The International Music Summit (IMS) Business Report 2025 has revealed encouraging news for the global electronic music community: the industry surged by 6% in 2024, reaching a total valuation of $12.9 billion, up from $12.5 billion in 2023.
This growth reflects the sector’s resilience and ongoing evolution in the face of economic uncertainty, technological shifts, and changing audience behaviors.
Key Figures from the IMS Business Report 2025
- Total Industry Value: $12.9 billion (up from $12.5 billion)
- Live events and festivals: Remain the industry’s largest driver, rebounding to pre-pandemic levels.
- Streaming and recorded music: Continued growth in digital consumption and monetization via platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Beatport.
- DJ income: Top-tier DJs remain highly lucrative, though earnings are more evenly distributed across emerging artists.
Regional Highlights
- Europe: Still the dominant market for electronic music events, with Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands leading.
- North America: Growth driven by expanding festival circuits, club reopenings, and EDM’s continued crossover with pop and hip-hop.
- Asia-Pacific: An emerging powerhouse, particularly with the rise of festivals and EDM-focused events in Southeast Asia and China.
- Latin America: Growth in niche underground scenes and boutique festivals, supported by rising ticket demand and tourism.
Festival & Event Resurgence
After a few years of instability due to the pandemic, festivals and club nights have seen a major comeback. Some contributing factors include:
- Pent-up demand for live experiences
- Increased tourism to music-driven destinations (e.g., Ibiza, Tulum, Bali)
- Hybrid events that mix in-person and livestreamed components
Notable high-performing festivals included Tomorrowland, Ultra, and Awakenings, which reported sold-out editions in 2024.
Innovation & Tech Trends
- AI in music production: Gaining traction with producers integrating tools for mastering, sound design, and real-time composition.
- NFTs and fan experiences: Still niche, but artists are experimenting with tokenized fan passes, exclusive content, and virtual merch.
- Live streaming: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live remain viable for artists outside the traditional touring circuit.
Quotes from the Report
IMS co-founder Ben Turner emphasized:
“The electronic music industry has shown remarkable adaptability. What we’re seeing now is not just recovery — it’s reinvention. The line between artist, brand, and entrepreneur is blurring more than ever.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress, the report notes several hurdles:
- Rising production costs for events
- Competition for younger audiences’ attention
- Oversaturation in festival markets
- Environmental impact and the growing need for sustainable practices
Final Take
The 6% rise signals not only a return to form but a new phase of innovation. With evolving tech, diversified revenue streams, and growing global markets, electronic music is cementing its place as one of the most dynamic sectors in the entertainment industry.
Whether you’re an artist, promoter, label, or fan — this momentum suggests there’s never been a better time to be involved in the scene.