The biggest music industry news | December 2024
More AI-powered tools, historic chart debuts, and major moves from Spotify, Universal, and Wham!. Plus, a landmark acquisition, big screen adaptations, and the latest in streaming trends.
TikTok faces deadline to sell or risk a ban in the US
A U.S. federal appeals court upheld a ruling requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its U.S. operations by January 2025 or face a nationwide ban. The decision stems from national security concerns over TikTok’s data practices and its ties to the Chinese government. ByteDance is likely to appeal.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour breaks multiple records
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concluded with 149 shows across five continents, grossing over $2 billion and attracting more than 10 million fans, making it the highest-grossing tour in history. The tour also set records for the largest attendance at a single concert in Australia and the longest run of sold-out shows by a female artist at Wembley Stadium.
YouTube expands AI auto-dubbing to more creators
YouTube has extended its AI-powered auto-dubbing feature to hundreds of thousands of creators, enabling automatic translation and dubbing of videos into multiple languages. This expansion aims to help creators reach a global audience by breaking language barriers.
RouteNote team selects top records of 2024
The RouteNote team has curated a list of standout albums from 2024, featuring releases from artists like The Cure, JPEGMAFIA, and KAYTRANADA. Each team member shares personal insights into the records that defined their year, offering a diverse musical journey through the past twelve months.
YouTube’s AI tools boost creativity and viewership in 2024
In 2024, YouTube introduced nine AI-powered tools designed to enhance both creator output and user engagement. Features like AI-generated video summaries, auto-dubbing for multiple languages, and the Inspiration Tab for content ideas have streamlined the creative process and expanded audience reach.
iHeartRadio unveils major app redesign with new features
iHeartRadio has launched its first significant app redesign since 2011, introducing features like custom presets, a scan button for discovering new stations, and live lyrics. This update aims to merge the simplicity of traditional car radio with modern streaming capabilities, enhancing user experience and accessibility.
Universal’s Virgin Music Group to acquire Downtown Music for $775 million
Universal Music Group’s Virgin Music Group is set to acquire Downtown Music Holdings in a deal valued at $775 million. This strategic acquisition will significantly expand Virgin’s global presence, bolstering its music services and artist offerings. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, but it has raised concerns from independent music groups about the growing consolidation in the industry and its impact on indie artists.
Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ makes history with second UK Christmas Number 1
Wham!’s iconic holiday hit “Last Christmas” has claimed the UK Christmas Number 1 for the second year in a row, making history as the first song to achieve this feat. The track, originally released in 1984, topped the chart once again after its 40th anniversary reissue.
Spotify Wrapped 2024 is here with an AI-powered twist
Spotify Wrapped 2024 is live, offering users a personalised look back at their top songs, artists, and genres of the year. This year, the experience is enhanced with an AI-powered podcast that provides an even deeper, customised reflection of your listening habits.
‘Wicked’ Soundtrack Debuts at Historic No. 2 on Billboard 200
The ‘Wicked’ film soundtrack has made a remarkable debut, entering the Billboard 200 chart at No. 2 – the highest debut for a stage-to-screen musical since the chart’s inception in 1956. This achievement underscores the film’s significant impact on both the music and film industries.