Luminate’s annual year-end report has arrived. We’ve compiled five key takeaways that matter most to independent artists navigating today’s fast-changing industry. Read on for deeper insights and learn how to use these trends to your advantage with tips and tools from CD Baby.
1. Independent distributors gained 4.4% share of total distribution
In 2025, independent distributors gained a 4.4% share of total distribution against the majors, totaling a 96.2% share of total distribution. The recent growth underscores the industry’s continued shift toward artist-first distribution, empowering artists to retain ownership of their music while expanding their reach.
Are you an independent artist looking to get your music on major platforms like Spotify or Apple Music? Sign up for a CD Baby account and join 2 million artists from over 145 countries.
2. 106,000 tracks were delivered to streaming platforms each day
In 2025, artists uploaded more than 106,000 tracks to DSPs every single day. While this speaks to how accessible music distribution has become, it also reflects a new reality for independent artists: releasing music is the easy part; getting heard is the real challenge.
That’s why lead time and promotion matter more than ever. Submit your music at least four weeks in advance of the release date and find your fans with a strong release strategy.
3. 88% of tracks uploaded in 2025 received 1,000 streams or fewer
Market saturation continues to make fan discovery more challenging. According to Luminate, 88% of tracks generated 1,000 streams or fewer—meaning the vast majority of releases never reach a key growth milestone.
That milestone matters. For platforms like Spotify, 1,000 streams is where you start to earn royalty revenue. Getting there also teaches artists essential marketing skills and helps establish credibility with fans.
Reaching this many streams takes the right mix of promotion, community-building, and social media skills. We’ve broken down the process, step-by-step, for you here.
4. The cross-platform surge is the new standard for success.
Licensing can be a powerful growth lever for emerging artists, unlocking new revenue while expanding discovery beyond traditional streaming.
Luminate refers to this strategy as “Transmedia,” noting that placements in film, television, and gaming can meaningfully drive both streams and income. As Luminate explains, “This approach, where a single intellectual property is deployed across multiple platforms, allows rights holders to maximize revenue from non-traditional streams.”
Expand your revenue streams and discovery channels by unlocking sync licensing opportunities with CDB Boost.
5. U.S. listeners skeptical of AI-generated music
AI has rapidly reshaped the music industry, unlocking new creative tools while also raising serious questions about originality and authenticity. According to Luminate, 45 percent of U.S. music listeners are still uncomfortable with AI being used to create original music. That hesitation creates a meaningful opportunity for independent artists to provide that “human spark.”
As you’re promoting your music, it’s more important than ever to lean into what makes your music uniquely human. By staying authentic, you can differentiate your music and stand out from AI music.
Stay ahead of the curve with CD Baby
For over 25 years, CD Baby has evolved to meet independent artists’ needs in a rapidly changing industry. Our foundation as a DIY distribution pioneer — and our ongoing commitment to understanding industry trends — continues to shape that innovation.
Today, we support more than two million artists from 145+ countries, offering seamless distribution to 150+ platforms with no annual fees.
If you’re looking for a distribution partner that keeps you ahead of the curve, and supports you from submission to release day and beyond, create a CD Baby account today!