RIAA Mid-Year 2025: US-Based Premium Streaming Subs Top 105 Million; American Artists Utterly Dominating Global Streams

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released its mid-year 2025 US Recorded Music Revenue report, recording a significant high of $5.6 billion across all formats for the first half of the year.

The RIAA says 2025 has been a pivotal year so far as paid subscriptions reached 105 million accounts—a 6.4% increase over the previous year. Subscription revenue alone climbed to $3.2 billion, a figure that represents a 5.7% increase year-over-year.

Streaming continues to be the primary driver in the U.S. market, reaching $4.6 billion in revenue and accounting for 84% of all recorded music earnings. This figure underscores the dominance of streaming services, which remain the favored listening format among consumers.

Vinyl records remain a strong segment within physical formats, though DMN Pro data points to a vinyl plateau—unless Taylor Swift’s new album release causes an upswing in the latter half of 2025. The RIAA reports that the vinyl category was stable at $457 million, making up more than three-quarters of all physical music revenues. Notably, more vinyl units were shipped than CDs for the fifth straight year—underscoring a continued interest in the decades-old platform.

US artists now account for one out of every three global streams—a reach unmatched by any other nation.

It’s also a figure that is greater than the next six countries combined; with the United States being one of only three countries with a music trade surplus.

”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 markets that underscore music’s enduring value and demand for human artistry supported by recorded labels and collaborative partnerships,” says RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier.

“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,” adds RIAA VP of Research, Matt Bass. “Aligning our reporting to international standards allows us to tell that story more clearly than ever.”

The RIAA has shifted to reporting figures on a wholesale basis beginning this year. This change aligns US reporting with international standards, especially those outlined by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Global Muisc Report. The goal there is to enhance cross-market comparisons and clarifying the value generated for the broader music ecosystem.