"A good year" - MIDiA Research on the 2025 music market and "expanded rights"

"The fan economy has fast become a central part of the recorded music business, from the global success of K-pop, through indie sales on Bandcamp, to major label D2C strategy."

"Global recorded music revenue was $39.5 billion. Two metrics show the financial impact of expanded rights income: 2025 market growth EXCLUDING expanded rights: 7.7% and 2025 market growth INCLUDING expanded rights: 9.4%. Measuring that category apart from all other moneymaking activity provides an eye-popping year-over-year growth of 21.5% in expanded rights."

The global recorded music industry generated $39.5 billion in revenue during 2025, marking a strong year for the sector. A significant driver of growth is the fan economy, which encompasses listener spending on live events, merchandise, and direct artist support. Expanded rights income—including direct-to-consumer strategies, merchandise sales, and fan engagement activities—contributed substantially to industry expansion. Without expanded rights, market growth reached 7.7%, but including this category increased growth to 9.4%. Most notably, expanded rights alone demonstrated exceptional performance with 21.5% year-over-year growth. This category has become integral to the recorded music business, spanning K-pop's global success, independent artist sales on platforms like Bandcamp, and major label direct-to-consumer initiatives.

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