The Impact of Global Music Trends on Royalties

How streaming platforms have opened up global music to new heights in revenue never seen before and how you can capitalize on this trend.
November 6, 2024
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The music industry is going through big changes. Global trends like the rise of K-pop and Latin music are not only changing what people listen to but also how money is made in music. These shifts bring both challenges and opportunities for artists, record labels, and investors.

In 2024, music revenues grew by 10%, reaching $28.6 billion. This growth is driven by the digital revolution, which has created new ways to earn royalties. 

K-pop is a great example—its success goes beyond just selling music. It’s generating more royalties through live performances, merchandise, and licensing deals. This shows the potential for even more earnings in the future.

So, how can you take advantage of these trends? This article will explore how global music trends affect royalties. It will examine the role of streaming platforms, the top genres fueling growth, and how different regions influence the market.

Influence of Global Music Trends

Let's explore three key trends that are transforming the industry and creating new opportunities.

Streaming Dominates

Streaming has changed the way we listen to music.  Nowadays, streaming income makes up more than 67% of the recorded music income worldwide. This shift has significantly impacted royalty distribution. Artists now earn fractions of a cent per stream, but the sheer volume of streams can lead to substantial earnings.

This trend offers a special chance for investors in Royalty Exchange. High streaming number catalogs are increasingly valuable since they provide a consistent, predictable income source. Popular songs on major platforms like Apple Music or Spotify can create continuous royalties for years.

User-generated Content Boom

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have become powerful music discovery and popularity drivers. A viral TikTok dance or challenge can catapult a song to global fame overnight. In the most up-to-date data, 75% of TikTok users said they discovered new artists through the platform.

The value of certain catalogs on Royalty Exchange has gone up because of this trend. When songs become popular on these platforms, they usually get a lot more streams everywhere, which helps increase their earnings. Investors who find songs that could go viral can earn a lot of money from their investments.

Mixing Different Music Styles

Various styles mix and affect each other across countries, which is a growing music trend. For example, K-pop groups are teaming up with Western artists, and Latin beats are mixed into pop songs all around the world. This mixing of different styles has opened up the audience for many songs.

Because of this trend, more types of investments could be profitable on Royalty Exchange. Catalogs that include tracks or artists mixing different styles and appealing to people worldwide usually have higher value because they have been popular in many places for a long time.

Key Genres Driving Royalty Growth

The world of music is always changing, and some types of music are becoming increasingly important for earning more money from royalties. Knowing these trends is vital to investors who want to get the most out of platforms like Royalty Exchange.

Here are the types of music that are making a big impact on the royalty market right now.

Latin Music's Unstoppable Rise

Latin music is becoming really popular all over the world. In the first part of 2024, it grew quicker than any other type of music in the United States. More people are enjoying Latin music on streaming services than ever before. For every 100 songs played, there was about half a song more of Latin music than last year. This may not seem like a lot, but it's a big deal in the music world.

This growth is really good news for people who own Latin music and those who invest in it. When more people enjoy Latin songs, it brings in more money from royalties. 

Regional Mexican Takes the Lead

In the world of Latin music, a style known as Regional Mexican is getting really popular. This isn't the mariachi music you might imagine – it's a fresh version of classic Mexican sounds. Artists such as Peso Pluma, Fuerza Regida, and Junior H are at the forefront of this trend.  Each of these artists had over 100 million streams in the U.S. in early 2024.

The rise in popularity shows that having the rights to Regional Mexican music could be extremely beneficial. Platforms like Royalty Exchange, where people can trade music rights, are getting more attention for this type of music.

Hip-Hop Stays on Top

Hip-hop is still at the top of the music scene, remaining a powerful part of culture and a wise option for those looking to invest. Hip-hop music collections are popular because they have a big impact and get a lot of streams, making them appealing to those who want to invest.

Here’s why hip-hop remains so powerful:

  • Cultural relevance: Hip-hop discusses critical social issues to keep the song in the spotlight.
  • Collaborations: Hip-hop artists often team up with musicians from other genres, reaching more listeners.
  • Streaming popularity: Hip-hop songs regularly top streaming charts.
  • Social media presence: Many hip-hop artists have huge social media followings that help promote their music.
  • Versatility: Hip-hop mixes well with other genres like pop and R&B, appealing to different audiences.

As hip-hop changes and stays important, it continues to be a big part of the music world. Because this kind of music is still trendy, it gives investors a good chance to make steady money over time.

The Worldwide Influence of K-pop

K-pop, which stands for Korean pop music, has become a global sensation. K-pop isn't just a hit in South Korea anymore; fans worldwide are enjoying it too. 

The industry is expanding quickly. The market for K-pop events, such as concerts and fan meetings, was valued at $8.1 billion in 2021. This could reach $20 billion by 2031.

This increase leads to more earnings from royalties for K-pop songs. Investors on platforms like Royalty Exchange are beginning to view K-pop catalogs as valuable assets to have.

Emerging Music Genres to Watch

Even though popular genres like pop, hip-hop, and rock continue to dominate the music scene, new styles are emerging and transforming the industry.

Here are two genres you should know about:

Hyperpop

Hyperpop is a unique music style that combines electronic sounds with glitchy and distorted effects. It has a modern, edgy vibe that resonates with Gen Z listeners. 

Artists such as 100 gecs, SOPHIE, and Charli XCX have played a big role in shaping this genre, which is well-liked in online communities. 

Even though hyperpop is still seen as a small genre, more and more people are becoming fans, and its impact is beginning to appear in popular music, particularly through digital streaming.

Afrobeats

Afrobeats is a music genre that comes from West Africa. It combines African rhythms and instruments with popular sounds from around the world, such as pop, dancehall, and electronic music. 

Musicians such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido have played a big role in bringing Afrobeats to a global audience. The catchy beats and lively energy are drawing a lot of attention from record labels and streaming services, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. 

Afrobeats combines African and modern pop sounds, allowing both African and international artists to connect with new fans. 

Regional Market Differences

The global music industry is far from uniform, with significant variations in royalty structures and market potential across different regions. Understanding these differences is crucial for investors looking to capitalize on global music trends through platforms like Royalty Exchange.

Royalty Structures Around the World

Music royalties work differently in various parts of the world. Let's look at how they operate in key markets:

United States

The U.S. has a well-organized system for music royalties. Three main groups handle performance rights: ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. They collect money when songs are played in public, on the radio, or streamed online.

For streaming platforms like Spotify, artists typically earn between $0.003 and $0.005 per play. While this might seem small, it adds up to millions of streams. The U.S. remains one of the best markets for earning royalties due to its large audience and efficient collection system.

Europe

Most European countries have one organization that manages all music rights, such as PRS for Music in the UK and GEMA in Germany. The European Union has new laws to ensure fair pay for artists, especially those on digital platforms.

Streaming rates in Europe are similar to those in the U.S. but can vary between countries. More significant markets like the UK and Germany often match U.S. rates, while smaller countries might pay slightly less.

Asia

Asia has a wide variety of royalty systems, which reflect the different stages of music industry growth in each country. The region's fast economic growth and increasing use of digital services have helped streaming platforms become more popular, but each country has its own approach:

  • Japan: JASRAC manages most royalty collections, and its rates are similar to those in Western countries.
  • China: Royalty collection is getting better, but rates are still lower than in the West. Streaming platforms like QQ Music are becoming important sources of revenue.
  • South Korea: KOMCA oversees royalties, and K-pop's global success is driving up international royalty earnings.

As more people across Asia turn to digital music, the royalty systems will likely develop quickly, opening up more opportunities for local and international artists.

Emerging Markets

Emerging markets are becoming increasingly important in the global music industry, offering exciting opportunities for royalty growth. 

Let's look at some key regions:

Latin America

Latin America is becoming a big player in the global music industry, growing significantly in recent years. In 2023, the region's music revenue went up by 19.4%, which is faster than the global rate of 9%. The year before, the growth was even bigger, over 25%. This steady growth makes Latin America great for investors looking to earn from music royalties.

Africa

Africa's music scene is lively and full of different styles, with Nigeria and South Africa becoming important markets. Although streaming is becoming popular quickly, many African countries are still working on their royalty collection systems. This presents a great opportunity for growth as these systems get better.

India

India's music industry is growing fast, reaching a value of 24 billion Indian rupees in 2023. It's expected to reach 37 billion rupees by 2026, growing at a robust rate of 14.7% each year. This growth is fueled by more people consuming music digitally and changing listening habits.

India has a rich musical heritage, including Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, but Bollywood music still leads the market. The film industry strongly influences what people listen to, making the market feel more uniform. However, there is still a lot of diversity. As digital platforms become more popular, they give space for different genres and independent artists to shine.

How Royalty Exchange Helps Navigate Global Music Markets

Investing in music royalties across different countries can be tricky, but Royalty Exchange makes it easier. 

Here's how:

  1. Wide Range of Options: You can buy royalty rights from many countries, helping you spread your investments globally.
  2. Clear Information: Each listing shows you exactly where the money comes from, including how well the music performs in different regions.
  3. Expert Advice: Royalty Exchange provides helpful guides and analysis explaining how music markets work worldwide.
  4. Fair Pricing: The auction system ensures you pay a fair price for royalties, no matter where the music comes from.
  5. Access to Global Opportunities: You can invest in music from emerging markets without needing music industry connections in those countries.

By using Royalty Exchange, you can make smarter choices about where to invest your money in the music world. This approach helps you:

  • Reduce risk by not putting all your money in one place
  • Take advantage of growing music markets in different countries
  • Stay up-to-date with changes in the global music industry

Remember, the music business is always changing, and what's popular in one country might be different in another. Royalty Exchange helps you navigate these differences and find opportunities you might have missed.

Conclusion

The music industry is changing fast. Global trends, like the rise of streaming and new music genres, are changing how royalties are made and shared. These changes bring both opportunities and challenges.

If you want to invest in this growing market, Royalty Exchange is a great choice. This platform allows you to earn money by investing in music royalties from around the world. It gives you access to many music catalogs and precise information, making it easier for artists and investors to connect and benefit. On Royalty Exchange you can sign up as an investor and search through thousands of music catalog listings that include producer and songwriter royalties to some of the biggest songs of the past few decades. Discover why song royalties are one of the best investments to grow your wealth in 2024 and download the free Ultimate Guide To Music Royalties to learn everything you need to know about investing in royalties.

What makes Royalty Exchange great is how easy it is to use. Whether you like popular songs or new artists, the platform offers helpful details and expert advice to help you make intelligent decisions. It's not just about investing—it's about being part of the future of the music industry. Invest in music today and reap the benefits of earning passive income from music rights whose value is independent of macroeconomic markets.

Ultimately, global music trends are shaping how people create, enjoy, and value music. For both investors and artists, keeping up with these trends is key to success in the changing world of music royalties.

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