Latin music keeps steadily rising in the US market
Latin music continues to outpace the wider US market, driven by streaming and cultural influence.
Latin music continues to grow faster than the overall recorded-music market in the US, showing no signs of slowing down. According to the latest mid-year report from the RIAA, Latin music revenues reached $490.3 million in the first half of 2025, a 5.9% increase compared to the same period last year. As Music Ally notes, by contrast, the wider US music market only grew by 0.9% over the same timeframe.
Over the past five years, Latin music has steadily increased its share of the US market. It now accounts for 8.8% of all recorded-music revenue, up from 5.2% in 2020. This growth highlights the genre’s growing influence and the increasing appetite for Latin sounds among listeners across the country.
As expected, streaming remains the driving force behind this growth – which mirrors this same situation this time last year. In the first half of 2025, 98% of Latin music revenue came from streaming services, with paid streaming up 11.2%. Although growth has slightly slowed compared to the 7% increase reported in the first half of 2024, this marks the 12th consecutive year of mid-year revenue growth for Latin music.
Part of this continued popularity can be traced to major artists and cultural moments. Bad Bunny, for example, is set to headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, a move that has sparked debate online. Some fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the choice, claiming that the artist does not represent American values. However, it shows how Latin artists are reaching mainstream audiences while reflecting the strong influence of Latin American culture in the US.
The genre’s rise isn’t limited to individual artists. Curated playlists, such as Spotify’s Viva Latino, celebrate the decade-long influence of Latin music and help fans discover new tracks. With playlists like these gaining millions of followers, Latin tracks are reaching audiences far beyond their traditional markets.
As Latin music continues its upward trajectory, the genre offers exciting opportunities for artists and labels. Whether through streaming, playlist placements, or live performances, there’s a growing platform for Latin sounds to reach global audiences.