Facts & Research

The recording industry is a dynamic and highly creative industry whose work depends on copyright. The core mission of record companies is to discover, nurture and promote artists. Record labels bring together teams with the experience, expertise and dedication to help artists take their music to the widest audience. Record companies are the primary investors in the careers of musicians.

Key Findings

• In 2013 alone, the industry invested $4.3 billion USD worldwide in artists, marketing and promotion.
• That $4.3 billion represents 27% of total recorded music industry revenues, an increase from the 26% invested in 2011.
• From 2009–2013, IFPI estimates that record labels have invested over $20 billion in artists and marketing.
• In 2013, the three major record companies alone had an estimated 7,500 artists on their rosters. Tens of thousands more are signed to independent labels.

Source: International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Worldwide Independent Network (WIN)