Germany had 178 Bn streams in 2022 according to figures by the BVMI from data compiled by GfK Entertainment. This was 8% more than 2021 (165 Bn), more than a quarter more than 2020 (139 Bn) and almost two thirds more than 2019, when 107 Bn views were achieved. In total, the number of audio streams since the start of recording in 2013 has now totalled over 800 Bn.
According to figures release, current music is the most popular era of streaming music: With a share of 47%, productions that have been released since 2020 accounted for almost half of the streamed volume last year. Just over a third (35%) came from tracks from the 2010s, followed by the 2000s (8%), 1990s (4%), 1980s and pre-1980 releases (3% each).
The pop segment (including pop international, pop in German-speaking countries, K-pop, etc.) is the most popular streaming genre, with a combined share of 28% in 2022. This was even slightly higher than for the CD (24%) and vinyl (27%) formats. The second most successful streaming repertoire is hip hop/rap, which generated almost a quarter of all views at 23%. Rock (14%) and dance (13%) came in second. Family also comes to 13% – and with an increase of 5 percentage points recorded the largest growth within five years.
In the physical market, on the other hand, rock (including Rock International, Rock in German-speaking countries, Metal) is ahead of Pop with a share of 30% (CD) and a strong 52% (Vinyl). Schlager productions have increased from 9 to 12% on CDs since 2017, while they play a rather subordinate role on records. Releases in the family (share: 16%) and classic (share: 6%) genres are also much more popular on CD. Jazz and hip-hop fans, on the other hand, are more likely to use vinyl.
Dr Florian Drücke , CEO of the BVMI said, “The measured usage behaviour and the fan preferences reflected as a result show that current music in the streaming area is clearly in the foreground. Fears that new music will have a harder time here due to the availability of any music that has ever been released are not confirmed. Instead, it becomes clear how great the variety of genres people listen to is, both in the streaming area and on physical recordings. However, this is not reflected in the music offered by the radio stations, as the Official German Airplay Charts show, in the Top 100 of 2022, unfortunately, e.g. BVMI. can’t find a single German-language title.”
