France's Recorded Music Market Grew 3.5% in First Half

France's recorded music market grew 3.5% year-over-year to €449 million ($524 million) in the first half of 2026. The National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing (SNEP) reported the figures on September 8, attributing the growth primarily to subscription streaming.

Subscription streaming revenues rose 7.5% to €291.5 million ($340 million). This growth helped offset declines in other digital segments. Digital revenues overall increased 5.2% to €363.9 million ($425 million). SNEP noted this was a slower rate due to falling advertising income from video platforms.

Market Performance by Format

The physical market contracted by 3.4% to €85 million ($99 million). Within that segment, vinyl revenue grew while CD sales fell sharply.

Subscription streaming now accounts for 65% of France's combined physical and digital revenues, up 2.5 percentage points from a year ago. Digital formats as a whole represent 81% of the market. France generated 81 billion audio streams in the half, with 79% coming from subscriptions.

French Artists Dominate Charts

Local repertoire continued to lead the market. French productions took 72% of the Top 200 Albums chart for the half-year and held the top four positions. They also accounted for 76% of listening on the Top 200 Streaming chart, a three-point increase year-over-year. Fifteen French-language tracks made the half-year Top 20 singles chart.

The single "melodrama" by Disiz and Theodora spent 28 weeks at number one on the Top Singles chart, 23 of them consecutive. SNEP said this is the longest run at the top in the chart's history. Internationally, BTS delivered what SNEP called the best performance of the six months. Their album ARIRANG entered the Top Albums chart at number one and finished the half at number five, while also topping the physical albums chart.

New Rules for AI-Generated Music

SNEP used its half-year report to detail new criteria for AI-generated music in France's official charts. The framework, operational since May 2026, distinguishes between AI-assisted recordings from a human-led creative process and content generated entirely by artificial intelligence. Recordings made entirely by AI do not qualify for the charts.

To be eligible, a recording developed using AI must meet three criteria. First, it must be the result of substantial human involvement. Second, the use of generative AI must be disclosed to the public clearly and transparently. Third, the AI service used must be authorized and comply with France's regulatory and legal framework. SNEP developed the criteria through international cooperation with IFPI and other trade bodies.

Alexandre Lasch, Managing Director of SNEP, commented on the market's health and the AI rules. "The results of this first half of 2026 reflect the good health of the French recorded music market, but also its development potential, particularly in subscription streaming," he said. On AI, Lasch stated, "We defend an ethical AI that respects intellectual property and European rules." He also emphasized that the industry's charts "must remain a reflection of creation driven by artists, within a transparent framework that guarantees respect for rights and is open to responsible innovation."

The report also referenced a proposed French law, the Darcos bill, which would create a legal presumption that AI companies have used copyrighted works to train their systems. The bill passed the Senate in April and was adopted by the National Assembly's culture committee on June 2, but its examination in the full chamber was later blocked by the filing of 110 amendments.