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Global Music Industry Sustains Growth, Signalling Evolving Consumer Engagement
The global recorded music industry achieved its eleventh consecutive year of revenue growth in 2025, reaching $31.7 billion. This sustained expansion, driven primarily by streaming, highlights robust consumer demand and evolving content consumption patterns worldwide.
What Happened
- •Global recorded music revenues increased by 6.4% in 2025, reaching a total of $31.7 billion.
- •This marks the eleventh consecutive year of growth for the international music sector.
- •The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) released these top-line figures on 18 March 2026.
- •The growth indicates continued strength in consumer engagement with recorded music content.
- •Streaming services remain the primary driver of this revenue expansion.
Why It Matters for NZ Marketers
- •NZ marketers can leverage the sustained growth in music consumption to inform content strategies and audience targeting.
- •Increased global revenues suggest a healthy market for local artists and music-related brand partnerships within New Zealand.
- •The dominance of streaming reinforces the importance of digital platforms for reaching NZ audiences, particularly younger demographics.
- •This trend provides opportunities for brands to integrate into music culture through sponsorships, playlists, and artist collaborations relevant to the NZ market.
- •Understanding global music trends helps anticipate shifts in NZ consumer behaviour regarding entertainment and media spend.
Strategic Implications
- •Prioritise digital-first content strategies that align with streaming consumption habits.
- •Explore brand integration opportunities within music platforms and with local New Zealand artists.
- •Develop marketing campaigns that tap into the emotional connection consumers have with music to enhance brand affinity.
- •Utilise data from streaming platforms to gain deeper insights into audience preferences and behaviours.
- •Consider music licensing for advertising and content creation, recognising its increasing value and reach.
Future Trend Signals
- •Continued diversification of revenue streams within the music industry beyond traditional sales.
- •Further innovation in streaming technologies and interactive music experiences.
- •Increased focus on user-generated content and creator economy models within music platforms.
- •The growing importance of personalised music discovery and algorithmic recommendations in consumer engagement.
Sources
Editorial note: This analysis is original, AI-assisted editorial content. All source material is attributed with links. No full articles are reproduced. Short excerpts are used under fair dealing principles.
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