Image credit: ICMP

The first study of its kind has revealed rocketing music publishing revenues as the global publishing landscape evolves.

The “first-ever international music publishing markets analysis” is here. The ICMP (International Confederation of Music Publishers) have collected data from the biggest music publishing companies in 16 top markets around the world.

One of the headlines from the study is that these sixteen major markets made more than $11 billion in annual revenues. With China and India not included in the list, it’s a stunning indictment on global music publishing earnings.

The 16 markets included in the study are: U.S.A., U.K., France, Japan, Germany, Australia, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Canada, Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, and Hong Kong.

Interestingly, the ICMP found that digital publishing revenues now make up the largest category of publishing income in these major markets. Broadcast and performance have long made up the majority of music publishing revenues, but the ICMP reports that digital music now makes up 47.1% of the publishing revenues across the 16 markets analysed.

Non-digital performance made the second largest category of publishing revenues. These are revenues earned from songs played at concerts, on the radio, and in shops. This is still a significant source of publishing income but at 21.5% in these 16 markets digital has surpassed it by far.

Sync royalties are close behind, earning 20.2% of the total. These earnings come from the use of music in films, TV shows, games, and adverts. Sync revenues were particularly significant in the U.S. where they made up 23.5% of total publishing revenues.

Image credit: ICMP

Warner Chappell’s Music Senior Vice President of Global Society Relations & Digital Rights, Daniel Lang said: “Having access to comprehensive data like this, which offers clear insights into market sizing and the overall health of the global publishing sector, has never been more important, highlighting the value derived from initiatives supported by both international and national trade bodies.

“We have worked hard over the last few years to deliver significant improvements in business practices, working to nurture a relationship of trust, efficiency and transparency between us as publishers, trade bodies and collecting societies, with the aim of developing and strengthening the international music publishing market.”

You can view all of the data, including the breakdown of specific markets, at the ICMP’s website here: https://icmpmusicmpma.komi.io/?ref=completemusicupdate.com