As the music industry continues to evolve, platforms like Spotify have become essential for artists to reach global audiences and receive fair payouts for their music. And when it comes to Indian music, 2025 is proving to be an exciting year. According to the latest data from Spotify’s Loud & Clear 2025 report, Indian Artists’ Spotify Payouts come from international listeners, showcasing the growing global appeal of Indian music.
Spotify’s latest update provides a clear snapshot of how the Indian music landscape is changing, with an increasing percentage of royalties coming from overseas. The Loud & Clear 2025 report reveals key trends, particularly the growth of non-film music and the expansion of Indian artists’ reach in global markets.
So, what’s driving this change, and what does it mean for Indian artists and the future of the Indian music industry? Let’s break it down.
1. The Global Growth of Indian Music: Nearly 50% of Royalties Come from International Streams
One of the most striking pieces of data from Spotify’s Loud & Clear 2025 report is that nearly 50% of royalties earned by Indian artists now come from listeners outside of India. This figure has jumped from 40% in 2023, highlighting a significant surge in international interest in Indian music.
In simple terms, Indian music is no longer just for Indians. It’s finding its way into global playlists, events, and streaming charts, proving that Indian artists have a lot to offer the world beyond Bollywood soundtracks. With nearly half of their earnings coming from international markets, Indian artists are now tapping into an increasingly globalized audience.
2. Indian Music on the Rise: More Than Just Film Soundtracks
For decades, the Indian music scene was closely tied to the Bollywood film industry. From romantic ballads to dance tracks, a large portion of Indian music came from movies. However, Spotify’s Loud & Clear 2025 report highlights a shift in this trend.
In 2024, more than 65% of the top 30 most exported Indian songs were non-film tracks. This trend reflects the growing popularity of Indian artists and genres that aren’t tied to Bollywood, such as indie, pop, electronic, and fusion music. As global listeners become more diverse in their musical tastes, Indian artists are finding that there is more than enough space for their unique sounds in the global market.
This shift away from Bollywood soundtracks is a crucial development in the Indian music industry, signaling that non-film music is gaining traction both in India and abroad. For Indian artists, this is a chance to experiment with different genres and expand their audience to new demographics.
3. Spotify and the Rise of Indian Independent Artists
With the increasing global demand for Indian music, platforms like Spotify are giving independent artists the tools to share their work with the world. Unlike the traditional industry model, which often favors big-label artists and film-related music, Spotify has empowered Indian musicians to reach an international audience without relying on Bollywood.
Through tools like Spotify for Artists, musicians can track their streams, interact with fans, and market their music globally. This has opened the door for independent artists to find success on an international scale. Thanks to Spotify’s algorithm and recommendation system, even lesser-known artists can gain significant traction if their music resonates with global listeners.
The Loud & Clear 2025 report underscores this democratization of music distribution, where more Indian artists are able to earn royalties from global streams. Whether they are producing indie rock, EDM, or hip-hop, the platform is allowing them to showcase their music on an international stage.
4. Challenges in the Indian Music Industry: A Slower Growth Pace in 2024
While the global reach of Indian music is undoubtedly growing, India’s domestic music industry is facing challenges as well. According to the IFPI’s Global Music Report, India’s recorded music revenue grew by only 2.5% in 2024, compared to 15.4% growth in 2023. This slowdown caused India to drop from 14th to 15th place in global music market rankings.
This data presents a bit of a contradiction. While Indian music’s global reach is expanding, the local industry is slowing down. Whether it’s due to economic factors, changing consumer behavior, or competition from international music markets, Indian artists and music companies may need new strategies to stimulate further domestic growth.
Despite these challenges, the fact that Indian artists are still seeing major international interest is a clear indicator that the global landscape for Indian music is expanding.
5. Why International Streams Matter: The Rise of Music Exports
The trend of Indian music exports is especially important because it highlights the growing global demand for diverse sounds. As India’s music industry becomes more integrated into the global market, Indian artists are increasingly seen as global music ambassadors.
The fact that 50% of Indian artists’ royalties come from abroad shows that Indian music is no longer confined to its national borders. It’s finding a new audience in markets often overlooked by traditional Bollywood-centric strategies.
Platforms like Spotify are making it easier for artists to reach listeners in countries like the US, UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia. For Indian artists, this means they can monetize their work through international royalties, turning them into global stars.
6. The Role of Music Streaming Platforms in Shaping the Future of Indian Music
As the industry moves forward, Spotify and other streaming platforms will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian music. The ease of distribution, global reach, and analytical tools that these platforms provide will help Indian artists grow their fanbases both locally and internationally.
The increasing reliance on digital platforms means that Spotify’s Loud & Clear 2025 report will likely continue to offer valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of the Indian music industry. As international demand for Indian music grows, we can expect more Indian artists on global playlists, collaborating with international musicians, and performing on international stages.
7. What Does This Mean for the Indian Music Industry?
The growth of Indian music in international markets is a great opportunity for Indian artists and the Indian music industry as a whole. For artists, this is the chance to expand their reach and tap into new revenue streams, which is especially important given the challenges in the domestic market.
For music companies and labels, it’s time to rethink strategies, focus on creating globally appealing music, and work with streaming platforms to promote non-film music. The future lies in artist autonomy, streaming partnerships, and cross-border collaborations.
Conclusion: The Future of Indian Music in a Globalized World
As we look ahead, it’s clear that Indian music is carving out its place in the global spotlight. Thanks to platforms like Spotify, the reach of Indian artists is no longer limited to national borders. The Loud & Clear 2025 report shows that nearly 50% of Indian artists’ payouts now come from international streams, with non-film music taking center stage.
This is a game-changer for Indian musicians, who can now connect with listeners worldwide, earning recognition and royalties from global markets. However, the Indian music industry must also overcome challenges like slower domestic growth and adapt to the digital age.
As global audiences demand more variety, Indian music is well-poised to become a staple in the international music scene, shaping the soundscape of the future.
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