French music industry grows 5.4% in 2019 with streaming now making up 59% of sales according to a recent report by SNEP, the French music industry association. After 3 years of modest growth an 18.5% increase in streaming subscriptions helped the industry grow to €772 million in 2019.
The number of subscriptions increased significantly (+1.7 million) and crossed the 10% mark for the first time in 2019. Helped by family subscription offers, 9.4 million French people now listen to music via paid streaming. Premium subscriptions were up 18.5% and now generate nearly 80% of streaming revenue, and almost half (46%) of total sales.
Since 2016, the production of recorded music has returned to growth but the 2019 market is barely catching up to the level of 10 years ago and still represents only 44% of that of 2002. Physical sales continue to occupy a significant place in France, thanks to the power and diversity of a network of more than 4,000 retail outlets and the continuing popularity of vinyl.
Local music continues to be popular in France with 19 of the 20 best selling albums being locally produced and also in French. This is also reflected in the Top 200 where 80% of albums are locally produced.
SNEP remarked on the vitality of the French music industry with the emergence of new artists with 46 young talents having a first album in the Top 200 during the year. Urban music (rap, hip hop and R&B) continued its popularity during the year with the genre representing 44% of the Top 200.
Alexandre Lasch, Director General of SNEP, comments, “These promising results are the fruit of the talent of the artists, combined with the work of the producers. The labels have rethought their missions, they have developed new tools and new expertise: one third of the labels’ workforce today work in jobs that did not exist 5 years ago.”
The full report (in French) can be downloaded here.
