• ABOUT
    • Contact
    • The Team
    • FAQ
    • Use & Privacy Policy
  • ADVERTISE
  • ROWFAX
  • JOB LISTINGS
MusicRow.com
  • CALENDARS
    • Album/EP Releases
    • Single/Track Releases
    • Industry Events
  • OBITS
  • CHARTS
    • Radio Chart (Current)
    • Radio Chart (Archives)
    • No. 1 Challenge Coin
    • Songwriter Chart (Current)
    • Songwriter Chart (Archives)
  • REVIEWS
  • MY STORY
  • NEWSLETTER
    • Newsletter (Current)
    • Newsletter (Archives)
    • SIGN UP (FREE!)
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • STORE
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu

Global Music Business Revenues Fall Below $15 Billion, According to IFPI Report

April 14, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

IFPI_LogoGlobal music business revenues declined by .4 percent in 2014, dipping below $15 billion, according to data from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). The industry’s global revenues for 2014 brought in US$14.97 billion, down from US$15.03 billion in 2013.  In 1999, by contrast, the global industry generated approximately $26.6 billion in annual income.

The IFPI report released today also found that, for the first time, digital music services match those from physical format sales. Digital revenues rose 6.9 percent to US$6.9 billion (U.S.) in 2014, representing 46 percent of all global music sales. This matches the physical format, which also represented 46 percent of the market.

Subscription revenues continued its steep increase in revenues, climbing 39 percent, while download sales declined 8 percent. The number of paying users of subscription services rose 46.4 percent, up to an estimated 41 million. Subscription services now represent 23 percent of digital market and generate US$1.6 billion in trade revenues.

It is also important to note that in the reporting of IFPI’s 2014 global market data, SoundExchange revenues in the U.S. were reclassified from “performance rights” to “digital,” which has resulted in an upward adjustment of digital revenues and growth, and a corresponding downward adjustment in performance rights revenues and growth.

Physical sales still dominate in several key global markets, including Japan (78 percent), Germany (70 percent), and France (57 percent). Within the physical format, vinyl sales saw revenues increase 54.7 percent, accounting for two percent of global revenues.

According to the IFPI report,  performance rights income increased 8.3 percent and accounts for 6 percent of total industry revenues (US$948 million). Synch revenues increased 8.4 percent in 2014, representing two percent of the market. Synch found big gains in markets including France (up 46.6 percent), German (up 30.4 percent) and Japan (up 33.5 percent).

 Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, says: “The recorded music business has always led the way for creative industries in the digital world. That leadership continues today as the music industry’s digital revolution continues through new phases, driven by the consumer’s desire for access to, rather than ownership of, music. It is a reflection of how much we have adapted that digital revenues today are, for the first time, on a par with physical.

“The headline statistics of 2014 speak for themselves, with overall revenues still largely flat, down by 0.4 per cent. Music companies are charting a path to sustainable year-on-year growth. That path was never going to be straight, but we are making great strides along it, embracing new models, licensing, investing and improving consumer choice.”

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Jessica Nicholson
Jessica Nicholson
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.
Jessica Nicholson
Latest posts by Jessica Nicholson (see all)
  • CMA Honors Robert Deaton With Chairman’s Award - December 4, 2020
  • Nashville Symphony, Nashville Musicians Association Reach Agreement - December 4, 2020
  • Zach Williams’ “Chain Breaker” Is Most-Added On ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart - December 4, 2020
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Mail
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/10185113/IFPI_Logo.jpg 212 350 Jessica Nicholson https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png Jessica Nicholson2015-04-14 10:55:592015-04-14 10:55:59Global Music Business Revenues Fall Below $15 Billion, According to IFPI Report
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

RECENT NEWS

  • TAIT Acquires Gallagher Staging and Productions July 8, 2025
  • Kip Moore Extends ‘Solitary Tracks World Tour’ Into Fall July 8, 2025
  • Chris Young Kicks Off New Chapter With Latest LP ‘I Didn’t Come Here To Leave’ July 8, 2025
  • Lily Rose Plots ‘I Know What I Want Tour’ For Fall July 8, 2025
  • CMHOFM To Host Interview With Chris Hillman & Dwight Yoakam July 8, 2025
  • The Store To Host Second Annual School Store July 8, 2025
  • ACM Honors Announces Industry & Studio Award Winners, Ceremony To Be Held In August July 8, 2025
  • Chris LeDoux Days Wraps With ‘The Last Go Round’ After 15-Year Run July 8, 2025
  • Jon Sherwood Inks With UMPG Nashville July 8, 2025
  • EMG & HAYLO Sign Seth Alley To Joint Publishing Deal July 8, 2025

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Twitter

Tweets by MusicRow
© 2025 Music Row Enterprises, LLC - Enfold WordPress Theme by Kriesi
Website hosted by Nashville web design company, All My Web Needs.
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to X
  • Link to Instagram
Scroll to top