The Worldwide Federation of the Phonographic Trade (IFPI) has launched its World Music Report 2026, breaking down how the worldwide music business carried out in 2025. We’ve compiled 5 key takeaways that matter most to unbiased artists navigating right this moment’s fast-changing business. Learn on for deeper insights and discover ways to use these tendencies to your benefit with suggestions and instruments from CD Child.
World recorded music income grew 6.4% in 2025
For the primary time, international recorded music income surpassed $30 billion in 2025, with progress rising to six.4%, up from 4.7% the yr earlier than. That progress was constant throughout 57 of the highest 58 markets — solely as a result of, IFPI notes, one market had a document 2024 yr.
Latin North America was the quickest rising area at 17.1% YoY. The Center East and North Africa (15.2%), Sub-Saharan Africa (15.2%), and Asia (10.9%), all noticed double-digit progress, too.
Paid subscription streaming revenues elevated 8.8%
Streaming stays the engine of business progress. Paid subscription streaming income rose 8.8% in 2025, serving to push whole streaming income previous $22 billion for the primary time. Streaming now accounts for practically 70% of whole recorded music revenues, underscoring right this moment’s streaming-first actuality.
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Bodily music commerce revenues elevated 8.0% – outpacing digital
For under the second time on document, income progress from bodily codecs outpaced that of digital. Vinyl gross sales grew 13.7% YoY, largely pushed by the world’s main bodily market, Japan. IFPI notes, “Past serving as a listening format, bodily merchandise additionally present superfans with a tangible technique of expressing their fandom.”
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Efficiency rights income grew 0.3%
Regardless of a modest 0.3% improve, 2025 marked the fifth successive yr of progress for efficiency rights. Altogether, efficiency rights accounted for 9.3% of whole international business income.
It’s an necessary reminder that your music could also be producing extra forms of royalties than you’re accumulating. Register your music with a Efficiency Rights Group (PRO) corresponding to ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to gather efficiency royalties and join CDB Increase to gather digital efficiency royalties and extra.
Report labels invested $8.1 billion in artists
In 2024, document labels invested a complete of $8.1 billion in A&R and advertising — highlighting simply how important promotion is in right this moment’s panorama.
Whereas that quantity could really feel out of attain for unbiased artists, success doesn’t require huge budgets. The business’s continuous shift towards creator-first platforms means unbiased artists have entry to professional-grade instruments, methods, and groups to assist them develop. Construct your basis with our full Information to Music Advertising and marketing and discover our advertising instruments to start rising your fanbase.
Conclusion
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