Music Publishing and Sound Recording in Australia - Market Research Report (2014-2029)
Melbourne, Australia
Last Updated: March 2024
ANZSIC J5520Revenue
$1.0bn
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
$XXX.Xm
Employees
2,305
Businesses
1,961
Wages
$XXX.Xm
Music Publishing and Sound Recording in Australia industry analysis
Australia’s Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry has faced challenging conditions over the past few years. Rate hikes have reduced disposable income across the economy, and spending on online platforms like Spotify and Apple Music has seen a reduction as a result. Demand for sound recording has fallen over the past five years as the popularity of home recording studios has grown, with more people able to source cheap but high-quality sound recording equipment. Industry revenue is set to fall annualised 2.1% over the five years through 2023-24, to $1.0 billion. This trend includes an expected fall of 3.5% in 2023-24, as economic pressures limit people’s spending power.
Trends and Insights
- The resurgence of vinyl has aided physical music sales. The recent revival of vinyl as popular a listening medium has partially offset the trend of falling physical media sales.
- Online music platforms continue to dominate the market. This has made music licensing the most prominent product segment.
- Industry operators are primarily based in music hubs. Sydney and Melbourne attract the most industry businesses because of their relatively long history and presence in the Australian music scene.
- Apart from two major players, the industry is highly fragmented. The two largest players, Centenary Australia and SBME, control the majority of the market.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 2.1 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $1.0bn in 2024.
Trends and Insights
The industry continues its pivot to digital formats
- Digital music formats have grown increasingly popular over the past decade. Online music content services include content streaming websites and online subscription services like Spotify and Apple Music.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
The resurgence of vinyl is poised to stimulate revenue growth
- Vinyl records have grown in popularity in recent years, and this trend is forecast to continue.
Biggest companies in the Music Publishing and Sound Recording in Australia
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue ($m)
2024 |
|---|---|---|
Centenary Australia | 474.5 | |
SBME Holdings Australia | 156.5 | |
Warner Music Australia | 42.2 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 3 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Media licensing, Sound recording and Cover and sample licensing. Media licensing is the largest segment of the Music Publishing and Sound Recording in Australia.
Trends and Insights
Media licensing continues to be the primary product of the industry
- Music publishers provide licences so songs can be used in movies, television, radio, online and advertising services. Music publishers sell licences on behalf of their clients, allowing producers to use music for a variety of purposes.
- More insights available in the full report
Widen you competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- There are no industries to display.
Complementors
- Motion Picture and Video Production in Australia
- Motion Picture and Video Distribution in Australia
- Cinemas in Australia
- Video Post-Production Services in Australia
International industries
- Global Music Production and Distribution
- Independent Label Music Production in the US
- Major Label Music Production in the US
- Music Publishing in the US
- Audio Production Studios in the US
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Industry companies primarily acquire and register copyrights for musical compositions and authorise the use of these compositions on a range of platforms, including radio broadcasts, television programs, films, live performances and online formats. The industry also includes companies that produce original master recordings and complete other sound recording activities.
What's included in this industry?
Media licensingSound recordingCover and sample licensing Infringement protection Licensing music material, like trademarked logos and imageryCompanies
Centenary AustraliaSBME Holdings AustraliaWarner Music AustraliaPurchase this report to view all 3 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
STREAMING SERVICEPIRACYSYNCHRONISATION LICENCEIndustry Code
ANZSIC 5521 - Music Publishing and Sound Recording in Australia
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
The resurgence of vinyl has aided physical music sales. The recent revival of vinyl as popular a listening medium has partially offset the trend of falling physical media sal...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Online music platforms continue to dominate the market. This has made music licensing the most prominent product segment.
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2024
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2024
- Major market segmentation in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Industry operators are primarily based in music hubs. Sydney and Melbourne attract the most industry businesses because of their relatively long history and presence in the A...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each region in 2024
- Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of employees in each region in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across Asia Pacific, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Apart from two major players, the industry is highly fragmented. The two largest players, Centenary Australia and SBME, control the majority of the market.
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Major companies in the industry secure their dominance by attracting renowned artists to their labels. Having famous artists amasses large fan bases and secures revenue.
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
- Overview of Centenary Australia's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of SBME Holdings Australia's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Warner Music Australia's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Centenary Australia, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for SBME Holdings Australia, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Warner Music Australia, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Music publishers and sound recorders are subject to a light level of regulation. The primary legislation that affects the industry is the Copyright Act 1968.
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
The industry has become reliant on streaming services, which has eroded profit. Sales have fallen in the past three years, and streaming services are less profitable than phy...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in Australia include:
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Australian Taxation Office
- Australian Securities & Investments Commission
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry in Australia in 2024?
The market size of the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry in Australia is $1.0bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Music Publishing and Sound Recording in Australia industry in 2024?
There are 1,961 businesses in the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry in Australia, which has grown at a CAGR of 3.2 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry in Australia grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry in Australia has been declining at a CAGR of 2.1 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry in Australia over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry in Australia is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Music Publishing and Sound Recording market in Australia?
The biggest companies operating in the Music Publishing and Sound Recording market in Australia are Centenary Australia, SBME Holdings Australia and Warner Music Australia
What does the Music Publishing and Sound Recording in Australia include?
Media licensing and Sound recording are part of the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Music Publishing and Sound Recording in Australia?
The company holding the most market share in Australia is Centenary Australia.
How competitive is the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry in Australia?
The level of competition is high and increasing in the Music Publishing and Sound Recording industry in Australia.
