Report: Global Music Streams Surge By 30.8% As Non-Anglophonic Music Captivates 40% Of U.S. Listeners

In an era defined by digital platforms and diverse musical tastes, a recent report has shed light on the surging popularity of global music streams and the growing appreciation for non-Anglophonic music among U.S. listeners. The report highlights a remarkable 30.8% increase in global music streaming and reveals that a significant 40% of music enthusiasts in the United States now enjoy music from non-Anglophonic cultures. These findings underline the evolving landscape of music consumption and the expanding influence of cultural diversity in the global music industry.

Specifically, our streaming data shows that Spanish and Korean language music is the most popular when taking a look at the top 10,000 most streamed songs (audio and video combined) during the first half of 2023,” says Jaime Marconette, Luminate's Senior Director of Music Insights & Industry Relations.

“Furthermore, Spanish-language music’s share of that top 10,000 has grown 3.6% since 2021, while English-language music’s share has dropped 4.2% in that same time.”

That is reflected in Luminate's 2023 Midyear Top Albums chart, where Bad Bunny's spring 2022 album "Un Verano Sin Ti" still breaks the top 10 a year later (where “Top Albums” is defined by a combination of album sales, on-demand audio/visual sales, and digital track sales.) When Top Albums are defined by physical and digital sales exclusively, K-pop dominates, taking up six of the top 10 spots.

Luminate found that K-pop fans are 69% more likely to purchase vinyl and 46% more likely to purchase CDs than the average U.S. music listener in the next 12 months. One in four K-pop fans has purchased a cassette in the last 12 months.

The rise in global music streams and the growing appreciation for non-Anglophonic music have profound implications for the music industry. Artists from diverse backgrounds and countries now have greater opportunities to connect with international audiences, transcending language barriers and cultural boundaries. This trend fosters an environment that encourages artistic experimentation, collaboration, and the blending of musical genres.