Downloading is allowing music fans to make instant purchases. Many access songs over their mobile phone on the way home from nightclubs.

The survey of 2,000 music fans, aged 16 to 24, was published by 3, the mobile phone operator. The CD will die out within five years, 60 per cent of those questioned said. The predicted death of CDs would probably lead to the decline in the high street record shop.

However, while downloading has revived the singles chart, the compact disc is not dead yet. British album sales are likely to match last year’s figure of 159 million, with big Christmas sellers expected from U2, George Michael, Take That and Oasis.

The survey found that more than 60 per cent of under-24s have downloaded music on a mobile. About 76 per cent of purchasers said that when they hear something they like, they want it immediately.

Reducing the amount of packaging, waste, and carbon emissions involved in producing and transporting CDs to shops was cited by 85 per cent as a reason to download music.

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