Good health to the music industry, thanks to streaming

According to the latest report from the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), global recorded music revenue was $31.7 billion in 2025, 6.4% higher than in 2024. 2025 Music Industry Market: $22 billion for streaming, $5.3 billion for physical media. This marks the 11th consecutive year of growth for the industry, following a decline that spanned two decades prior. Streaming was naturally at the heart of this success last year, with a market share worth 22 billion, but physical formats continue to climb as well, even if their revenue remains lower (5.3 billion). The illustration above (by Statista) shows how the transition to digital distribution halted the decline of the music industry and contributed to its resurgence over the years. We can therefore thank streaming, despite some drawbacks: notably the elimination of the sense of ownership over the music one pays for, and the ridiculously low (when not nonexistent) compensation of many independent artists.