US 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 US Books and Music category from the last month. Our Data Analyst, Ask Arlo provides commentary on key findings.

Books and Music – US

Google AI Overview visibility for Retail Books and Music US

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 16.4274252767
83.5725747233
16%

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 20
80
20%

Search Intent Distribution

Breakdown of search queries by their underlying goal.

Intent Distribution
Investigational 12%
Transactional 13%
Navigational 11%
Seasonal 6%
Local 1%
Problem Solving 3%

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Market Exposure

Share of Clicks for top 10 US 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
guitarcenter.com 23.45
amazon.com 9.92
sweetwater.com 5.85
walmart.com 5.18
etsy.com 4.75
thriftbooks.com 4.15
christianbook.com 3.76
bradfordexchange.com 3.56
rakuten.com 2.8
calendars.com 2.53
others 34.05
  • guitarcenter.com - 23.45%
  • amazon.com - 9.92%
  • sweetwater.com - 5.85%
  • walmart.com - 5.18%
  • etsy.com - 4.75%
  • thriftbooks.com - 4.15%
  • christianbook.com - 3.76%
  • bradfordexchange.com - 3.56%
  • rakuten.com - 2.8%
  • calendars.com - 2.53%
  • others - 34.05%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Guitar Center leads with 23.45% click share, followed by Amazon at 9.92%. Others collectively hold 34.05%, showcasing diverse competition.

Market Exposure

Share of Spend for the top 10 US 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 etsy.com amazon.com sweetwater.com walmart.com zazzle.com guitarcenter.com thriftbooks.com christianbook.com audible.com abebooks.com
2026/05/01 7.07% 9.9% 6.02% 4.54% 4.1% 11.88% 4.5% 2.39% 3.16% 5.94%
2026/05/02 6.81% 10.88% 3.93% 4.52% 3.68% 11.36% 5.18% 1.36% 4.82% 5.49%
2026/05/03 6.45% 13.5% 3.72% 3.19% 5.05% 9.34% 3.13% 1.91% 5.68% 6.29%
2026/05/04 6.43% 8.68% 7.14% 3.34% 4.87% 7.81% 4.3% 2.3% 4.66% 4.52%
2026/05/05 5.55% 9.66% 6.39% 3.15% 5.21% 7.82% 4.08% 3.48% 4.45% 4.13%
2026/05/06 4.54% 9.11% 7.62% 3.08% 7.26% 12.18% 4.78% 1.37% 3.92% 4.7%
2026/05/07 4.32% 8.5% 7.81% 2.32% 4.83% 10.12% 5.04% 1% 7.25% 4.79%
2026/05/08 4.45% 8.72% 7.26% 3.58% 4.88% 12.48% 4.32% 4.62% 3.33% 5.14%
2026/05/09 5.01% 9.27% 6.58% 3.54% 5.34% 9.47% 4.95% 1.92% 3.72% 5.28%
2026/05/10 4.81% 10.91% 5.42% 3.03% 5.2% 7.84% 6.29% 3.09% 3.46% 5.76%
2026/05/11 8.44% 6.27% 6.83% 5.45% 5.34% 5.24% 3.58% 5.47% 3.18% 2.95%
2026/05/12 6.88% 6.44% 6.36% 5.43% 6.08% 4.18% 4.24% 6.32% 3.19% 2.66%
2026/05/13 4.89% 7.68% 7.57% 4.55% 4.63% 10.18% 3.64% 7.76% 3.13% 4.04%
2026/05/14 6.32% 6% 6.14% 4.32% 3.91% 8.24% 5.24% 7.05% 4.65% 2.97%
2026/05/15 4.43% 8.69% 7.23% 3.57% 4.9% 12.43% 4.3% 4.61% 3.32% 5.12%
2026/05/16 8.88% 4.97% 5.06% 5.98% 5.97% 6.73% 3.57% 3.69% 4.07% 2.47%
2026/05/17 9.14% 5.36% 4.17% 6.86% 5.49% 5.59% 4.1% 4.6% 3.53% 2.91%
2026/05/18 7.74% 4.93% 5.96% 6.86% 5.13% 5.07% 4.74% 4.88% 3.84% 3.25%
2026/05/19 8.09% 4.55% 8.54% 5.81% 5.35% 4.75% 4.6% 7.66% 4.22% 1.16%
2026/05/20 8.28% 5.01% 7.05% 5.48% 5.46% 5.91% 4.69% 4.79% 4.22% 2.19%
2026/05/21 9.51% 5.81% 7.08% 5.8% 4.94% 6.08% 3.91% 4.8% 3.42% 1.84%
2026/05/22 8.55% 5.38% 5.44% 7.45% 5.62% 5.54% 3.35% 3.95% 4.35% 2.51%
2026/05/23 10.26% 5.26% 4.51% 7.91% 4.67% 5.4% 4.85% 6.51% 3.21% 1.79%
2026/05/24 10.11% 5.79% 4.8% 7.12% 5.09% 4.85% 4.81% 5.84% 3.46% 1.95%
2026/05/25 7.92% 5.98% 6.46% 5.15% 4.53% 4.86% 4.46% 6.69% 3.45% 2.32%
2026/05/26 8.81% 5.54% 6.63% 5.07% 4.66% 4.33% 6.41% 3.62% 3.8% 2.24%
2026/05/27 9.9% 5.37% 7.01% 6.15% 6.04% 6.42% 4.9% 2.11% 4.3% 1.91%
2026/05/28 10.67% 4.37% 4.73% 5.88% 6.07% 6.37% 5.33% 1.71% 3.65% 1.75%
2026/05/29 8.41% 4.78% 5.76% 6.92% 6.15% 6.27% 4.35% 2.71% 2.34% 1.99%
2026/05/30 10.11% 5.53% 5.65% 5.66% 5.93% 6.12% 4.49% 3.56% 2.17% 1.85%
2026/05/31 12.76% 6.54% 6.2% 4.84% 4.82% 4.57% 4.31% 3.13% 2.55% 1.71%
  • etsy.com
  • amazon.com
  • sweetwater.com
  • walmart.com
  • zazzle.com
  • guitarcenter.com
  • thriftbooks.com
  • christianbook.com
  • audible.com
  • abebooks.com

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Etsy’s spend share surged from 4.32% to 12.76% by month’s end, while Amazon’s declined from 9.9% to 6.54%. Guitar Center started strong at 11.88%, ending at 4.57%.

Market Exposure

Competitor Count for US 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
2026/05/01 563
2026/05/02 573
2026/05/03 543
2026/05/04 574
2026/05/05 618
2026/05/06 593
2026/05/07 587
2026/05/08 606
2026/05/09 561
2026/05/10 583
2026/05/11 723
2026/05/12 760
2026/05/13 633
2026/05/14 658
2026/05/15 606
2026/05/16 741
2026/05/17 755
2026/05/18 709
2026/05/19 701
2026/05/20 716
2026/05/21 752
2026/05/22 733
2026/05/23 762
2026/05/24 821
2026/05/25 914
2026/05/26 883
2026/05/27 837
2026/05/28 856
2026/05/29 832
2026/05/30 831
2026/05/31 850

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

May began with 563 advertisers, fluctuating initially, then surged mid-month, peaking at 914 on May 25. The month concluded with 850 advertisers, reflecting a significant increase.

Campaign Efficiency

Market Loss & Market Gains for US 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
etsy.com 2%
walmart.com 1.94%
sweetwater.com 1.26%
bradfordexchange.com 1.04%
target.com 0.91%
abebooks.com -0.43%
creativemarket.com -0.47%
rakuten.com -1.17%
amazon.com -2.53%
guitarcenter.com -7.42%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Etsy.com surged with a 2.00 increase, while guitarcenter.com plummeted by 7.42. Walmart.com and sweetwater.com also rose, contrasting amazon.com’s decline.

Campaign Efficiency

US 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 etsy.com sweetwater.com walmart.com guitarcenter.com amazon.com thriftbooks.com target.com audible.com christianbook.com zazzle.com
2026/05/01 8.28% 10.86% 6.58% 16.65% 6.22% 5.83% 4.43% 1.57% 1.96% 1.06%
2026/05/02 9.39% 6.41% 7.11% 15.01% 6.77% 6.41% 4% 3.06% 1.13% 1.09%
2026/05/03 8.25% 8.07% 4.48% 16.45% 9.6% 4.48% 3.25% 4.03% 1.83% 2.09%
2026/05/04 7.79% 12.77% 4.8% 12.86% 6.53% 4.87% 2.78% 2.97% 1.86% 1.64%
2026/05/05 7.27% 11.5% 4.67% 13.61% 6.78% 4.89% 4.55% 3.36% 2.31% 1.7%
2026/05/06 6.78% 13.37% 4.76% 17.57% 6.15% 5.49% 4.25% 2.56% 1.29% 1.86%
2026/05/07 5.77% 13.79% 3.71% 15.27% 6.12% 7.37% 4.25% 5.83% 0.89% 1.47%
2026/05/08 5.38% 12.46% 5.77% 17.19% 5.63% 5.89% 4.27% 1.69% 2.84% 1.37%
2026/05/09 7.37% 10.83% 5.93% 13.63% 5.8% 6.57% 3.23% 2.14% 1.7% 1.36%
2026/05/10 5.56% 10.71% 3.91% 13.47% 8.75% 7.14% 3.2% 2.85% 2.4% 1.84%
2026/05/11 8.05% 12.5% 8.4% 8.74% 4.28% 4.12% 3.16% 3.57% 3.48% 2.37%
2026/05/12 6.95% 12.23% 8.41% 7.14% 4.68% 5.02% 2.73% 3.63% 4.23% 2.44%
2026/05/13 5.29% 14.19% 7.74% 14.72% 6.07% 3.92% 1.82% 3.11% 4.72% 1.52%
2026/05/14 6.66% 11.54% 7.16% 12.03% 5.8% 5.49% 2.64% 4.8% 4.39% 1.57%
2026/05/15 5.38% 12.46% 5.77% 17.19% 5.63% 5.89% 4.27% 1.69% 2.84% 1.37%
2026/05/16 8.24% 9.35% 9.39% 9.97% 3.86% 3.74% 2.73% 4.51% 2.37% 2.56%
2026/05/17 8.38% 7.62% 10.64% 9.22% 3.96% 4.46% 3.65% 4.19% 2.83% 2.49%
2026/05/18 7.94% 11.03% 10.67% 8.22% 3.46% 5.6% 3.28% 4.08% 2.93% 2.04%
2026/05/19 8.16% 15.66% 8.93% 7.38% 3.11% 5.45% 2.79% 4.58% 3.96% 2.14%
2026/05/20 8.52% 12.89% 9.28% 8.43% 3.54% 5.37% 3.66% 4.67% 2.74% 2.59%
2026/05/21 8.79% 13.28% 9.25% 8.82% 4.03% 4.65% 3.17% 3.42% 2.87% 2.21%
2026/05/22 8.55% 9.36% 11.83% 8.63% 4.17% 3.95% 3.36% 4.86% 2.25% 2.41%
2026/05/23 9.68% 7.78% 12.77% 8.22% 3.81% 5.72% 3.74% 3.27% 3.76% 1.92%
2026/05/24 9.63% 8.46% 10.44% 7.44% 4.18% 6% 4.69% 3.24% 3.75% 2.12%
2026/05/25 7.78% 11.46% 7.91% 7.38% 4.65% 4.99% 4.6% 3.12% 4.03% 1.8%
2026/05/26 8.16% 11.76% 7.5% 6.79% 4.08% 6.88% 4.67% 3.53% 2.32% 1.96%
2026/05/27 9.41% 12.61% 9.14% 8.97% 3.93% 5.47% 4.82% 3.47% 1.35% 2.63%
2026/05/28 9.98% 8.62% 8.69% 9.19% 3.32% 5.43% 5.38% 3.22% 1.09% 2.58%
2026/05/29 8.16% 10.54% 10.35% 8.9% 3.5% 4.97% 5.43% 2.57% 2.15% 2.58%
2026/05/30 9.63% 9.77% 8.38% 8.68% 4.34% 5.52% 4.28% 1.8% 2.22% 2.55%
2026/05/31 12.29% 11.26% 7.18% 7.04% 5.23% 4.81% 4.22% 2.16% 2.03% 1.99%
  • etsy.com
  • sweetwater.com
  • walmart.com
  • guitarcenter.com
  • amazon.com
  • thriftbooks.com
  • target.com
  • audible.com
  • christianbook.com
  • zazzle.com

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In May 2026, Etsy’s impression share fluctuated, peaking at 12.29% on the 31st. Sweetwater saw highs mid-month, while Walmart’s share rose steadily. Guitar Center led early, but dipped later. Amazon’s share was inconsistent, ending at 5.23%.

Campaign Efficiency

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for US 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 US Retail Books and Music - Last month
  1. 1
    Amazon.com® Official Site - Shop on Amazon https://www.amazon.com › shop › amazon+usa

    The best shopping & entertainment with Prime. Free, easy returns on millions of items. Free, easy returns on millions of items.

  2. 2
    1,000 Baby Boy Names | Best Baby Boy Names 2026 https://goodhousekeeping.com › best › baby-boy-names

    Are you looking for something trendy, or traditional? This name list has it all. The top 1,000 baby boy names all parents should consider. Best of 2026.

  3. 3
    CVS Photo Print https://www.picta.com › cvs › photos

    Same Day CVS Photo Pickup — CVS Photo Center - Print your photos today, ready for store pickup. Order your photos now, pick up at your nearest CVS store in under 60 minutes.

  4. 4
    Rakuten.com https://www.rakuten.com

    Online & In-Store Cash Back — Get Cash Back at 3,500+ stores on this Season's Best Gifts, Clothes, Electronics and More.

  5. 5
    ThriftBooks - New & Used Books | #1 Online Used Bookstore https://www.thriftbooks.com

    New, used & rare books. ThriftBooks sells millions of books at the lowest everyday prices. ThriftBooks.com has the largest selection of new, used & rare, out-of-print treasures.

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In the bustling world of Google PPC, Amazon leads with its promise of seamless shopping and entertainment through Prime. Good Housekeeping captivates with a comprehensive list of baby boy names for 2026, blending tradition and trend. Picta.com offers instant gratification with same-day photo prints at CVS. Rakuten entices with cash back across 3,500+ stores, while ThriftBooks charms book lovers with its vast selection of affordable new and used books. Each ad uniquely appeals to its audience, showcasing convenience, variety, and value.

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