Will Page, former chief economist at Spotify and author of the global music copyright report, dives into the multifaceted value of music, now at $45.5 billion. He discusses the influence of glocalization on music markets from Colombia to Brazil, the growth of vinyl, and the disparity in streaming revenue across regions. Will also highlights the importance of better measuring emerging markets and explores the challenges faced by non-American artists, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies in the evolving music landscape.
The global music copyright industry has reached a valuation of $45.5 billion, driven primarily by the rise of streaming services and consumer demand for diverse formats like vinyl.
Emerging markets, particularly in Latin America, exhibit significant streaming volumes but require improved monetization strategies to close the gap between volume and value in the music industry.
Deep dives
Valuation of the Music Industry
The estimated value of the global music copyright industry has reached $45.5 billion, highlighting significant growth from previous years. This figure represents a notable increase reflecting the transformation brought on by streaming services and other market dynamics over the last decade. For instance, streaming has revolutionized the industry, driving revenue growth while resurgence in formats like vinyl continues to add substantial value. With streaming platforms capturing nearly equal segments of the market, this growth indicates a robust future for the industry overall.
Impact of Vinyl and Resurgence in Physical Formats
Vinyl records have seen a dramatic resurgence, generating over a billion dollars in revenue in the U.S. for 2024 alone, surpassing the CD market significantly. The continued demand for vinyl signals a shift in consumer behavior, where physical formats are being appreciated once again, potentially rivaling the book industry in size. Economic theories suggest that as supply chains improve and production bottlenecks diminish, the availability of vinyl may drive further demand. This phenomenon underscores the cultural value associated with physical music collections and how they reflect personal identity.
Divergence in Global Streaming Value
There exists a significant divide between the volume and value generated in the music streaming market, notably between regions like North America and emerging markets. While North America and Europe account for almost half of the music volume, they contribute to 80% of its overall revenue, indicating a disparity in monetization strategies. Conversely, regions in Latin America and Asia may exhibit high streaming volumes but generate significantly lower revenue, suggesting a need for better value capture mechanisms. This gap highlights the potential for growth in these markets if effective monetization strategies are implemented.
Global Music Exports and Economic Opportunities
The exportation of music from countries like Colombia demonstrates how global streaming can provide significant economic benefits, outperforming local industry revenues. Some Colombian artists generate more income from streams within the U.S. than the entirety of their local music market can provide, showcasing the lucrative potential of international markets. The dynamics of music exports emphasize the necessity for labels to rethink their marketing strategies and consider global opportunities. By doing so, they can maximize revenue and tap into the expanding music consumption landscape, particularly for artists from regions traditionally seen as economically disadvantaged.
The global value of music copyright is now $45.5 billion. In this episode, we'll explore the global music market with friend of the pod, Spotify’s former chief economist, Will Page. We examine how glocalization is transforming the industry from Colombia to Brazil, Mexico, and beyond.
We'll also discuss the difference between value and volume, streaming revenue, the need for better measurement of emerging markets, and more.**
Stay tuned as we unravel the complexities and opportunities of the music world's evolution. Let’s dive in!
04:13 Vinyl’s growth and impact
07:02 The North-South divide
12:36 The State of Streaming
15:36 Non-American artists
17:17 Colombian music - import and exports
25:20 Brazilian market dynamics
26:58 Looking beyond market share
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