Estimates suggest that Apple Music had 93 million subscribers worldwide in June 2023, up by five million from the previous year. Launched in 2015 by U.S. tech giant Apple, Apple Music is the second largest music streaming service worldwide, competing with market leader Spotify. Spotify remains market leader While Apple Music is a popular music streaming platform, accounting for 19 percent of subscribers worldwide, the 2008 founded streaming service Spotify remains the market leader with a subscriber share of 35 percent. Financially this meant that the Swedish company generated a global revenue of 1.7 billion euros only through its Premium accounts in the third quarter of 2020. Music streaming overall increasesOverall, music streaming has experienced significant growth over the last decade. From 2018 to 2019 alone music streaming revenue grew by 22.9 percent becoming the music industry’s main revenue driver, reaching a revenue of 11.4 billion U.S. dollars worldwide in 2019. With the coronavirus pandemic, the growing digital music consumption was estimated to increase even further in 2020 and 2021.

Introduction

Apple Music Statistics: Apple Music was instituted in 2015 and has earned itself one of the fastest-growing music streaming platforms in the world. By the year 2024, it will be strongly placed in the fields of the industry due to a great library of songs, features, and increasing subscribers.

This article examines the most important Apple Music statistics and events to comprehensively highlight its influence and growth.

According to a study held between the third and fourth quarters of 2018, 38 percent of surveyed internet users in the APAC countries (excluding China) had an paid Apple Music subscription, compared to just 59 percent of respondents in North America. The majority of users worldwide used Apple Music for free, however the majority of North Americans had a premium account.

In the third quarter of 2023, 31.7 percent of music streaming subscribers worldwide had a subscription with Spotify, more than double the share who were subscribed to the second-ranked Tencent Music. Other services in the list included Apple Music, Amazon, and YouTube. Beyond Spotify – other streaming services Spotify may be the biggest music streaming service in the world, but despite its arguably immense popularity and impressive number of subscribers, it hasn’t achieved global domination just yet. French service Deezer has more than tripled its worldwide subscriber base in the last few years, and although its subscriber numbers don’t come close to Spotify’s, Deezer’s growth goes to show that Spotify hasn’t quite won the hearts of every music streaming fans out there. Another popular streaming service used worldwide is Apple Music, which is in constant competition with Spotify in the United States in particular. Regardless of subscriber numbers though, in the U.S. Spotify is still considered more preferable than Apple Music. Apple is often reluctant to publish their customer numbers, though sources in early 2019 suggested that the service had overtaken Spotify in the U.S. in terms of paid subscribers. That said, Spotify still held the biggest share of overall users, and trends suggest that this will continue.

This statistic gives information on the share of Apple Music in the United States as of February 2018, by age. During this month, 17 percent of Apple Music users were aged between 18 and 24.

This statistic gives information on the most popular music streaming services in the United States as of March 2018, ranked by number of mobile only users. During this month, Apple Music was the most popular music streaming service, with 48.9 million mobile only users.

This statistic presents data on the share of iOS users who listen to Apple Music in the United States in the first half of 2016 and the first half of 2017. According to the source, 21 percent of iOS users listened to Apple Music on mobile in the first half of 2017, up from 13 percent a year earlier.

The music streaming market refers to the digital distribution of music content, enabling users to access and listen to songs, albums, and playlists on demand via the internet, without the need for physical media. This market has evolved with the proliferation of mobile devices, high-speed internet, and cloud-based services, making it easier for consumers to enjoy music anytime, anywhere. Music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music dominate the industry, providing users with subscription-based services, freemium models, and ad-supported options. The rise of artificial intelligence and data analytics also plays a significant role in music streaming, offering personalized recommendations and curated playlists based on user preferences and listening habits. Music streaming is revolutionizing the music industry by reducing piracy, offering a wider variety of music, and providing revenue-sharing opportunities for artists, which have become essential for the growth of the global market. Several factors drive the growth of the music streaming market, including increased smartphone penetration, faster internet connections, and the growing popularity of on-demand media consumption. Recent developments include: November 2022: Mercedes Benz automobiles now include Apple Music's highly acclaimed audio with support for Dolby Atmos as a natural experience, according to a joint announcement from Apple Music and Mercedes Benz. This fulfills a shared commitment to provide customers throughout the world with the best music experience., October2021: Amazon has announced that users of the unlimited tier of the service can now stream music blended in dynamic audio from more devices than ever before, including iOS (iPhone Operating System) and Android systems with their existing headphones and select devices that support Alexa.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing popularity of on-demand media consumption. Potential restraints include: licensing agreements with record labels and content providers can limit the availability . Notable trends are: Rising adoption in digital comic is driving the market growth.

This statistic gives information on the share of Apple Music in the United States as of February 2018, by gender. During this month, 56 percent of Apple Music users were female.

The statistic presents the share of U.S. population who used the online radio service Apple Music* in 2018. According to the source, 10 percent of Americans reported using Apple Music monthly, while 9 percent said they used this service weekly.

In Italy, the use of Apple Music on mobile devices seemed to be more popular among individuals over 35 years of age, who amounted to 832 thousands. Data reported in July 2019 showed in fact that younger users aged between 25 and 34 years old were only 232 thousands.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Online Music market size is USD 31514.2 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 12605.7 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2024 to 2031. 
Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD 9454.3 million.
Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 7248.3 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America market of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1575.7 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa held the major market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 630.3 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2024 to 2031.
On-demand streaming held the highest Online Music market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of Online Music Market

Key Drivers for Online Music Market

Rise of Streaming Services in Projection Technology to Increase the Demand Globally

The rise of streaming services has fundamentally transformed the online music market by offering unprecedented access to vast catalogs of songs, albums, and playlists. Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music have revolutionized music consumption by providing convenient, on-demand access to music anytime, anywhere. This shift from ownership to access has democratized music consumption, allowing users to explore and discover new music without the need to purchase individual tracks or albums. Moreover, streaming services employ personalized recommendation algorithms and curated playlists to enhance user engagement and retention. The subscription-based revenue model adopted by streaming platforms generates recurring revenue streams, driving market growth and incentivizing investments in content acquisition, artist promotion, and platform development, thus solidifying their position as the dominant force in the online music industry.

Technological Advancements to Propel Market Growth

Technological advancements play a pivotal role in driving the online music market forward. Innovations in streaming technologies, such as high-definition audio, adaptive streaming, and seamless cross-device synchronization, enhance the user experience and accessibility of music content. Machine learning algorithms power personalized recommendation systems, curating playlists tailored to individual preferences and driving user engagement. Integration with smart devices and virtual assistants enables hands-free music playback and voice-controlled navigation, further enhancing convenience and accessibility. Additionally, advancements in digital rights management (DRM) and anti-piracy measures protect intellectual property rights and ensure fair compensation for artists and rights holders. Overall, technological advancements continually push the boundaries of what's possible in the online music industry, shaping the way consumers discover, access, and interact with music in the digital age.

Restraint Factor for the Online Music Market

Piracy and Copyright Infringement To Hamper Sales

Piracy and copyright infringement present significant challenges to the online music market by undermining the value of licensed music content and reducing revenue streams for artists, record labels, and streaming platforms. Illegally downloaded or streamed music competes with legal streaming services, diverting potential subscribers and advertising revenue. Moreover, piracy diminishes the perceived value of music, discouraging consumers from paying for legitimate access to content. The ease of sharing and accessing pirated music online further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult to enforce copyright laws effectively. Piracy also impacts the bargaining power of rights holders in negotiations with streaming platforms, leading to lower royalty rates and potentially limiting the availability of licensed music. Addressing piracy requires robust enforcement measures, technological solutions, and consumer education efforts to protect intellectual property rights and sustain a thriving online mu...

How many paid subscribers does Spotify have? As of the fourth quarter of 2024, Spotify had 263 million premium subscribers worldwide, up from 236 million in the corresponding quarter of 2023. Spotify’s subscriber base has increased dramatically in the last few years and has more than doubled since early 2019. Spotify and competitors Spotify is a music streaming service originally founded in 2006 in Sweden. The platform can be used from various devices and allows users to browse through a catalogue of music licensed through multiple record labels, as well as creating and sharing playlists with other users. Additionally, listeners are able to enjoy music for free with advertisements or are also given the option to purchase a subscription to allow for unlimited ad-free music streaming. Spotify’s largest competitors are Pandora, a company that offers a similar service and remains popular in the United States, and Apple Music, which was launched in 2015. While Pandora was once among the highest-grossing music apps in the Apple App Store, recent rankings show that global services like QQ Music, NetEase Cloud Music, and YouTube Music now generate higher monthly revenues.Users are also able to register Spotify accounts using Facebook directly through the website using an app. This enables them to connect with other Facebook friends and explore their music tastes and playlists. Spotify is a popular source for keeping up-to-date with music, and the ability to enjoy Spotify anywhere at any time allows consumers to shape their music consumption around their lifestyles and preferences.

As of the fourth quarter of 2018, Apple Music users in North America spent an average of two hours and 44 minutes streaming music on the platform each day. More time was spent on Apple Music than on Spotify by users in all regions, and European internet users were the only ones in the study who spent less than 100 minutes per day streaming on Spotify.

In the most recent reported fiscal year, Spotify generated approximately 13.82 billion euros in premium revenue and 1.85 billion euros in ad-supported revenue. Both figures were the highest reported to date, with premium revenue having grown by more than ten billion euros since 2017. Contributing to Spotify’s success was its strong global subscriber base – as of the third quarter of 2024, the music streaming platform had 252 million premium subscribers worldwide. Spotify has gained significant popularity across multiple markets, particularly in the United States, where over 26 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds reported using the service in 2018. Spotify’s competition Spotify’s closest competitor is Apple Music. That said, Apple’s worldwide subscribers are almost half that of Spotify’s, despite both services being popular for different reasons. Theoretically, Pandora Radio could have presented Spotify with a fair amount of competition, but this was not to be. Pandora’s radio station format failed to match Spotify’s playlist set-up in terms of popularity, and Pandora struggled to convert its users into paid subscribers, something which Spotify has always been good at. Pandora Radio received heavy investment from Sirius XM in 2017 and was officially acquired by the company in early 2019, so it will be interesting to see what happens in the future as Sirius gets to work on Pandora’s audience and attempts to generate cash from its arguably wide (but unpaid) user base. For now though, it seems that Spotify’s position remains safe.

The global music-on-demand market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing popularity of streaming services and the expanding adoption of smartphones and internet access worldwide. This report projects a substantial market size, estimated at $100 billion in 2025, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors including the rising disposable incomes in emerging economies, leading to increased spending on entertainment; the continuous innovation in music streaming technologies, offering higher quality audio and personalized experiences; and the expanding integration of music streaming into smart devices and connected cars. The market is segmented by type (music streaming and radio-on-demand) and application (individual and commercial users), offering diverse opportunities for industry players. While the dominance of established players like Spotify and Apple Music is undeniable, the market also witnesses increasing competition from regional players and niche services catering to specific musical tastes or demographics. This competitive landscape is fostering innovation and driving the development of new features and business models, including subscription tiers with varying levels of access and advertising-supported options. The restraints on market growth include concerns about music piracy, royalty disputes amongst artists and labels, and the increasing costs associated with licensing and content acquisition. However, the overall trend remains positive, with a significant expansion predicted throughout the forecast period. The North American and European markets currently dominate, but the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates substantial potential for future growth, fueled by rising internet penetration and increasing smartphone ownership. Key players are actively strategizing to expand their global presence and tap into the growth opportunities presented in these emerging markets through strategic partnerships, localized content offerings, and aggressive marketing campaigns. This dynamic market landscape presents both significant challenges and lucrative opportunities for companies operating within this thriving sector.

The size of the Cloud Music Services Industry market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 13.00% during the forecast period. The cloud music services industry encompasses the delivery of music through cloud-based platforms, enabling users to stream, download, and store music online. This industry has seen exponential growth driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the rise of mobile devices. Major players in the market include Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music, each offering unique features such as personalized playlists, offline listening, and music discovery algorithms. The transition from physical music media to digital formats has further accelerated the adoption of cloud music services, as consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of accessing vast music libraries anytime, anywhere. The industry's growth is significantly influenced by the rise of subscription-based models, which provide users with ad-free experiences and additional features for a monthly fee. This shift has prompted a decline in traditional music purchasing methods, such as CDs and digital downloads, as streaming becomes the preferred mode of consumption. Moreover, social media and user-generated content have enhanced the visibility of cloud music services, facilitating viral trends and artist promotion. Recent developments include: January 2023: With 14% YoY growth, Spotify announced its premium subscriber base touched 205 million, making it the world's first music streaming player with such a large user base. At the beginning of 2022, Spotify announced an investment of $100 million in the licensing, development, and marketing of music and audio content from historically underrepresented creators. These factors helped Spotify reach a milestone in the music industry., November 2022: Amazon Prime increased the limits for its users by allowing access to 100 million songs, up from 2 million earlier. The catalog will now match the rival Apple Music Stream. Under the Prime membership, 'All-Access' playlists will be available for on-demand listening with an advertising-free option. The new catalog will carry Amazon-exclusive podcasts., November 2022: Deezer, another player in music streaming, partnered with Dazn, which streams live sports in Italy. With this partnership, Dazn subscribers will enjoy their favorite tracks, albums, and playlists on Deezer, along with football and other premium sports content.. Key drivers for this market are: Higher Demand for In-App Purchase Driving the Market, Market Growth Aided by Robust Smart Phone Penetration and Internet Coverage. Potential restraints include: Concerns Relating to Understanding the Changing Behaviour Pattern of the Consumers. Notable trends are: Increasing Penetration of Smartphones and Tablets drives the Market for Cloud Music Services.

The global music market, valued at $86.70 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.57% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music has democratized music consumption, significantly increasing accessibility and revenue streams for artists and labels. Furthermore, the integration of music into gaming, social media platforms, and interactive experiences has broadened its reach and fostered new avenues for monetization. Technological advancements such as high-fidelity audio formats and immersive sound technologies are also driving demand for premium experiences. Growth is further propelled by increasing smartphone penetration and improved internet connectivity globally, especially in emerging markets. However, the market faces challenges such as piracy, inconsistent royalty payments to artists, and competition from free, ad-supported alternatives. The dominance of a few major players in the digital music space also presents potential concerns regarding market concentration. The segment breakdown reveals a healthy mix across end-users (individual and commercial), and sources (recording and live performances). The geographical distribution of this market reflects significant contributions from North America and Europe, with APAC showing promising potential for future growth, driven by increasing disposable incomes and digital adoption. The competitive landscape is dynamic, featuring established players like Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group alongside emerging tech giants like Amazon and Alphabet. Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions will likely continue to shape the industry's future. This significant growth trajectory is expected to continue throughout the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by sustained technological innovation, expanding digital platforms, and the increasing global adoption of music streaming. However, the industry needs to proactively address challenges like content piracy and ensure fair compensation for artists to maintain its sustainable growth. The ongoing evolution of music consumption habits, along with changing regulatory landscapes, will continue to influence the strategic decisions of market participants. Regional disparities in market penetration will present unique opportunities for both established and emerging players. Therefore, continuous adaptation and innovation will be crucial for success within this rapidly evolving music industry.

This statistic shows the total number of users of Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer in the Netherlands as of the first quarter of 2018 (in thousands). Exact user numbers for certain apps are rare to find in the Netherlands. According to the source, the total number of Spotify users in the Netherlands was forecast to reach 6.2 million in the first quarter of 2018. Additionally, the source mentions that 3.3 million users are paid users. This is because a part of these subscriptions come from a third party, such as telecom provider KPN where Spotify is a part of their telecom package. As of January 2019, Spotify had an online reach, a percentage of visitors that visited content at least once during a certain period of time, of 4.3 million in the Netherlands in January 2019.

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Music Market Size 2025-2029

The music market size is forecast to increase by USD 184.69 billion at a CAGR of 18.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of digital music formats. This shift towards digital music is transforming the way consumers access and engage with music. Additionally, mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic alliances among companies, are on the rise, contributing to market expansion. According to industry reports, mobile data traffic related to music streaming is expected to increase substantially during the forecast period.
However, challenges persist, including the issue of illegal downloads and piracy, which continue to impact revenue growth. YouTube Music, a prominent player in the music streaming services market, offers an extensive catalog of songs and videos, making it a go-to destination for music enthusiasts. These trends and challenges highlight the dynamic nature of the market and the need for industry players to stay informed and adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The music industry has experienced significant shifts in recent years, with the rise of digital platforms and intelligent devices revolutionizing the way consumers engage with music. Bollywood, the Indian film industry, has also embraced digital platforms, with artists like Divine and Naezy gaining popularity through YouTube and other music streaming services. The recording industry's internationalization has led to a more diverse and inclusive music community, where artists from various genres and regions can reach a global audience. The live business, once dominated by traditional concert venues, has also evolved, with digital platforms offering live streaming services. Nielsen, a leading measurement and data analytics company, reports that music streaming services accounted for 83% of the total music industry revenue in 2020.
Moreover, Apple Music and Tencent Music are other significant players in the music streaming services market, offering features such as playlist customization and in-app purchases. Digital platforms have also extended their reach to desktop applications and mobile apps, allowing users to access music on various devices. The music industry's digital economy has also influenced other sectors, such as social networking and the games industry, where music plays a crucial role in creating engaging user experiences. The bottom-up approach to music streaming services, where users can curate their playlists, has led to a more personalized and interactive experience for consumers. In conclusion, the music industry's digital transformation has led to a more dynamic and inclusive market, where consumers can access music through various digital platforms and devices. The modeling approach to music streaming services has allowed for more personalized and interactive experiences, making music a significant contributor to the digital economy.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

End-user

  Individual
  Commercial


Source

  Recording
  Live
  Others


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  APAC

    China
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By End-user Insights

The individual segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to advancements in network infrastructure and the proliferation of intelligent devices and digital platforms. The increasing availability of high-speed Internet services, such as 4G and 5G, has enabled music streaming services to reach a wider audience, particularly on mobile devices. This trend is driving the growth of the individual user segment in the market. The ability to access high-quality music from anywhere at any time, facilitated by 4G and 5G networks, is a key factor contributing to this growth. The music industry, including artists and the music community, are benefiting from this trend as it provides new opportunities for monetization and engagement with fans.

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The Individual segment was valued at USD 73.33 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 40% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the