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Recording Industry in Numbers 2008

The definitive source of global music market information

The RIN 2008


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16th June 2008

"This report documents the music industry's transition to a world of new business models and multiple revenue streams, and has a wealth of first-hand and third party research."
IFPI Chairman and CEO John Kennedy


The report features:

The first in-depth study of the growing business of performance rights licensing. Income from public performance and broadcast plays a key role in an industry of diversifying revenue streams. The Recording Industry in Numbers lists performance rights income by country and features an in-depth analysis of the sector.

Detailed information on the recorded music markets of 42 countries and a global overview of the business. Most countries are seeing strong growth in digital music sales and performance rights revenues but falling sales of CDs. The trends and format breakdowns vary significantly by country. The Recording Industry in Numbers features a country-by-country analysis of the recorded music market, including a full breakdown of the digital sector.

A comprehensive round-up of key consumer trends, including international research findings. Analysis of the changing patterns of music consumption, covering legitimate and unauthorised music, digital channels and physical formats. The Recording Industry in Numbers includes quantitative and focus group research into the trends shaping the international music market.

Review of the broader music sector, from live to retail. The total music sector is worth over US155 billion and most parts of it are seeing healthy growth. The Recording Industry in Numbers features estimates on the live music sector, music publishing, musical instrument sales and portable player sales.

Global albums and singles chart as well as the European best sellers. The Recording Industry in Numbers features the definitive global top album and singles sales list.

Insights on repertoire origin by country. The Recording Industry in Numbers features a comprehensive guide to repertoire trends in markets worldwide - comparing domestic and international repertoire on a market basis and genres shares in some markets.


Comments about the Recording Industry In Numbers:

"The Recording industry in Numbers is the only truly authoritative publication on an industry in rapid transition. It is therefore an essential guide to judging the impact of change on the global record industry."
Alison Wenham, President of world independent labels body WIN

"The Recording Industry in Numbers is a very helpful tool in economic and statistical research relating to the global recording industry. It is really an essential reference for anyone whose research interests extend to global media trends and developments."
Stephen E. Siwek, Principal, Economists Incorporated, Washington D.C.

"The IFPI's statistical service continues to represent the gold standard when it comes to monitoring the changing face of the international music industry. I commend RIN to anyone who wants to really understand the evolution of the music business."
Kim Bayley, a director of European retail association GERA and Director General of the UK's Entertainment Retailers Association

"The 'Recording Industry in Numbers' not only offers a useful overview of the global music business in a state of dynamic transformation, but also provides illuminating insights into important regional variations and local market conditions."
Michael Nash, Executive Vice President, Digital Strategy and Business Development, Warner Music Group

"At a time when the music industry is seeing new avenues of business opening almost daily, the IFPI's Recording Industry in Numbers proves itself to be a consistent source of accurate and insightful data."
Rob Wells, Senior Vice President, Digital, Universal Music Group International

Other features:

  • Global sales figures 2003-2007 and market overview
  • Global best selling albums in 2007 and an analysis of trends in the top-sellers
  • Key consumer trends and international research about music consumption
  • Spotlight on performance rights income
  • Review of the broader music sector, from live to retail
  • Country-level data for 42 territories, including:
    • Key market developments in 2007
    • Total recorded industry sales (2003-2007) with splits for physical, digital and performance rights revenues
    • Physical and digital sales by format
    • General country data (age structure, population, median age, chart compiler), digital indicators (internet, broadband, mobile and 3G subscriptions)
    • Top independent labels
    • Sales by age, genre and retail channels (for some countries)
  • Music retail sales by country and by channel (physical and digital)
  • Global volume sales trend 1973-2007
  • Sales by repertoire origin, broken down by country
  • Certification award levels by country
  • Taxes on sound recordings by country
  • List of key online music services around the world

The full report costs £550 and can be purchased through the IFPI online shop (includes hard copy delivered by international courier, or special delivery within the UK, and past reports on request, where available).

Alternatively, each country page of the report can be purchased separately at a cost of £100 (PDF of one page only).

Academic institutions and educational bodies' discount rate: £ 225 (includes delivery of three physical copies of the report). Orders must be placed by the university library director or equivalent. Requests by students will not be accepted under the terms of the special offer.

Click here to view all purchase options.

The Recording Industry in Numbers is free to all IFPI members.
If you are a member, to claim your free copy while stocks last please send an email with your address and membership details to ritco@ifpi.org

If you have any queries about the report please email ritco@ifpi.org. Please send any media enquiries to alex.jacob@ifpi.org