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6.9% Growth Outpaces US Inflation as Streaming, Physical and Sync Revenues Rise
Paid Subscriptions Generate $3.4 Billion in First Half of 2026
The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) today announced that US recorded music revenues for the first half of 2026 were up 6.9% from the first half of 2025 and outpaced inflation, with growth across every major revenue category as streaming, physical formats and sync all posted gains. Accounting for 82% of total revenue at $4.9 billion, streaming remained the largest driver – powered by paid subscriptions. Double-digit growth in vinyl, CDs and sync licensing underscores the breadth of ways artists connect with fans in an increasingly varied and dynamic market.
VIEW HERE: RIAA 2026 Mid-Year Recorded Music Revenue Report
2026 H1 Key Takeaways:
- US recorded music revenue reached $6B in the first half of 2026, up 6.9% and outpacing US inflation
- Every major revenue category grew, reflecting a healthy and increasingly diversified marketplace
- Streaming generated $4.9B, up 4.7%, and remained the largest source of recorded music revenue
- Paid subscriptions reached $3.4B, up 6.4%, continuing to power streaming growth
- Free streaming reached $900M, up 3.7%
- Physical revenues jumped 25.9%, powered by 17.7% vinyl growth and a 58.6% increase in CDs
- Sync licensing grew 18.2% to $232M, emphasizing music’s continued value across film, television, advertising and digital media
“The power of music, amplified from earbuds to basement listening parties to World Cup playlists across the US, is reflected not only in its cultural significance but also in the $6 billion revenue documented in RIAA’s Mid-Year Recorded Music Revenue Report. These results point to a healthy, diversified marketplace supporting continued investment in artists and new ways for audiences to experience music,” said RIAA VP of Research Matt Bass.
Growth across streaming, subscriptions, sync and physical formats reflects not simply more consumption but continued fan excitement with different ways to experience music across an increasingly varied marketplace.
“As US music revenues continue to grow across formats, labels are strengthening connections between artists, fans and the platforms delivering creative work,” RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier said. “That partnership is driving engagement in new and expanding ways to create opportunities that will lift up the entire music community for years to come.”
The RIAA 2026 Mid-Year Recorded Music Revenue Report captures strong growth, a diversifying marketplace and increasing opportunities for artists to reach and inspire their fans. As consumers and creators navigate new technologies and music experiences, the music community’s focus on transparency and protecting human artistry including initiatives like labeling of AI music remains essential for long-term success.
Revenue Category Definitions:
- Paid Subscriptions (Premium): Premium-tier subscription services providing unlimited, on-demand access to music, paid under either trial or full subscription plans.
- Paid Subscriptions (Non-Premium): Music subscription services with limited interactivity (e.g., device, catalog, or on-demand restrictions) or bundled within broader offerings where music is not the primary service, such as fitness apps. Includes paid trials and full subscriptions.
- Free Streaming (formerly “On-Demand Streaming – Ad-Supported”): Ad-supported audio and music video services that do not operate under statutory licenses. Includes social media platforms (including ad-supported VOD and UGC), and free-tier audio subscription services delivered online or via mobile networks.
- Other Streaming (New in 2025): Combination of “SoundExchange Distributions” and “Other Ad-Supported Streaming” from previous reports. Estimated payments to performers and copyright holders for digital and customized radio services operating under statutory licenses, including SoundExchange distributions and similar direct deals.
- Single Downloads: Permanent single-track digital downloads.
- Album Downloads: Permanent full-album digital downloads.
- Ringtones & Ringbacks: Includes master ringtones and ringbacks. Prior to 2013, also included music videos, full-length downloads, and other mobile products.
- Other Digital: Digital music licensing revenues from kiosks, music video downloads, digital jukeboxes, and embedded services (e.g., in-flight entertainment).
- Vinyl: Full-length vinyl albums, including direct and special market sales.
- CD: Full-length compact disc albums, including direct and special market sales.
- Other Physical: Physical music formats other than standard vinyl and CD albums, including CD singles, DVDs, Blu-ray music videos, cassettes, MiniDiscs, SACD, DVD-Audio, and other formats.
- Synchronization: Flat fees or royalties derived from licensing sound recordings for use in television, advertising, film, video games, and other audiovisual productions.