Global Music Copyright Value Reaches $47.2 Billion in 2024 as Market Shifts Toward Domestic power
Global music copyright revenue climbed to a fresh high of $47.2 billion in 2024, driven by streaming growth and strong performance in key domestic markets. The increase of $2.3 billion from 2023 marks a 5.2% rise, even as the year signaled a transition away from pandemic-era boosts.
Industry analysis shows the headline number conceals how value is now captured across markets. the expansion is being propelled by three dynamics: the ongoing dominance of recorded music streams, a growing share captured by collective management organizations, and a smaller but notable direct publisher income stream.In total, recorded music produced about 61% of the revenue, CMOs about 29%, and direct publisher income roughly 10% of the whole.
What the numbers reveal about the structure of value
Over the decade, the three segments have grown at very different paces. CMOs expanded by about 50%, recorded music revenues nearly doubled, and direct publisher income surged by around 112%. These shifts underscore a broader trend: the value of copyright is increasingly shaped by how and where it is generated, not just by a single global figure.
The glocalisation effect: domestic strength drives global impact
Experts stress that the big figure masks a structural shift in who pockets the money. The “glocalisation” of copyright means more value is staying in local markets rather than flowing to international headquarters. In three illustrative markets-Denmark, Korea, and Brazil-local artists and labels have built significant domestic momentum that translates into outsized global visibility without the need for universal global hits.
Regional highlights that illustrate the trend
Denmark
Last year, 16 of the top 20 albums in Denmark were by Danish artists performing in Danish, despite the country’s small population. This showcases how a compact domestic market can sustain a large share of top-tier releases.
Korea and Japan
K-Pop’s dominance in Japan has blurred traditional genre boundaries. japan now hosts a large share of Korean-language acts, with streams driving rapid growth even as the genre’s global footprint evolves. Industry leaders note that the labels are increasingly coordinating cross-border strategies to capitalize on this momentum.
Brazil
Brazil demonstrates the extreme end of domestic strength. Top Brazilian artists dominate local charts, yet they frequently reach global playlists and charts, propelled entirely by local demand. this reinforces the idea that a domestic market can propel an artist onto the world stage without relying on global English-language or Spanish-language dominance.
AI music and the industry’s asymmetric risk
AI-generated music presents a dual challenge: it could expand consumer offerings and B2C revenues while potentially eroding B2B value in production music libraries. Industry observers caution that the redistribution of value may favor some segments and disadvantage others,depending on how licensing and content creation evolve with advancing AI tools.
Hidden value in unmeasured markets
Even with a record figure, experts warn that hundreds of millions remain uncounted due to gaps in measurement across global markets. China, now a major player in recorded music revenue, illustrates the scale of undercounting: analysts estimate a 15% share of Chinese rights could be owed to local publishers but is not fully captured in current tallies. expanding measurement is seen as a pathway to unlocking a larger portion of global copyright value.
Key takeaways at a glance
| Metric | 2024 Figure | Share of Total | 10-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total global music copyright revenue | $47.2 billion | – | Up 5.2% from 2023 |
| Recorded music revenues | $29.0 billion | 61% | +5% YoY |
| CMOs (collective management organizations) | $13.6 billion | ~29% | +8% YoY |
| Direct publisher income | $4.6 billion | ~10% | −1% YoY |
| Segment | 10-Year Growth (2014-2024) |
|---|---|
| CMOs | About +50% |
| Record labels | Approximately +100% |
| Direct publisher income | About +112% |
What this means for readers and the industry
The record total matters, but the real story is how countries harness local demand to reach global audiences. Domestic success now often translates into international influence without a conventional, language-dominated pipeline. That shift has implications for artists planning careers, for labels reorganizing global strategies, and for policymakers looking to measure and equitably compensate value across markets.
For broader context on global music ecosystems and market trends, industry authorities like IFPI provide ongoing analyses of streaming, publishing, and licensing across regions. Learn more from IFPI.
Evergreen insights: sustaining value in a changing landscape
- The rise of domestic market strength means artists can achieve global relevance from local origins. Expect more regionally rooted genres to break into worldwide playlists.
- Measurement enhancement is essential.As markets like China expand, better data will unlock previously uncounted value and recalibrate global estimates.
Engage with this shift
Two questions to ponder:
1) Will domestic-dominant artists continue to translate into global chart success, or will international reach become less critical in a more localized streaming era?
2) How should rights holders balance AI-driven value creation with potential disruption to traditional production and licensing models?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.If you found this analysis helpful, consider sharing it with fellow music industry readers.
Disclaimer: This analysis reflects industry observations and market dynamics; figures are based on the latest published data and are subject to revision as markets evolve.
