Germany’s recorded music revenues rose by 7.8% in 2024, driven by streaming growth and a vinyl resurgence.

Germany’s music scene is thriving, with the recorded music industry experiencing notable growth in 2024. According to the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI), revenues from sales and streams increased by 7.8%, reaching €2.38 billion (approximately $2.5 billion). This marks a significant milestone, as digital music revenues surpassed €2 billion for the first time in a country traditionally known for its strong physical sales.

Streaming continues to lead this digital surge. Audio streaming revenues grew by 12.6% last year, now constituting 78.1% of the total market value. This trend indicates a shift in how German listeners consume music, with more fans opting for the convenience and variety that streaming services offer. Dr. Florian Drücke, BVMI’s board chair, noted, “The clear double-digit sales growth in streaming shows that more and more fans want to share in the advantages that this type of music usage offers and are therefore taking out a subscription to one of the providers.”

Despite the digital dominance, physical formats still hold a place in German music culture. Overall physical sales experienced a decline of 7.4%; however, vinyl records defied this trend with a 9.4% increase in sales. This resurgence of vinyl suggests a continued appreciation for tangible music experiences among enthusiasts.

Another positive development is the strong performance of domestic artists. Dr. Drücke also pointed out that research by Luminate revealed that 43% of the 1,000 most-streamed tracks in Germany last year were by German artists. This statistic underscores the robust health of the local music scene and its resonance with listeners.

Music fans in Germany are enjoying a diverse and dynamic landscape. The blend of digital convenience and the nostalgic appeal of vinyl ensures that listeners have multiple avenues to explore and enjoy music. The prominence of local artists in streaming charts also means fans can easily discover and support homegrown talent.

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