Streaming Music Revenue Analysis

In the aftermath of all 3 major record labels announcing strong streaming revenue growth in Q2 2016, Mark Mulligan has put together a fantastic analysis of the statistics and what they actually mean. Some key findings from his report include: a) record label streaming revenue grew by 45% in 2015 reaching $2.9 billion, up from $1.9 billion in 2014, and b) Universal is the big winner here, with streaming revenue growing about 60% (Sony and Warner’s only saw about 40% growth). But according to Mulligan, “growth is not quite as stellar as the headline numbers would suggest, with the single most important factor being the impact of advanced payments distorting the bigger picture and crippling cash flow for streaming music services.” Read more on why here.