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RIAA: Streaming Drives U.S. Music To $6 Billion At Mid-Year.
Streaming remained the largest revenue source, but physical formats rose 25.9% as CD sales jumped 58.6%, the RIAA said.
- On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the Recording Industry Association of America released its mid-year report showing U.S. recorded music revenues reached $6 billion, up 6.9% from the first half of 2025.
- Growth occurred across every major category, with streaming remaining the largest revenue driver at $4.9 billion and accounting for 82% of overall revenue as labels adapted fan-engagement approaches.
- Physical format revenues rose 25.9% to $731.5 million, driven by CD revenue jumping 58.6% to $171.1 million and vinyl sales increasing 17.7% to $554 million during the first half of 2026.
- RIAA CEO Mitch Glazier described a "healthy, diversified marketplace" supporting continued investment in artists and new ways for audiences to experience music across platforms.
- Sync licensing also experienced double-digit expansion, with revenue increasing 18.2% to $232 million as the industry diversifies across film, television, advertising, and digital media.
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RIAA: Streaming Drives U.S. Music To $6 Billion At Mid-Year.
U.S. recorded music revenue rose 6.9% to $6 billion in the first half of 2026, outpacing inflation with gains across every major category, the RIAA reported. Streaming remained the largest source at $4.9 billion, or 82% of the total, while…
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Center
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
63% Center
L 25%
C 63%
12%
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