As the music business races toward another era of rapid change, our predictions offer a snapshot of what industry leaders believe will define 2026. From AI-powered creation tools to global genre breakthroughs and the return of physical formats, executives across streaming, licensing, and music technology agree that the next year will bring structural shifts in how music is made, discovered, and monetized.
Fans Become Co-Creators and Global Sounds Break Through
One of the biggest themes is participation. David Ponte of Audiomack predicts that “platforms will continue to broaden and democratize creation,” with fans actively remixing, editing, and reshaping songs rather than consuming music passively. These creative interactions, he argues, will extend a song’s lifespan, strengthen community engagement, and unlock new discovery pathways.
Ponte also forecasts a major crossover moment for Afrobeats, suggesting the genre will have its “Bad Bunny moment” as artists like Tyla, Wizkid, Tems, Burna Boy, Davido, and Amaarae gain stronger traction on U.S. charts. Even as algorithms dominate listening habits, he emphasizes that human tastemakers will remain essential to surfacing new music and shaping cultural relevance.
AI Redefines Musicianship and Licensing Infrastructure
Artificial intelligence is expected to transform both creativity and business operations. Geraldo Ramos of Music AI believes the definition of a musician will inevitably change as full songs can be generated from text prompts, but he stresses that thoughtful AI use will amplify—not replace—human craft and expression.
On the business side, Sean Power of Musical AI predicts that music will lead other creative industries in establishing clear frameworks for AI licensing, attribution, and fair compensation. Björn Lindvall of MusicInfra points to improving metadata infrastructure and evolving agreements between rightsholders and technology companies as key drivers for unlocking new revenue and more efficient licensing systems.
Physical Media, Karaoke, and Branding Make a Comeback
Consumer behavior is also shifting toward more tangible and experiential engagement. Romain Boudruche of We Are Rewind sees continued growth in vinyl, cassette tapes, and collectible physical releases, driven by listeners seeking intentional, distraction-free listening experiences. These formats are reshaping how artists package albums and connect emotionally with fans.
Meanwhile, Jouni Salasola of Singa predicts karaoke will evolve into a meaningful new music revenue vertical, creating deeper fan interaction opportunities. Josh Collum of Soundstripe anticipates sync licensing entering a phase of true scale through automation, while brands increasingly embrace unexpected music choices and the return of high-quality jingles. Casey Childers of ONErpm adds that international markets, nostalgia-driven “Recession Pop,” and lifestyle-driven marketing will continue to influence artist growth.
Looking Ahead to a More Participatory Music Economy
Taken together, these forecasts signal a more collaborative, globally connected, and technologically integrated music ecosystem. As AI matures, fan participation deepens, and new monetization models emerge, artists, platforms, and rightsholders will need to adapt quickly. The year ahead promises not just new trends, but a fundamental redefinition of how music is created, discovered, and valued worldwide.
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