Streaming in Australia grew by 35% during the first half of 2018 according to ARIA, the Australian Recording Industry Association. Australia’s music sales jumped 6% in the first half of 2018 continuing to show the market’s return to growth for a fourth year running.
In 2017, Australia’s music industry recorded its highest annual growth in over 20 years, with recorded music industry tracking a 10.5% increase in value to A$391 million.
For the first half of 2018 total music sales grew by 6% to A$195.6 million compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, digital sales jumped 14.2% to A$162.5 million.
The half year figures show a 31.9% jump in ad-supported streaming revenue to A$12.7 million, while subscription sales are up 35.1% to A$105 million.
Sales from digital tracks and albums are down 31.8% and 36% respectively. The consumer uptake of streaming services is the main driver for Australia’s recorded music growth. In 2016, streaming revenue accounted for 38% of ARIA’s sales and in 2017 it accounted for 54% of the overall market, bringing in A$213 million.
In the first half of 2018, streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play account for 67% of ARIA’s sales.
