Digital Music - China

  • China
  • In China, revenue in the Digital Music market is projected to reach US$4.96bn in 2025.
  • Revenue is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 4.65%, leading to a projected market volume of US$5.95bn by 2029.
  • The largest market within this market in China is Music Streaming, which is anticipated to have a market volume of US$3.82bn in 2025.
  • In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States, which is expected to reach US$20,280.00m in 2025.
  • Within the Digital Music market in China, the number of users is forecasted to amount to 732.7m users by 2029.
  • User penetration in China will be 46.8% in 2025, with expectations of rising to 51.4% by 2029.
  • China's digital music market is rapidly evolving, driven by a surge in mobile streaming subscriptions and the growing popularity of localized content.

Key regions: Germany, China, Europe, Japan, India

 
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Analyst Opinion

The Digital Music market in China is experiencing moderate growth, fueled by the rising popularity of streaming services, increased consumer engagement with podcasts, and innovative advertising strategies. These factors collectively enhance user experiences and drive revenue.

Customer preferences:
Consumers are increasingly gravitating towards personalized music experiences, driven by the rise of AI-powered recommendations and curated playlists that resonate with their individual tastes. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger demographics, who favor platforms that offer social sharing and user-generated content. Additionally, the growing interest in podcasts reflects a desire for diverse storytelling and niche topics, catering to specific cultural interests and lifestyle choices, thereby enriching the overall digital music landscape in China.

Trends in the market:
In China, the Digital Music Market is experiencing a surge in popularity for streaming services that prioritize user engagement through personalized playlists and AI-driven recommendations. This trend is shaping the listening habits of younger audiences, who increasingly favor platforms that integrate social sharing features and user-generated content. Concurrently, the podcasting sector is booming, reflecting a demand for diverse narratives and niche topics that cater to specific cultural interests. These trends are significant as they enhance user loyalty and create opportunities for advertisers, thereby reshaping the landscape for industry stakeholders.

Local special circumstances:
In China, the Digital Music Market is thriving, influenced by the country's vast population and rapid urbanization, which fosters a strong appetite for music streaming. Cultural factors, such as a rich history of music and storytelling, encourage platforms to offer diverse content that resonates with local tastes. Additionally, regulatory frameworks emphasize copyright protections, promoting a sustainable environment for artists and creators. This unique blend of cultural appreciation and regulatory support shapes a dynamic landscape, driving innovation and user engagement in music streaming and podcasting.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Digital Music Market in China is significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors, including rapid economic growth, rising disposable incomes, and increasing internet penetration. These factors create a robust consumer base with a willingness to spend on music streaming services. National policies promoting digital innovation and technological infrastructure further enhance market accessibility. Additionally, the growing emphasis on intellectual property rights fosters a protective environment for creators, encouraging diversity in content production. Global trends, such as the shift towards digital consumption and the rise of social media, also play a crucial role in shaping user engagement and driving market expansion.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the Music, Radio & Podcasts market, which comprises all revenues generated by traditional and digital radio advertising, consumer purchases of live music event tickets, all sales of tangible audio recording formats, paid digital downloads of professionally produced single tracks / compilations, ad-supported services, and subscription-based, on-demand streaming services. All monetary figures refer to consumer spending on digital goods or subscriptions in the respective market. This spending factors in discounts, margins, and taxes.

Modeling approach / market size:

The market size is determined through a bottom-up approach. We use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Consumer Insights), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per product, usage) to analyze the markets. To estimate the market size for each country individually, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific industry associations, such as various macroeconomic indicators, historical developments, current trends, and reported performance indicators of key market players. In particular, we consider average prices and annual purchase frequencies.

Forecasts:

We apply a variety of forecasting techniques, depending on the behavior of the relevant market. For instance, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are GDP per capita, consumer spending per capita, and 4G coverage.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). Consumer Insights data is reweighted for representativeness.

Overview

  • Revenue
  • Analyst Opinion
  • Users
  • Demographics
  • Media Usage
  • Key Players
  • Global Comparison
  • Methodology
  • Key Market Indicators
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