Irish music streaming growth outpaces the EU

Irish music streaming revenues grew by 7.3% last year, outpacing the wider European Union market as recorded music revenues across the bloc reached €6bn.

The growth in Ireland was highlighted in a new report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which found that EU recorded music revenues increased by 5.1% in 2025.

The report, Music in the EU 2026, also points to growing interest in homegrown artists among Irish music fans, as well as a surge in Irish acts achieving international success.

“There is much to celebrate in this report,” said Willie Kavanagh, chairman of the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA).

“Europe’s music sector continues to enrich our culture and contribute to our economies. In Ireland, we see a surge in artists achieving global success on the back of supportive local infrastructure.”

Streaming was the main driver of growth across the EU, accounting for around 66% of recorded music revenues last year.

The report said there remains considerable scope for further growth, with paid music streaming subscriber penetration at 27% across the EU. That compares with 54% in the US and 47% in the UK.

The strength of domestic music markets was another feature highlighted in the report. More than half, or 53.5%, of tracks appearing in countries’ year-end Top 10 charts were performed by domestic artists.

Nine of the world’s 20 largest recorded music markets are located in the EU, collectively generating €5.1bn in revenues. Overall, EU recorded music revenues increased by €293m during 2025.

The report said investment by record companies in discovering, developing and marketing artists continued to underpin the sector. Globally, record labels invested US$9.3bn (€8.3bn) in artists and repertoire and marketing during the year.

However, the report also warns that the industry faces challenges from rapid technological change, including the growth of artificial intelligence and continued concerns around copyright and piracy.

Kavanagh said Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU provides an opportunity to promote the creative economy.

“Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU provides an opportunity to show real leadership in promoting the creative economy, by shoring up copyright protections, encouraging responsible AI use, and protecting music from piracy,” he said.

The Music in the EU 2026 report was launched in Brussels at an event bringing together policymakers, music industry leaders and other stakeholders to discuss the future of the sector.

*This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.