The BPI, which represents the UK’s record companies and label businesses, has released its report into the UK recorded music market in 2025.
Topline:
Recorded music sales and streams increased by 4.9% annually in the UK over the past 12 months to reach 210.3 million albums (or their streamed equivalent) consumed.
The annual audio streaming market surpassed 200 billion streams for the first time, reaching 210.3 billion streams.
Streaming rose 5.5% year-on-year to account for 89.3% of consumption, compared with 88.8% in 2024.
Physical media:
Vinyl sales increased for an 18th consecutive year, up 13.3% YoY to 7.6 million units.
CD sales declined by 7.6% to 9.7 million.
A cassette tape revival saw the “Other” category explode by 80%, although it still only accounted for 330,000 units.
Physical album sales across the board rose 1.4%, up for the second year in a row to reach 17.6 million units.
Standouts:
Taylor Swift dominated 2025, with her The Life Of A Showgirl topping the Official Artist Albums Chart, the Official Vinyl Artist Albums Chart and Official CD Artist Albums Chart.
US singer-songwriter Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” topped the 2025 Official Singles Chart and Most Streamed Audio Track.
2025 signaled the arrival of a crop of breakthrough British artists:
Lola Young’s “Messy” was the year’s second biggest single.
Olivia Dean became the first woman in UK chart history to attain her first Number 1 single and album in the same week, and artists such as Chrystal, Skye Newman, rapper EsDeeKid and Sienna Spiro also achieved UK chart success.
Meanwhile UK rock group Sleep Token achieved its first Number 1 album in the UK and US.
What they said:
Dr. Jo Twist OBE, BPI CEO: “2025 saw UK talent break through domestically and globally, an impressive feat given more acts than ever are vying for audience attention. From Olivia Dean and Lola Young to Sleep Token and Sam Fender, new British talent are now chart-topping sensations at home and are making their presence felt in key markets around the world, while the likes of Ed Sheeran continue to reinforce their icon status. This is testament to the diverse, exceptional talent that exists throughout the UK, and to the vital role labels play in supporting artists to long-term success.”
