UK artists now make up 10% of music streamed globally

UK artists now make up 10% of music streamed globally, a new report pubished by the British Phonograpic Industry (BPI) has found.

New analysis from BPI has found that 1 in every 10 songs (10.1%) streamed around the world is by a British artist. The UK’s share of global streaming is four times greater than its share of global GDP (2.2%), which BPI says highlights “the UK’s exceptional performance in music.”

BPI carried out the analysis based on the music charts of 14 major music markets, which together account for around three quarters of global recorded music consumption. The association cites artists such as AJ Tracey, Dua Lipa, Jorja Smith, JHus and Stormzy as some of the artists whose streaming numbers have increased dramatically across the globe in recent years.

In a statement, Chief Executive of the BPI, Geoff Taylor, said: “As the UK charts its new course as an independent trading nation, music serves as a symbol of the UK’s economic potential and creativity. A new wave of homegrown talent, backed by labels’ support, is taking British culture and business to every corner of the world. This is a new tune for a new age of opportunity. We are excited by the possibilities that streaming offers for our artists and for the continuing growth of British music.”

Despite a year-on-year increase in streaming numbers, big platforms are still under scrutiny for royalty payment percentages – especially when it comes to less established artists. In December last year, it was revealed that 82% of musicians earned less than £200 from streaming in 2019, according to a poll from the UK’s independent body for music creators, The Ivors Academy and the Musicians’ Union. 

In a survey conducted by YouGov in October 2020 for #BrokenRecord, 77% of people said they believed that artists and songwriters are not paid enough by streaming platforms.