Sony Reports Strong Q3 Performance as Music Revenues Rise 13%
Sony’s global music operations showed solid growth in the third quarter of 2025, boosted by increased streaming and publishing revenues. For the three months ending September 2025, the combined revenue from recorded music and music publishing reached $2.89 billion, a 13.3% increase year on year at constant currency, which is about $341 million more than the same period in 2024.
Recorded Music Division Performance
- The recorded music division earned $2.18 billion, a 12.1% year-on-year rise.
- Streaming revenue, including subscription and ad-supported platforms, reached $1.42 billion, up 11.7%.
- Physical music sales increased by 8.4% to $184.9 million.
- The “Other” category—covering licensing, merchandising, and live performance income—grew 16.8% to $529 million.
Top Recorded Music Projects Outside Japan
- Bruce Springsteen’s Tracks II: The Lost Albums
- SZA’s SOS
- Tyler, The Creator’s Don’t Tap the Glass
- Additional contributors included Bad Bunny, Tate McRae, Beéle, Fuerza Regida, Michael Jackson, and Sleep Token.
Music Publishing Segment Growth
Sony Music Publishing led the publishing arm, generating $718 million in quarterly revenue, reflecting a 17.2% year-on-year increase.
Streaming revenue within publishing accounted for about $442 million, rising 24.8% compared to the previous year.
"Sony’s global music operations recorded a strong performance in the third quarter of 2025, driven by growth in both streaming and publishing revenues."
Author's summary: Sony’s Q3 2025 music revenue grew significantly, fueled by strong streaming gains and notable success in both recorded music and publishing sectors.