The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) today released its Mid-Year 2025 US Recorded Music Revenue Report, reflecting a high of $5.6 billion across all formats as music continues to captivate American fans. Paid subscriptions continued to proliferate, with units growing 6.4% to end the period with 105 million accounts, and subscription revenues up 5.7% to $3.2 billion.
Beginning this year, RIAA figures are being reported on a wholesale basis. This practical shift with refreshed visuals more succinctly communicates recorded music’s value. This also aligns with international benchmarks like IFPI’s Global Music Report, enabling more consistent cross-market comparisons and highlighting the real dollars that flow back into the creative ecosystem.
RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier said, “The number of paid subscriptions hit a historic milestone, surpassing 100 million accounts, while revenues from all formats reached $5.6 billion in the first half of 2025 – important markers that underscore music’s enduring value and demand for human artistry supported by record labels and collaborative partnerships.”
Key Takeaways H1 2025:
- Paid subscription revenues grew 5.7% to $3.2B, driven by US subscription accounts rising 6.4% year over year to 105M.
- Streaming continued to dominate with $4.68B in revenues, accounting for 84% of the market.
- Vinyl held steady at $457M, making up more than three-quarters of all physical music revenues following a nearly two-decade resurgence.
- More vinyl was shipped than CDs for the fifth consecutive year.
“These numbers show a stable and sustainable foundation as music continues to be one of America’s strongest exports with US artists accounting for one in three global streams – more than the next six countries combined. Aligning our reporting to international standards allows us to tell that story more clearly than ever,” said RIAA VP of Research Matt Bass.
