The 83-page report, compiled with more than 50 spreadsheets, estimates that by 2032, the global recorded music market will generate approximately $110.8 billion, in its broadest scenario, which includes streaming (traditional and non-traditional), physical sales, synchronization rights, merchandising, concerts, and audiovisual licensing. In a more conservative scenario, excluding expanded rights, the figure would reach $51.2 billion. Furthermore, MIDiA highlights that growth will follow an oscillating dynamic, with years of strong growth interspersed with periods of slowdown, reflected in a 4.3% increase in 2024, less than in previous years.
The report also highlights a significant geographic shift: nearly four-fifths of streaming subscriber growth is coming from markets outside the West, with China consolidating its position as the world’s fourth-largest music market. This shift toward the Global South has driven strategies by major record labels, which are seeking to secure catalogs and emerging artists in these regions. Furthermore, the report warns of the growing impact of artificial intelligence: the proliferation of AI-generated music is already generating legal tensions, while platforms are adopting automatically generated content from different ethical perspectives. Overall, MIDiA defines the 2025-2032 period as one of “recalibration,” a decisive moment for restructuring business models, royalties, and hierarchies in the music industry.