Music has been helping people get through the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and it has now been reported that streaming has increased for the sixth year in a row.
According to new figures based on Official Charts Company data, there were 139 billion audio streams in 2020, which is up by more than a fifth, with nearly 200 artists streamed more than 100 million times.
155 million albums (or equivalent) were also either streamed or purchased, which is an 8.2% rise, according to record labels association British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
BPI also hailed artists such as Headie One, Mabel, J Hus, Jorja Smith and AJ Tracey for driving growth in the music industry.
The rapid increase in streaming figures has led to calls for companies to offer musicians and artists a greater share of the profits made from music.
Speaking about the issue, Sir Paul McCartney has weighed in, saying: “They probably don’t pay enough. But [the platforms are] in such a powerful position. What can people do?”
BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor said: “The performance of recorded music in 2020 was remarkable, and reminds us how important music is to our country, even when our lives are disrupted. But any satisfaction we can take is tempered by the devastating impact of the pandemic on live music.”
He added: “Recorded music is only one element of artists’ incomes, and we renew our calls on government to support our culturally important venues, nightclubs and festivals until they can safely reopen. Record labels are investing heavily in new artists to secure the future of British music, boosting the UK’s exports and soft power.”
The BPI also reported that that one in every 10 songs streamed around the world in 2020 was by a British artist.
Streaming now makes up 80% of UK music consumption, despite the rise in vinyl and cassette sales.