Future of record labels
Download the Future of Labels infographic summary
Today's label industry is one of “shifting sands”.
The traditional lines separating labels, distributors, majors, and indies are blurring. While labels' core services are more valuable than ever, the competition to provide them has intensified.
Streaming services are steadily gaining negotiating power, with the leading players growing revenue faster than the top labels. This is not even to mention emerging challenges like generative AI and music's ability to compete for attention in the wider entertainment ecosystem.
In the latest edition to our Future Of... series, MIDiA envisions what the labels of the future will look like - requiring not just short-term optimisation, but long-term innovation.
Discover how to future-proof with MIDiA's S.I.N.G. Framework.
Future of music labels
Key report insights
- Streaming diverges.
- Revenue growth for the leading streaming services in H1 2025 outpaced that of labels.
- Growth slowdown.
- H1 2025 also marked four successive years of slowing H1 revenue growth rates for leading music industry companies.
- Future vision.
- Key future opportunities lie in cultivating fandom; advocating for and driving innovation; powering success; redefining artist value; and building patiently.
SING: A growth framework for labels
Specialise
Innovate
Nuture
Guide
Download the summary to explore the SING framework in more detail.
Want more from MIDiA?
We understand both the business and culture of entertainment. Global-scale companies rely on our bold analysis and data-driven insights to make better decisions across digital entertainment.
Monthly newsletter
Join 8,000+ professionals receiving concise expert updates, insights, trends, and analysis.
See what our experts are reading to stay on the pulse of the music and entertainment industries.
Subscription service
Keep up with the latest trends and developments with our monthly tailored and role-based reports and data, providing critical insights across various industries.
Gain access to a team of industry experts who are ready to answer your questions, explore data and trends, and provide industry-leading insight whenever needed.
Access to Data Explorer, our interactive data tool, where they can compare bespoke segments, make custom queries, and more, using the full range of our global survey data and market models and forecasts.