Global Music Publishing Revenue Grew 9.6% in 2025: MIDiA
Streaming still provides the biggest source of revenue, but revenue from catalog fund publishing jumped 15% from 2024 to 2025.
The global music publishing industry saw a significant increase in revenue, growing by nearly 10% in 2025 to reach $12.2 billion. Major publishers experienced faster growth than independent ones, with Sony Music Publishing leading the pack, gaining a percentage point in market share for the second year in a row. Music streaming remained the largest source of publishing revenues in 2025, but the report predicts its share will continue to grow through 2033.
AI and other new technologies present opportunities for publishers to secure better licensing agreements. Catalog funds grew by nearly 15% year-over-year to $1.6 billion. The publishing business is set for healthy growth due to its diverse revenue sources, including performance, synchronization, and mechanical rights, as well as streaming.
According to MIDiA senior music analyst Leon Farrell, while streaming drives growth in the short term, publishers must focus on actively fighting for stronger value shares in emerging technologies like AI to remain competitive in the long run.
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