Streaming Continues to Drive Swiss Music Market Growth
The Swiss music market has shown robust growth, generating sales of CHF 249 million (approximately $274 million) in 2024, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. This growth represents the ninth consecutive year of expansion for the Swiss music industry, although sales remain below the peak of CHF 372 million reached in 2000.
According to the Swiss association of music labels (IFPI), music streaming has become the primary driver of this growth, accounting for over 90% of total sales in 2024. Major platforms such as YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify have played significant roles in this trend, reflecting the ongoing shift in consumer preferences towards digital music consumption.
In stark contrast, physical sales, particularly CDs, have continued to decline. Sales from CDs fell by 25% compared to 2023, resulting in a turnover of just CHF 9.7 million—the lowest figure since the introduction of the CD in the early 1980s.
The IFPI report highlighted that songs performed in Swiss German dialect were the most-streamed among Swiss artists in 2024. The top acts included Stubete Gäng, followed by Schwizergoofe, Patent Ochsner, Gölä, and Hecht.
On the international front, female artists dominated the streaming charts in Switzerland, with Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish leading the way. They were followed by Eminem, The Weeknd, and David Guetta.
The album "Loch dür Zyt" by the Bern-based band Züri West achieved notable success, while Billie Eilish’s album "Hit Me Hard And Soft" was recognized as the most successful international album of the year. Additionally, the single "Beautiful Things" by US singer-songwriter Benson Boone emerged as the most successful single of 2024.
The continued growth of the Swiss music market, primarily driven by streaming, underscores the evolving landscape of music consumption. As digital platforms gain prominence, traditional formats like CDs face significant challenges. The success of both local and international artists highlights the diverse musical tastes of Swiss audiences, paving the way for further innovation and growth in the industry.
