Read our latest daily deep dives, hot takes, and exciting updates about the entertainment world. Check out the latest insight from your favourite analyst, or search by coverage areas - music, entertainment and fandom, creator economy and social.

How big can music merch get? MIDiA’s latest report charts the course to $16B by 2030

Cover image for How big can music merch get? MIDiA’s latest report charts the course to $16B by 2030
Tatiana Cirisano
music merchandise
monetising fandom
Superfans
Over the weekend, Billie Eilish launched a pop-up merchandise shop in SoHo, New York, where fans could choose from items like a $20 pair of shoelaces, $30 belt, $30 necktie, and $60 necklace. Partnered with American Express , the experience, which previously opened in Tokyo, also included a photobooth, hangout area, and larger-than-life statue of Eilish’s “blohsh” mascot.
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Social platforms are eating passive entertainment. Are games eating social?

Cover image for Social platforms are eating passive entertainment. Are games eating social?
Hanna Kahlert
Social
Social media
Gaming
At Sony Music’s Interactive Tech Day in London on 22nd October, gaming was, ironically, the highlight. From artist takeovers of Roblox destinations to concert-type experiences in Fortnite Islands, the company’s music strategy is increasingly crossing over with the gaming world – a goal mirrored in the increasing closeness of Sony Music and Sony Interactive Entertainment, according to their respective speakers at the event.
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Beyond video podcasts: Spotify’s investment in video creators reveals its format agnosticism

Cover image for Beyond video podcasts: Spotify’s investment in video creators reveals its format agnosticism
Rutger Rosenborg
Podcasts
Video streaming
Video podcasts
As more sustainable acquisitions come to podcasting, according to Podnews , Spotify is again looking to spend up to seven figures on creator investments. This time, video is the primary focus. Per Bloomberg , Spotify’s content acquisition strategy is shifting from podcasters to video creators: “ What’s different in today’s news is Spotify seeking YouTube-oriented creators and specifically looking for them to simply put their show on the service ”.
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Brazil climbs the global top 10: a new era for the music market

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Leo Morel
brazil music market
LATAM
Music streaming
In recent years, Brazil’s music market has transformed, echoing the nation’s broader economic and cultural dynamics. After facing a severe economic crisis that began in 2017, Brazil is now experiencing a resurgence which has propelled it to the ninth largest global economy, according to the International Monetary Fund , overtaking nations like Canada, Spain, and Mexico.
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Brasil ingressa no top 10 global: uma nova era para o mercado brasileiro de música

Cover image for Brasil ingressa no top 10 global: uma nova era para o mercado brasileiro de música
Leo Morel
brazil music market
LATAM
Music streaming
O mercado musical brasileiro se desenvolveu significativamente nos últimos anos em decorrência de uma ampla dinâmica econômica, cultural e tecnológica no país. Depois de enfrentar uma grave crise econômica que começou em 2017, o Brasil agora está retornando ao crescimento, com um produto interno bruto de US$2,13 trilhões em 2023, de acordo com o Fundo Monetário Internacional .
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TikTok’s creator subscriptions point to the future of social platforms

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Hanna Kahlert
TikTok
Subscriptions
Creators
It’s been a big week for TikTok. On the heels of shutting down its music streaming service , the platform has announced an expansion of its creator subscription program. In addition to existing LIVE Subscriptions, the paid subscription offering for livestreams, TikTok has announced that creators can now develop paid subscriptions for their followers, allowing them to access exclusive content, perks, and communities where they can engage with each other.
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