Global Music Revenue Hits a New High: Streaming, AI and the Next Music Economy

What happened?

The global recorded-music business grew again in 2025, with paid streaming remaining the industry's main engine while AI and fraud reshape the next phase. IFPI says global recorded-music revenues grew 6.4% to US$31.7 billion in 2025.

Key points

• IFPI says global recorded-music revenues grew 6.4% to US$31.7 billion in 2025.
• It was the industry's eleventh consecutive year of growth.
• Paid subscription streaming revenue grew 8.8% and accounted for 52.4% of global recorded-music revenue.
• IFPI counted 837 million users of paid streaming subscription accounts.
• AI and streaming fraud are among the issues expected to shape the industry's next era.

What we know

1. IFPI says global recorded-music revenues grew 6.4% to US$31.7 billion in 2025.
2. It was the industry's eleventh consecutive year of growth.
3. Paid subscription streaming revenue grew 8.8% and accounted for 52.4% of global recorded-music revenue.
4. IFPI counted 837 million users of paid streaming subscription accounts.
5. AI and streaming fraud are among the issues expected to shape the industry's next era.

What officials/people involved say

IFPI describes paid streaming as the key driver of growth while emphasizing continued investment in artists and the need to address fraudulent streaming and responsible AI use.

Background

Music has moved from physical products to downloads and then to subscription streaming. The economic model now depends heavily on platforms, licensing, fan engagement and the ability of artists and rights holders to convert attention into legitimate revenue.

Why it matters

For artists, the opportunity is global reach, but competition is also global. For listeners, the subscription model has made enormous catalogues accessible. For labels and platforms, the challenge is ensuring that legitimate streams are rewarded while artificial activity and unauthorized AI uses do not distort the market.

What happens next?

Expect more experimentation around direct-to-fan models, live events, short-form video, AI-assisted creation and rights management. The central issue will remain simple: who owns the music, who created it, and who gets paid when people use it?