UK Recorded Music Consumption Set to Rise Nearly 10% in 2024, Marking First Increase in Physical Sales in Two Decades

According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the consumption of music recorded in the UK is expected to see significant growth in 2024.

Positive Trends in UK Music Consumption

The BPI released its annual analysis of the music market today (31 December), highlighting optimistic figures for UK recorded music consumption and physical sales, marking a first in two decades.

Last year, sales and streaming of UK recorded music surged by 9.7%, reaching 200.5 million albums (or equivalent), signifying a decade of continuous growth. This success is partly attributed to the remarkable rise and support for women in the industry, with figures like Charli XCX leading the charge.

Challenges Facing the Industry

Despite the ongoing growth in consumption of UK recorded music, British music faces threats from rising global competition and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, which could lead to unauthorized modifications or uses of copyrighted music that undermine artists’ interests.

BPI chief executive Dr. Joe Twist commented: “The UK’s creativity and human artistry are endangered by proposed changes to copyright law that would permit international tech giants to utilize artists’ work for AI model training without compensation or consent, which would misalign with the exciting potential of AI. Moreover, streaming fraud is becoming an increasing concern.

“By confronting pervasive global issues like AI, copyright challenges, and streaming fraud, while promoting sustainable models such as paid streaming subscriptions, we can help secure the value of British music and ensure the industry thrives both domestically and globally.”

“The UK continues to maintain its status as a global music powerhouse, but this must not be taken for granted; supportive policy is essential for fostering human creativity and enabling continued investment in the upcoming generation of British talent.”

In a notable change, physical album sales rose by 1.4% year-over-year for the first time since 1994, while vinyl sales experienced their 17th consecutive increase, reaching a three-decade high with a 9.1% rise to 6.7 million units. However, CD sales saw a steady decline of 2.9%, offset by the growth in vinyl sales.

While classic records play a significant role in the revival of vinyl culture, eight of the top 10 vinyl records sold in 2024 are new releases from artists including Taylor Swift, Fontaines DC, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Coldplay, and The Cure. The two enduring records remaining in the top 10 are Oasis’ *Definitely Maybe* and Fleetwood Mac’s *Rumors*.

2024 has also been a breakthrough year for women in the UK charts, with six entries in the top 10 albums list and a total of 10 albums in the top 20. On the singles charts, women shattered another record by surpassing 2023’s 31-week streak at number one with 2024’s impressive 34-week reign. This achievement was fueled by Sabrina Carpenter, who enjoyed 21 weeks at the top with her hit songs “Espresso”, “Please Please Please”, and “Taste”.

The BPI and the Official Charts Company have also released the top 10 charts for albums, singles, vinyl, and streaming in 2024. Check them out below.

Official Album Charts 2024:
1. Taylor Swift – “Department of Tortured Poets”
2. The Weeknd – “Highlights”
3. Sabrina Carpenter – “Short N’ Sweet”
4. Noah Kahan – “Season of Sticks”
5. Billie Eilish – “Hit Me Hard and Soft”
6. Chappell Roan – “The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess”
7. Fleetwood Mac – “50 Years – Don’t Stop”
8. Charlie XCX – “Offspring”
9. Coldplay – “Moon Music”
10. Olivia Rodrigo – “Guts”

Official Singles Charts 2024:
1. Noah Kahan – “Season of Sticks”
2. Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
3. Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
4. Teddy Swims – “Lose Control”
5. Hozier – “Too Sweet”
6. Shabuzi – “Song in the bar (tipsy)”
7. Billie Eilish – “Birds of the Same Feather”
8. Chappell Roan – “Good Luck Baby!”
9. Dasha – “Austin”
10. Sabrina Carpenter – “Please, Please, Please”

Official Vinyl Charts 2024:
1. Taylor Swift – “Department of Tortured Poets”
2. Oasis – “Definitely Possible”
3. Chappell Roan – “The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess”
4. Sabrina Carpenter – “Short N’ Sweet”
5. Fontaine, DC – “Romance”
6. Billie Eilish – “Hit Me Hard And Soft”
7. Fleetwood Mac – “Rumors”
8. The Cure – “Songs from a Lost World”
9. Coldplay – “Moon Music”
10. Charlie XCX – “Offspring”

Official Streaming Charts 2024:
1. Noah Kahan – “Season of Sticks”
2. Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
3. Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
4. Teddy Swims – “Lose Control”
5. Hozier – “Too Sweet”
6. Shabuzi – “Song in the bar (tipsy)”
7. Billie Eilish – “Birds of the Same Feather”
8. Chappell Roan – “Good Luck Baby!”
9. Sabrina Carpenter – “Please, Please, Please”
10. Dasha – “Austin”

Charli XCX’s culturally impactful sixth album, “Brat,” was launched in June and received the Album of the Year accolade from Charli XCX Magazine. NME described it as “a cultural phenomenon, with ‘Brat’ being an exceptionally crafted album that goes beyond its marketing narrative.”

Following the success of “Brat,” Charli is set for a second tour in 2025. She has been confirmed as the first headliner for Parklife next year and has plans to deliver a captivating performance at London’s LIDO Festival. Additionally, she will perform at outdoor events in Belfast and Dublin, appear at Coachella 2025, and headline at Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Porto, along with announcing a US tour for April and May.