The Worldwide Federation of the Phonographic Business (IFPI) has launched its World Music Report 2026, breaking down how the worldwide music trade carried out in 2025. We’ve compiled 5 key takeaways that matter most to impartial artists navigating as we speak’s fast-changing trade. Learn on for deeper insights and discover ways to use these developments to your benefit with ideas 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 growing 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 file 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 trade progress. Paid subscription streaming income rose 8.8% in 2025, serving to push complete streaming income previous $22 billion for the primary time. Streaming now accounts for almost 70% of complete recorded music revenues, underscoring as we speak’s streaming-first actuality.
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Bodily music commerce revenues elevated 8.0% – outpacing digital
For under the second time on file, 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 complete international trade income.
It’s an essential reminder that your music could also be producing extra sorts of royalties than you’re accumulating. Register your music with a Efficiency Rights Group (PRO) similar to ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to gather efficiency royalties and join CDB Increase to gather digital efficiency royalties and extra.
Document labels invested $8.1 billion in artists
In 2024, file labels invested a complete of $8.1 billion in A&R and advertising — highlighting simply how vital promotion is in as we speak’s panorama.
Whereas that quantity could really feel out of attain for impartial artists, success doesn’t require huge budgets. The trade’s continuous shift towards creator-first platforms means impartial 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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