The IFPI Global Report 2026 reveals that global recorded music revenues surpassed $30 billion for the first time in 2025, marking the 11th consecutive year of growth. Revenue growth accelerated to 6.4%, driven by gains in Asia and strong performances in subscription streaming and physical formats.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) released its Global Report 2026 this week, detailing 2025's recorded music industry performance. Global revenues reached over $30 billion, up 6.4% from 2024's 4.7% growth, with subscription streaming accounting for more than half of total revenue. Paid subscribers rose to 837 million from 752 million the previous year. The United States held the top market position at 38.7% of revenues but grew only 3.3%, lagging behind faster-expanding markets like China, which overtook Germany as the fourth-largest with 20.1% growth, and others in Latin America such as Mexico (13.3%) and Brazil, which became the eighth-largest market ahead of Canada. Asia saw 10.9% growth, fueled by China's surge and Japan's rebound to 8.9% from a 0.2% decline. Physical formats outperformed digital, with 8% versus 7.7% growth; vinyl specifically increased 13.7%, aided by higher prices and multiple variants for superfans. Artists' revenue share edged up to 35.5% from 34.8%. Taylor Swift was named the top global artist for the fourth straight year, while Rosé and Bruno Mars' 'APT.' was the best-selling single. Concerns mounted over AI-generated 'deepfake' songs, with Sony Music requesting removal of over 135,000 tracks impersonating artists including Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and Queen. Dennis Kooker, Sony Music's president of global digital business & U.S. sales, stated, “In the worst cases, [the deepfakes] potentially damage a release campaign or tarnish the reputation of an artist.” He added, “They are taking advantage of the fact an artist is out there promoting their music.”
