Angela Ndambuki - Regional Director Sub-Saharan Africa at IFPI
Global recorded music revenues grew by 6.4% to reach $31.7 billion in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth, according to data released today by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
The organisation’s annualGlobal Music Report 2026 shows revenue growth across all regions, with paid streaming subscriptions continuing to serve as the primary driver. Streaming revenue increased by 8.8% and now accounts for 52.4% of global recorded music income. There are now 837 million users of paid streaming subscription accounts worldwide.
Total streaming revenues across all formats surpassed $22 billion, representing 69.6% of global recorded music revenue. Physical formats returned to growth with an 8.0% increase, driven by vinyl which rose 13.7% for its 19th consecutive year of growth. Performance rights revenues reached $2.9 billion, growing 0.3% for the fifth successive year.
The report also addresses industry challenges, including streaming fraud, which IFPI describes as “an increasing threat.” The organisation states that artificially generated plays for manipulated or fake content are siphoning revenue away from legitimate rights holders and calls for action across the streaming value chain.
On artificial intelligence, IFPI notes that record companies are actively engaging in developing licensing models to generate revenue opportunities for artists. The organisation states the goal is to build an ecosystem where AI and human artistry can coexist.
“Great music from incredible artists, aided by record company partnerships and investment, is driving global growth with more people than ever before paying to engage with it on paid streaming services worldwide,” said Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI. “Importantly, this growth means even greater financial returns for artists and reinvestment into an increasingly broad range of music communities worldwide.”
Great Music From Incredible Artists, Aided By Record Company Partnerships And Investment, Is Driving Global Growth With More People Than Ever Before Paying To Engage With It On Paid Streaming Services Worldwide
Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI
Oakley added that the music community must take action against streaming fraud, describing it as “theft, plain and simple.” She called on streaming services, content aggregators, and distributors to take decisive action.
Sub-Saharan Africa recorded music revenues grew by 15.2% to reach $120 million, outpacing the global growth rate. South Africa remained the largest market in the region, accounting for 78.1% of regional revenues following 12.9% growth in 2025.
Angela Ndambuki, Regional Director Sub-Saharan Africa at IFPI, commented on the regional performance.
“The latest data from IFPI Global Music Report 2026 confirms what many of us across the industry have been working towards. Sub-Saharan Africa’s recorded music sector is not only growing, but maturing,” Ndambuki said.
The Latest Data From IFPI Global Music Report 2026 Confirms What Many Of Us Across The Industry Have Been Working Towards. Sub-Saharan Africa’s Recorded Music Sector Is Not Only Growing, But Maturing
Angela Ndambuki, Regional Director Sub-Saharan Africa at IFPI
She noted that the region’s 15.2% growth places it joint second-fastest globally alongside MENA, slightly behind Latin America’s 17.1%. Ndambuki attributed the momentum to the global rise of African artists, deeper digital penetration, and increased adoption of licensed streaming services.
“This is not just growth in numbers. It signals the steady transition toward a more structured, investable, and sustainable music economy across our markets,” she stated.
Ndambuki identified critical areas requiring attention for the next phase of growth, including artificial intelligence frameworks, streaming fraud prevention, and monetisation gaps in performance rights and emerging digital uses.
“For Africa, the opportunity is clear: to convert growth into lasting value for creators, to strengthen market structures and rights frameworks, and to position the region as a significant contributor to the global music economy,” she added. “The trajectory is strong. The responsibility now is to sustain it, deliberately and collaboratively.”
At the IFPI Global Music Report 2026 launch event, industry leaders emphasized that the future of music lies at the intersection of creativity and technology.
Samira Leitmannstetter, SVP Marketing EMEA at Warner Music, highlighted the growing energy in Africa and the wider EMEA region. She noted that diverse local talent is breaking through internationally and that the biggest challenge for artists is staying culturally relevant while translating their stories for global audiences.
Domestic repertoire continues to be a key driver of growth. Leitmannstetter also stressed the importance of multi-market strategies, with labels tracking viral moments and designing campaigns to bring artists to both local and international audiences.
The launch also explored the role of technology and artificial intelligence in the music ecosystem. Industry executives, including IFPI CEO, said AI partnerships are creating licensing opportunities while maintaining artists’ creative control.
Music consumption is becoming more fluid and genre-agnostic, with audiences drawn to storytelling and emotional resonance. Paid subscriptions continue to drive royalty growth, supported by a vibrant licensing marketplace. Technology remains a major driver of engagement and global expansion.
Regional Performance Overview
All global regions recorded revenue growth in 2025, with four regions posting double-digit increases. Latin America was the fastest growing region, with revenues up 17.1%.
USA & Canada +3.5%: The world’s largest recorded music region added more than $400 million in revenue and holds a 38.7% share of global revenues. The U.S. market grew 3.3%, while Canada grew 5.6% and ranks as the ninth largest global market.
Europe +5.6%: The second largest region added more than $500 million in revenue and accounts for 30.4% of global revenues. The UK grew 4.8%, Germany grew 1.7%, and France grew 3.7%.
Asia +10.9%: The region returned to double-digit growth and remains the largest market for physical revenues, accounting for 45.1% of global physical sales. Japan, the world’s second largest market, grew 8.9%. China overtook Germany to become the fourth largest global market with growth of 20.1%.
Latin America +17.1%: The region recorded its 16th consecutive year of growth. Streaming accounts for 88.1% of regional revenues. Brazil grew 14.1% to become the eighth largest global market. Mexico grew 13.3% and climbed to tenth place.
Australasia +1.5%: Regional revenues reached $623 million. Australia grew 1.2% and ranks 13th globally. New Zealand grew 3.0% and contributes 15.2% of regional revenues.
MENA +15.2%: The Middle East and North Africa region recorded joint second-fastest growth globally alongside Sub-Saharan Africa. Streaming dominates the region, accounting for 97.5% of total revenues.
Sub-Saharan Africa +15.2%: The region recorded joint second-fastest growth globally with revenues reaching $120 million. South Africa remains the largest market, accounting for 78.1% of regional revenues following 12.9% growth.
The Global Music Report 2026 draws on data supplied directly by record companies worldwide, offering what IFPI describes as the definitive snapshot of an industry adapting to technological and cultural change.
