Global music growth in 2018 driven by streaming with total revenues up by 9.7% according to figures compiled by IFPI in their IFPI Global Music Report 2019. This was fourth consecutive year of growth with total revenues for 2018 of US$19.1 billion.
Streaming revenue grew by 34.0% and accounted for almost half (47%) of global revenue, driven by a 32.9% increase in paid subscription streaming. There were 255 million users of paid streaming services at the end of 2018 accounting for 37% of total recorded music revenue. Growth in streaming more than offset a 10.1% decline in physical revenue and a 21.2% decline in download revenue.
For the fourth consecutive year, Latin America was the fastest-growing region (+16.8%) with Brazil (+15.4%) and Mexico (+14.7%) growing strongly. The Asia and Australasia region (+11.7%) grew to become the second-largest region for combined physical and digital revenue, with especially strong growth in South Korea (+17.9%).
Global Music in numbers
- Total Revenue: US$19.1 billion
- Global revenue growth: +9.7%
- Streaming revenue is 46.8% of global total
- Growth in paid streaming revenues: +32.9%
- Physical revenues: -10.1%
- Download revenue: -21.2%
Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, said: “Last year represented the fourth consecutive year of growth, driven by great music from incredible artists in partnership with talented, passionate people in record companies around the world. Record companies continue their investment in artists, people and innovation both in established markets and developing regions that are increasingly benefitting from being part of today’s global music landscape.”
“As music markets continue to develop and evolve, it is imperative that the appropriate legal and business infrastructure is in place to ensure that music is fairly valued, and that the revenues are returned to rights holders to support the next cycle of development. We continue to work for the respect and recognition of music copyright around the world, and for the resolution of the value gap by establishing a level playing field for negotiating a fair deal for those who create music. Above all, we are working to ensure that music continues its exciting, global journey.”
The Global Music Report 2019: State of the Industry Report is available as a free download here.
A version containing full data and analysis – Global Music Report 2019: Full Report can be purchased here.
