audience

Audience refers to a group of people who are the intended recipients or actual observers of a speech, performance, publication, or other media product. The notion encompasses those who attend in person as well as those who consume content remotely. The term derives from the Latin audire, meaning "to hear."

In the performing arts, the audience consists of spectators present at a venue who experience a live performance. In broadcasting, publishing, and digital media, it includes viewers, listeners, readers, and users who engage with content. In communications and marketing, audiences are defined by demographics, interests, and behaviors to tailor messaging and determine reach and impact. The distinction between intended audience and actual audience is important for evaluating effectiveness and response.

Audience measurement uses quantitative metrics such as reach, ratings, share, impressions, and time spent; qualitative metrics include engagement and sentiment. Data come from surveys, census data, analytics platforms, audience panels, and sampling. Researchers analyze audience composition, preferences, and reactions to improve content, advertising, and user experience.

Types of audiences include live audiences at events, broadcast audiences watching or listening via media, and online audiences interacting through websites and social platforms. Accessibility and inclusivity—such as captions, audio descriptions, and multilingual content—enhance audience reach. Ethical considerations include privacy, consent in data collection, and avoiding manipulation or stereotyping in messaging.