Streaming makes up almost 80% of German music sales turning over €903.8 million in the first six months of 2021, an increase of 12.4% over the same period last year. This is according to figures released by the BVMI, Germany’s recorded music industry association. The strongest format on the market remains audio streaming, whose share of total sales is now 70.6% after further growth (+19.9 %). Downloads contribute only 3.3% to the total market after a further decline of 25.9%. The overall digital share in Germany is now 78.6%.
While CDs continued to decline in the physical sector as in most other countries (-16.4 %), vinyl once again experienced a real upswing in the first six months of 2021: a 49.5% increase in sales takes the record to a market share of almost 6% (5.9 %). Even though this brings vinyl closer to the CD (14.5 %), the format hierarchy in the physical sector remains unchanged. Overall, the physical business currently still generates a good fifth of total sales (21.4 %).
Dr. Florian Drücke, BVMI Chairman & CEO: “In the first half of 2021, the industry’s turnover grew by a significant 12.4%. The digitally generated share rose to almost 80%, which represents a new peak. The fact that in the analogue segment vinyl has even grown by around 50% in the last six months shows a special facet of our market. The half year figures once again demonstrate the innovative strength of the industry and the strategic foresight of our members, who, as partners of the artists, are continuously expanding the digital value-added possibilities. The dramatic impact of the Corona pandemic on the entire live sector once again illustrates the importance of digital business to many, but also shows how deeply affected certain sub-sectors of the music industry are currently by the pandemic.”
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