The RIAA (Recording Business Affiliation of America) has right now (September 1) launched its half-year figures for the recorded music business in america.
These figures, which replicate wholesale revenues being paid via to labels and distributors, present that general US recorded music revenues have been up 6.9% YoY in H1 2026.
Streaming generated USD $4.9 billion, up 4.7% YoY, with paid subscriptions producing $3.4 billion within the interval – up 6.4% YoY.
The RIAA defines paid subscriptions throughout two varieties of sub: (i) A ‘Premium’ subscription (offering limitless, on-demand entry to music, like Spotify, Apple Music and so forth.) or (ii) a ‘non-premium’ subscription (with gadget, catalog, or on-demand restrictions).
The ‘Premium’ subscription a part of that equation generated $3.11 billion for rightsholders in H1 2026, up 7.8% YoY.
The opposite half of the equation – ‘non-premium’ subs, largely music bundled into providers the place music isn’t the principle occasion – fell 9% YoY to $239.1 million.
The rise in ‘premium’ subscription income would have been partly pushed by value hikes.
Music streaming platforms that raised their subscription costs in H1 2026 (affecting the YoY progress of those numbers) included Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music Limitless.
That mentioned, the full quantity of ‘premium’ subscription accounts in america additionally grew in H1 2026, up 5.5% YoY to 111.1 million. (The RIAA counts one household plan as a single subscription account.)
Free streaming providers – which below the RIAA’s definition embrace social media platforms, in addition to ad-supported Spotify and YouTube choices – generated $900 million in H1 2026, up 3.7% YoY.
Bodily music revenues jumped 25.9% YoY, powered by 17.7% vinyl income progress and a 58.6% improve in gross sales from CDs.
In complete, throughout bodily and digital platforms – plus sync – business wholesale revenues hit $5.97 billion.
That was up 6.9% YoY.
“The ability of music, amplified from earbuds to basement listening events to World Cup playlists throughout the US, is mirrored not solely in its cultural significance but additionally within the $6 billion income documented in RIAA’s Mid-12 months Recorded Music Income Report. These outcomes level to a wholesome, diversified market supporting continued funding in artists and new methods for audiences to expertise music,” mentioned RIAA VP of Analysis, Matt Bass.
“As US music revenues proceed to develop throughout codecs, labels are strengthening connections between artists, followers and the platforms delivering inventive work,” RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier mentioned.
“That partnership is driving engagement in new and increasing methods to create alternatives that can elevate up your complete music group for years to return.”
RIAA Income Class Definitions:
- Paid Subscriptions (Premium): Premium-tier subscription providers offering limitless, on-demand entry to music, paid below both trial or full subscription plans.
- Paid Subscriptions (Non-Premium): Music subscription providers with restricted interactivity (e.g., gadget, catalog, or on-demand restrictions) or bundled inside broader choices the place music just isn’t the first service, akin to health apps. Consists of paid trials and full subscriptions.
- Free Streaming (previously “On-Demand Streaming – Advert-Supported”): Advert-supported audio and music video providers that don’t function below statutory licenses. Consists of social media platforms (together with ad-supported VOD and UGC), and free-tier audio subscription providers delivered on-line or by way of cell networks.
- Different Streaming (New in 2025): Mixture of “SoundExchange Distributions” and “Different Advert-Supported Streaming” from earlier experiences. Estimated funds to performers and copyright holders for digital and customised radio providers working below statutory licenses, together with SoundExchange distributions and comparable direct offers.
- Single Downloads: Everlasting single-track digital downloads.
- Album Downloads: Everlasting full-album digital downloads.
- Ringtones & Ringbacks: Consists of grasp ringtones and ringbacks. Previous to 2013, additionally included music movies, full-length downloads, and different cell merchandise.
- Different Digital: Digital music licensing revenues from kiosks, music video downloads, digital jukeboxes, and embedded providers (e.g., in-flight leisure).
- Vinyl: Full-length vinyl albums, together with direct and particular market gross sales.
- CD: Full-length compact disc albums, together with direct and particular market gross sales.
- Different Bodily: Bodily music codecs apart from commonplace vinyl and CD albums, together with CD singles, DVDs, Blu-ray music movies, cassettes, MiniDiscs, SACD, DVD-Audio, and different codecs.
- Synchronization: Flat charges or royalties derived from licensing sound recordings to be used in tv, promoting, movie, video video games, and different audiovisual productions.
Music Enterprise Worldwide
