action: Smith St and Coles with Adthena insights

Smith St. and Coles partnered with Adthena to gain a clear view of their paid search landscape, monitoring Woolworths and the wider market to ensure Coles remained front of mind for shoppers through strategic paid search optimization. By leveraging competitor insights and market trend data, the team optimized seasonal demand capture, boosting paid search traffic growth by 10% year-over-year while maintaining the same level of marketing budget.Read case study

How Circus PPC and Roman delivered smarter brand spend and a 15X ROAS with Adthena

Online fashion retailer Roman needed to improve paid search efficiency without compromising revenue. With guidance from digital agency partner Circus PPC, they turned to Adthena’s Brand Activator to reduce wasted brand spend.Read case study

Capital on Tap doubles PMax conversions and cuts CPL by 37%

Capital on Tap partnered with Adthena to streamline their paid search efforts, driving measurable improvements in efficiency, spend optimization, and brand protection. The results showcase how strategic automation and search intelligence deliver real business impact.Read case study

Get the full picture

See this data specific to your brand performance

The data on this page is just a sample of the billions of data points we hold at Adthena. The insights generated by Ask Arlo, leverage real-time GenAI to answer questions about your search data.

Our search consultants can introduce you to Whole Market View data that is specific to your organization, based on the size of the relevant search term and competitor universe, and the locations that you need monitoring.

Related reports

US