Recorded music grows in 2025

The Australian recorded music industry posted its seventh consecutive year of growth in 2025, with wholesale sales rising 1.4% to $727 million.

New data released today by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) shows the market continued to expand across both physical and digital formats, though at a more moderate pace than in recent years. Slowed but sustained growth is consistent with a pattern playing out in other mature recorded music markets across Europe and the UK, as – among other things – available new users for streaming subscription services diminish.

Physical music was the standout performer in 2025, surging 11.0% to $67.9 million. CD revenue climbed 29.6% to $21.0 million – its strongest level since 2021 – with unit sales also rising to more than 1.5 million discs, suggesting renewed consumer appetite for the format. Vinyl album revenue grew 4.1% to $46.3 million on the back of more than 1.2 million unit sales, and the format continues to account for most physical revenue at 68.2%.

Subscription services continue to be the dominant force, representing 71.0% of Australia’s total music market at $517 million. Ad-supported streaming and video streaming contributed a combined $130 million, while digital download revenue continued its structural decline to $11.6 million. The digital market represents $659 million, or 90.7% of total revenue.

ARIA Chief Executive Officer, Annabelle Herd, said: “A seventh consecutive year of growth reflects the enduring connection Australians have with music, and the sustained investment of our record labels in developing and backing artists. While the pace of growth eased last year as streaming markets mature, the surge in physical sales shows that fans want to engage with music in deeper, more tangible ways.

“We are also seeing the rapid development of artificial intelligence globally. AI presents genuine new opportunities for the music industry – and AI licensing deals are emerging with major and independent labels and rightsholders globally – but these opportunities must be built on a foundation of consent, transparency, and fair compensation for artists and rights holders. Australia’s copyright law is the foundation for innovative technological development and strong local culture, and ARIA will continue to advocate strongly against threats to dismantle our copyright framework in the interests of a small number of major international AI tech companies.

“At the same time, breaking new Australian music locally and earning a living as an artist has never been harder. Every new release enters an increasingly crowded global landscape, but the success of artists like Amyl and the Sniffers, Ninajirachi, Dom Dolla, and Troye Sivan – all recognised at the 2025 ARIA Awards – proves Australian artists can cut through anywhere in the world. We have extraordinary talent coming through at every level, and our domestic policy settings should reflect and support that. Removing the arcane and deeply unfair statutory 1% cap and ABC fixed price on radio recording royalties would ensure recording artists are fairly compensated in their home radio market and send a clear signal that Australia backs its creators.

“ARIA’s focus remains squarely on growing audiences for Australian music, advocating for the rights and interests of artists and labels and developing a highly skilled and innovative local music industry. It has never been a more important time to invest in and protect local culture .”

Download Sales Infographic here

For more information, please contact:

Andrew Knowles

M: 0449 510 357

E: andrew@skmediagroup.com.au