Paid subscription streaming drives US recorded music revenues to new highs

Paid streaming grew by 5.7%

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released its Mid-Year 2025 US Recorded Music Revenue Report, reflecting a high of $5.6 billion across all formats as music continues to captivate American fans. Paid subscriptions continued to proliferate, with units growing 6.4% to end the period with 105 million accounts, and subscription revenues up 5.7% to $3.2 billion.

Beginning this year, RIAA figures are being reported on a wholesale basis. This practical shift with refreshed visuals more succinctly communicates recorded music’s value. This also aligns with international benchmarks like IFPI’s Global Music Report, enabling more consistent cross-market comparisons and highlighting the real dollars that flow back into the creative ecosystem.

“The number of paid subscriptions hit a historic milestone, surpassing 100 million accounts, while revenues from all formats reached $5.6 billion in the first half of 2025 – important markers that underscore music’s enduring value and demand for human artistry supported by record labels and collaborative partnerships,” says RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier.

Key takeaways include paid subscription revenues growing 5.7% to $3.2 billion, driven by US subscription accounts rising 6.4% year over year to 105 million; streaming continued to dominate with $4.68B in revenues, accounting for 84% of the market; vinyl held steady at $457 million, making up more than three-quarters of all physical music revenues following a nearly two-decade resurgence; and more vinyl was shipped than CDs for the fifth consecutive year.

“These numbers show a stable and sustainable foundation as music continues to be one of America’s strongest exports, with US artists accounting for one in three global streams – more than the next six countries combined. Aligning our reporting to international standards allows us to tell that story more clearly than ever,” shares RIAA VP of Research Matt Bass.

The US is the largest exporter of music. One in three streams globally is from American artists. American exports are more than the next six biggest countries combined, and America is only one of three countries with a trade surplus in music.