In the late 1990s, file sharing applications like Napster emerged that led to the popularisation of downloading and sharing music online, often illegally.
Initially, the music industry responded to this with legal actions due to potential revenue losses from pirated music.
However, as internet access increased globally, it was evident that digital distribution was here to stay.

Rise and Influence of Streaming Services

Since the mid-2000s, various music streaming platforms have developed, including major players like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
Streaming services offer access to vast music libraries for a subscription fee or through an ad-supported, free-to-use model.
Artists earn royalties every time a song is streamed, which has drastically changed the financial model of the music industry.

Impact on the Global Music Industry

Streaming has contributed to the music industry’s return to growth after years of decline caused largely by piracy.
It has allowed independent artists and those from non-mainstream genres to gain exposure and find their audience.
The proliferation of playlists curated by the streaming platforms or users has impacted how music is promoted and discovered.

As streaming continues to dominate, data analytics play an increasingly essential role, with artists and labels using listener data to make informed decisions.
Emerging markets such as Latin America, Asia, and Africa are seeing rapid growth in streaming, which may shape global music trends.
The inclusion of user-generated content on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music may have significant implications on the music industry’s future dynamic.

File sharing: The practice of distributing or providing access to digitally stored information, such as music files.
Revenue losses: The decrease in an artist’s or a company’s income.
Digital distribution: The delivery of music or media content without the use of physical media, typically by downloading or streaming.
Music streaming platforms: Digital services that provide access to tracks, albums, and artist discographies typically on a subscription basis.
Royalties: Payments made to music rights holders, typically a percentage of revenue generated from their music.
Gain exposure: The process of making music or an artist more widely known.
Data analytics: The process of analysing raw data to make conclusions about the information they contain.
User-generated content: Content, including text and audio, that is created by consumers or end-users.