Solid Growth, Strong Position
The new Music in the EU 2025 report published by IFPI shows recorded music revenues across the European Union reached €5.7Bn in the latest period, up 9.1% compared to the same period last year.
That growth rate outpaced the US and exceeded the combined gains of the US, China, and Brazil. The EU now makes up more than one-fifth of global revenues, underlining its role as a growth engine for the industry.
Streaming Is the Growth Engine
Paid streaming remains the primary driver — the report says 77.4% of the EU’s revenue growth came from subscription streaming.
The report attributes this rise to more subscribers and price increases by streaming services.
Domestic Artists & Market Shares
Europe’s artists are holding their own. In EU countries, domestic artists appear more often in their own national Top 10 charts compared to global averages.
This national strength contrasts with some global trends where US exports dominate.
Also noteworthy: record labels invested heavily into A&R and marketing worldwide in 2024 — about US$8.1Bn(roughly €7.5Bn), which represented around 30% of their revenue.
Challenges & Gaps
- Low subscription penetration: the EU’s streaming user base is not yet as deep as in leading markets, leaving room for growth.
- Policy & copyright pressures: the report pushes for clearer laws, especially around AI and digital rights, to ensure creators’ long-term sustainability.
- Expansion & equity: many EU markets lag behind Western Europe’s streaming adoption levels — growth may not be uniform.
What It Means for Listeners
- More investment in streaming will continue to boost catalogue depth, audio quality, and personalisation tools.
- Local artists will likely get more prominence in home markets — good for listeners seeking national voices.
- As EU subscriber bases grow, pricing, bundling, and service differentiation could become more competitive.
Bottom Line
IFPI’s Music in the EU 2025 paints an optimistic picture: Europe is growing fast in recorded music, largely powered by paid streaming and bolstered by strong domestic talent. But challenges remain: expanding user reach, aligning regulatory frameworks, and navigating an AI-driven future will be key to sustaining momentum.
The full report can be obtained here – Music in the EU 2025 report (PDF).
