South Africa dominates the sub-Saharan music market with 78.1% share

According to IFPI, the organization representing the recording industry worldwide, global recorded music revenues are expected to increase by 6.4% in 2025, marking their eleventh consecutive year of growth, reaching $31.7 billion.

This strong performance underlines the growing global influence of African artists, expanding digital reach and growing consumer consumption of licensed streaming services in key markets.

The figures released in IFPI's Global Music Report 2026 demonstrate how the continued work and investment of record companies and their partnerships with artists around the world is driving positive market growth – with growth being seen in every sector.

Engagement with paid streaming services is once again the key driver, with revenues from this format growing 8.8% and accounting for 52.4% of global revenues. Paid streaming subscription accounts now have 837 million users.

Record companies lead the way with AI

Companies of record are at the forefront of next-generation AI innovation. The report details their active involvement in the development of a music licensing model to generate revenue opportunities for artists – aiming to create an ecosystem where AI and human artistry thrive together.

A strong, industry-wide response to streaming fraud

The music industry faces a growing threat from streaming fraud. By artificially generating plays for manipulated or fake content, bad actors are siphoning off vital revenue from artists and others who power the music economy. While record companies are taking stronger action, they are calling on organizations at every stage of the streaming value chain to take proactive steps to prevent, detect and take action against fraudulent activity.

Angela Ndambuki, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at IFPI, said: “Sub-Saharan Africa's growth of 15.2% to $120 million reflects a sustained and powerful upward trajectory for the region's recorded music industry. This builds on several years of strong performance and highlights the combined impact of record company investment, the growing global influence of African artists and the growing acceptance of licensed streaming services in our markets. It's not just growth It is the continued development of a more structured and sustainable music economy.

“As we look ahead, innovation will shape the next phase of this journey. AI presents exciting opportunities to expand creativity and unlock new revenue streams, but it must be embedded in strong copyright frameworks that protect artists and ensure fair remuneration. At the same time, addressing challenges such as streaming fraud and gaps in monetization will be critical to protecting the value of music and ensuring that this development translates into sustainable benefits for creators across the region.” Be transformed.”

Commenting on the release of the report, Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI, said: “Great music from incredible artists, backed by record company partnerships and investment, is driving global growth – with more people than ever paying to engage with it on paid streaming services around the world.

“Importantly, this growth means even greater financial returns for artists and reinvestment into an increasingly broad range of music communities around the world.

“Music is embracing the future, demonstrated by the record company's partnerships with generative AI developers who respect the rights of creators. They are partners who explore how technology can be used to support and enhance creativity, not replace it. We are asking policymakers to support this work while maintaining the copyright laws that are the foundation for this progress.

“The entire music community must take action to combat the threats facing our industry. Streaming fraud is theft, plain and simple. Organizations with the data, scale, and leverage must take decisive action to stop this fraudulent activity, including streaming services, content aggregators, and distributors.”

Recorded Music Revenue Formats (Global):

• Total streaming revenues exceed $22 billion and account for 69.6% of global recorded music revenues,
• Paid subscription streaming grew by 8.8% and contributed 52.4% to total revenues.
• Physical formats returned to growth, with revenues up 8.0%, marking their 19th consecutive year of growth, driven by enduring fan demand for authentic music experiences and a 13.7% increase in vinyl.
• Performance rights revenues are set to reach $2.9 billion in 2025 and increase by 0.3% – the fifth consecutive year of revenue growth.

Development in regions of the world:

Every region recorded growth in music revenues in 2025, and four of them recorded double-digit gains. Latin America was the fastest growing region with a growth of 17.1% by 2025.

USA and Canada +3.5%

The world's largest recorded music sector is projected to grow revenues by 3.5% in 2025, accounting for 38.7% of global revenues and adding more than US$400 million to global revenues. The USA, the world's largest recorded music market, recorded growth of 3.3%. Canada, which dropped one ranking to the ninth-largest market in 2025, saw revenue growth of 5.6%.

Europe +5.6%

Europe retained its position as the second largest region and is projected to grow revenues by 5.6% in 2025. Europe recorded the second highest revenue growth among all regions and added more than US$500 million and accounted for 30.4% of global revenues. The region's three largest markets posted revenue growth in 2025: the UK (+4.8%), Germany (+1.7%) and France (+3.7%).

Asia +10.9%

Asia saw a strong recovery in growth in 2025, with double-digit growth of 10.9% in 2025. The region maintained its position as the largest for physical revenues and will account for 45.1% of global physical revenues in 2025. The world's second-largest market, Japan, returned to growth (+8.9%) in 2025, while China overtook Germany to become the fourth-largest global market with strong revenue growth. 20.1%, the fastest growing market in the top 20.

Latin America +17.1%

Latin America continued its double-digit growth path in 2025, expanding by 17.1% in 2025, marking the 16th consecutive year of growth for the region. Streaming was the major driver and accounted for 88.1% of recorded music revenues in the region.

Brazil grew by 14.1% resulting in the market moving up one spot in the global ranking to #8, and Mexico grew revenues by 13.3%. Mexico became the 10th largest recorded music market.

Australia +1.5%

Recorded music revenues in the region are expected to reach $623 million and grow by 1.5% in 2025. Australia increased revenue by 1.2%, although fell two places in the global ranking to #13. New Zealand increased recorded music revenues by 3.0% and contributed 15.2% to the region's revenues.

MENA +15.2%

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) was the joint second fastest growing region and recorded a 15.2% increase in music revenues in 2025. Streaming dominated this segment and accounted for 97.5% of the revenue total.

Based on data supplied directly by record companies around the world, the Global Music Report 2026 offers the definitive snapshot of an industry that is evolving while embracing profound technological and cultural change, demonstrating that in an age of change, music remains one of the most dynamic and globally connected creative sectors.

Full report available Here