April 8, 2019

The report shows that the global recorded music market grew by 9.7% in 2018, the fourth consecutive year of growth, and total revenues for 2018 were 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.

IFPI says that record company-driven investment, innovation and partnerships are supporting artists to connect with fans around the world whilst also yielding dynamic growth in high-potential markets. For the fourth consecutive year, Latin America was the fastest-growing region (+16.8%) and Brazil (+15.4%) and Mexico (+14.7%) are 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%).

Key figures for 2018:

• 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%

To access the full report, click here.