Germany streaming boom: 213 Billion streams in 2023, setting new records

In a resounding testament to the evolving music landscape, GfK Entertainment and the German Music Industry Association (BVMI) reveal that Germany experienced an extraordinary surge in music streaming in 2023, hitting a record-breaking 213 billion streams. This remarkable growth represents a significant 12% increase compared to the 191 billion streams achieved in the preceding year, 2022.

Dr. Mathias Giloth, Managing Director of GfK Entertainment, highlighted a pivotal moment in Germany’s streaming history. On Christmas Eve (December 24, 2023), the country set a new record with an astonishing almost 830 million streams generated in a single day.

The comprehensive BVMI/GfK report, encompassing both paid and advertising-supported streams lasting 31 seconds or more, spans the period from January to December 2023. These findings underscore the shifting music consumption habits in Germany, where streaming has firmly established itself as a dominant force in the industry.

As the world’s fourth-largest recorded music market, Germany’s journey in streaming reflects a notable evolution over the past five years. In 2019, the country recorded 108 billion streams, indicating a nearly twofold increase in total streams within this relatively short timeframe.

This streaming surge not only mirrors changing preferences among music consumers but also underscores the adaptability and resilience of the music industry in the digital age. With streaming reshaping the way people engage with music, Germany stands at the forefront of this transformative wave, setting new records and embracing the dynamic landscape of modern music consumption.