The global electronic music industry reached a record valuation of $15.1 billion, according to the 2026 report from IMS, the International Music Summit.
Translated and adapted by Carlos Passage
Published by Mark Mulligan and MIDiA Research during the opening of IMS Ibiza, the 12th edition of the IMS Electronic Music Business Annual Report shows that the sector grew by 7% in 2025, from $14.2 billion in 2024 to $15.1 billion in 2025.
Revenue comes from recordings, publishing, festivals and clubs, creator tools, merchandising, sponsorships, and branding. The figures indicate that revenue from digital service providers (DSPs) and merchandising is among the highest.
By Country
Germany is the world’s largest consumer of electronic music on Spotify, with 604 million users, while the United States and Australia rank second and third, with 402 million and 328 million, respectively. The report also highlights the growing presence of the Global South in the industry’s growth.
In Ibiza, club ticket revenue reached an all-time high of €160 million last year.
By Genre
By genre, tech-house ranked first for the fourth consecutive year, followed by house and melodic house in second and third place, respectively. Afro-house also saw a significant jump, moving from tenth place in 2023 to second in Splice searches last year.
Mark Mulligan described 2025 as “another good year for the global electronic music market,” with growth driven by “vibrant scenes.”
“The fact that the sector has performed so well in a context of global uncertainty and disruptive technological changes demonstrates both the industry’s resilience and the importance of the dance floor as an escape,” he stated.
Regarding new technologies
Meanwhile, Ben Turner, co-founder of IMS, stated that the data indicates a “solid 2026 ahead” despite the current global climate. “As we enter one of the most challenging, yet most creative, phases in the relatively short history of electronic music, AI is beginning to transform how we work, how we create for artists, and how we consume for fans,” he declared.
He described the growing presence of AI in electronic music as “revolutionary,” but also as “a shift” for which the genre is “well-positioned. Electronic music was built on the foundation of new technologies and the willingness to evolve with them. That instinct remains present in today’s culture, reflected in the IMS community and those who continue to drive it forward.”
