The Global Commercial Background Music Market size is estimated at USD 1.8 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.40 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.70% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The commercial background music market is currently experiencing robust growth and is expected to grow owing to the significant expansion in the media & entertainment, restaurant, and hospitality sectors like fitness centers and yoga.
Key Highlights
- The media & entertainment industry is one of the biggest users of background music. The industry uses a variety of background music to stimulate emotions of happiness, peace or tension, nervousness, or gear, depending upon the requirement. The growing media and entertainment industry is expected to have a huge impact on the creativity and adoption of background music during the forecast period.
- Background music in malls is used to create a positive and relaxing atmosphere for the customers. It is considered that an increased positive emotion can help to increase sales in the stores. As malls are commercial properties and operate on a large scale, there are dedicated vendors for music streaming in malls and shopping complexes. For instance, My Instore Radio is a subscription-based background music streaming and digital signage solution for malls and shopping centers.
- Playing music in public spaces serves a dual purpose; it not only aims to influence behavior by inducing a calming effect but also helps drown out the ambient noise created by activities like conversations, passengers, and goods movements. With a surge in services and infrastructure, particularly in Asian nations, the demand for background music is poised to rise.
- Music's ability to shape emotions, behaviors, and thoughts makes it a powerful tool in the hospitality sector. For instance, gyms often play high-tempo music to boost user performance, while spas opt for calming tunes to create a serene ambiance. Yoga centers, on the other hand, use ambient sounds like flutes or falling water to foster tranquillity. This versatility underscores music's varied roles in hospitality. The tourism and hospitality sectors are at an all-time high, propelling the growth of the background music industry as well.
- Commercial use of music is strictly prohibited, as it falls under copyright protection. The fees and royalties demanded by music owners can be exorbitant, significantly impacting the background music industry.
Global Commercial Background Music Market Trends
Randomization of Music Playlists to Drive the Market
- Utilizing randomized music playlists prevents customers from encountering repetitive tracks, enhancing their overall experience and fostering a more engaging environment. This, in turn, can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, with patrons likely to spend more time and revisit the establishment. A diverse and regularly updated playlist not only encourages customers to linger in retail spaces, potentially boosting sales as they explore products at leisure, but also in hospitality and dining venues, where extended stays often translate to higher consumption and, subsequently, increased revenue.
- Businesses can set themselves apart by selecting unique and diverse music. Crafting a musical ambiance that resonates with their brand not only distinguishes them but also forges a lasting impression. This distinctiveness not only draws in new patrons but also fosters customer loyalty. It is crucial to note that music needs vary across businesses; what suits a Friday night may not be apt for a Sunday afternoon, just as spa music does not complement a wine lounge. This diversity in musical needs fuels a growing demand for tailored music, shaping the market landscape.
- Non-repetitive, varied music playlists in commercial settings can boost employee morale and productivity. Repetitive music, on the other hand, tends to grow monotonous and distracting. Content and motivated employees are inclined to deliver superior customer service, thereby elevating the overall customer experience.
- Adaptive music is crucial in the hospitality and restaurant business. Depending upon the mood of its customers, businesses might rapidly require shifting from one track to another, more appealing music. This may result in better overall business revenue and impression of services, which may result in repeat visits and marketing. Businesses operating in tourism regions are more prone to such challenges; therefore, having a varied playlist on standby becomes important.
- The global proliferation of gyms and fitness centers is driving growth in the background music industry. Music, known for its mood-enhancing qualities, plays a pivotal role in boosting individual performance at fitness centers. Consequently, businesses in this sector are increasingly seeking diverse music selections to prevent monotony. The escalating focus on health and fitness is propelling the gym and fitness sector. For instance, data from the Office for National Statistics (United Kingdom) reveals a notable uptick: the number of individuals employed in the sport and fitness sector in the United Kingdom rose from approximately 165,300 in the third quarter of 2023 to an estimated 174,600 in the fourth quarter of the same year. This surge in employment signifies a growing workforce and the expanding revenue and demand landscape, painting a positive outlook for the market studied.
North America to Hold a Major Share
- North America currently holds the largest share of the global commercial background music market, and it is poised to continue leading in the coming years. This dominance is fueled by a surge in investments in commercial spaces, including restaurants, clubs, shopping centers, and gift stores, alongside cafeterias. This rise in investments is driving the adoption of diverse background music systems and software. North America's market strength is further bolstered by its roster of established companies, a thriving retail landscape, and a concerted focus on enhancing consumer experiences.
- The shopping mall market in the United States remains resilient. Data from the National Association of Realtors, a prominent American trade association, reveals that retail vacancies have hovered at approximately 4% over the past year. Many retailers are pivoting, crafting innovative strategies that seamlessly blend online and in-person shopping experiences. While there has been speculation about the fate of shopping malls, with some sources proclaiming their demise, recent trends paint a different picture. US malls are not only holding their ground but are also adapting swiftly to the evolving retail landscape. This stability in the shopping mall market is poised to have a positive ripple effect on the broader retail sector.
- The restaurant landscape is being shaped by a rising interest in afternoon snacking, value menus, and both digital and in-store personalization. As per the National Restaurant Association, the industry is set for further growth. Projections indicate that sales will surpass the historic USD 1 trillion mark for the first time. Additionally, the industry, already the nation's second-largest private sector employer, is poised to create 200,000 new jobs, bringing total employment to 15.7 million people. The background music in restaurants and the hospitality sector plays soft tunes to make customers stay longer, influence purchases, and create a better atmosphere for individuals.
- Moreover, as health consciousness rises, individuals are increasingly flocking to gyms and fitness centers for activities like aerobics and yoga. This surge in gym-goers has, in turn, heightened the demand for motivational background music in these spaces. The trend is not just about physical fitness; there is a noticeable increase in the demand for mental well-being, functional fitness, and stress reduction. Notably, construction is booming for gyms, pools, and recreational centers. For instance, in April 2024, officials in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, marked the beginning of construction for the city's new Active Living Centre. This multimillion-dollar facility is set to feature an eight-lane, 50-meter pool, a comprehensive fitness center, a double gymnasium with multiple sport courts, a 185-meter synthetic walking/running track, and eight versatile multipurpose rooms.
- However, there is a constant decline in the yoga and meditation practices in the region. According to the Outdoor Foundation, a non-profit organization in Washington, DC, United States, in 2023, the number of people doing yoga in the United States continued to decline. In 2022, around 34 million US Americans did yoga at least once in that year. In 2023, that number declined to roughly 33.64 million, denoting a 1.8% decrease. Yoga and other spiritual centers use background music to create an ambiance effect. The declining popularity can have an adverse effect on the overall background music market in the region.
Global Commercial Background Music Industry Overview
The commercial background music market is fragmented in nature. Some major players in the market studied are Auracle Sound Ltd, Mood Media, and Cloud Cover Media Inc. Players in the market are adopting strategies such as partnerships, agreements, innovations, and acquisitions to enhance their service offerings and gain sustainable competitive advantage.
- May 2024: IMRO announced a partnership with Audoo, a music recognition technology company aiming to transform public performance royalty distribution. Audoo's innovative Audio Meter, endorsed by music icons like Sir Elton John and ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus, will undergo a trial run in various public venues in Ireland, including cafes, bars, restaurants, and retail outlets. This initiative is set to bolster IMRO's current reporting methods, ensuring a more precise and transparent breakdown of royalty distributions to music creators. The technology achieves this by identifying and relaying data on the background music played directly to IMRO.
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