This week’s industry developments span AI funding, streaming cleanup, and fresh insights into where discovery really happens. With new partnerships, strategic takedowns, and evolving listener behaviors, the music ecosystem continues to shift, from infrastructure to fandom.
#1. ElevenLabs Secures Investment from NVIDIA
AI audio startup ElevenLabs has received a strategic investment from NVIDIA, the world’s most valuable company by market cap. Just weeks after launching its AI music platform Eleven Music to rival Suno and Udio, the company confirmed this new backing as it expands licensing deals with rightsholders, including Merlin and Kobalt. Unlike many of its competitors, ElevenLabs is working closely with the music industry, signing licensing and training pacts to stay ahead of copyright issues. With NVIDIA’s support and growing influence in both voice and music generation, ElevenLabs is positioning itself as a compliant, scalable player in the generative audio space.
#2. Spotify Deletes 75M Tracks and Rolls Out New AI Music Policies
Spotify has confirmed the removal of over 75 million tracks deemed “noise” or “spam” from its platform, many of which were generated by AI. The company also rolled out new policies for AI music, emphasizing the need for transparency around synthetic content and human attribution. While Spotify isn’t banning AI outright, it’s drawing clearer lines around ethical training data and acceptable use. As AI music continues to rise, the platform is signaling that detection, metadata clarity, and fair play will become part of the streaming standard.
#3. U.S. vs. EU: Recorded Music Revenue Comparison
A new analysis highlights that U.S. recorded music revenues continue to significantly outpace those of the European Union, despite the EU’s broader consumer base. The disparity points to differences in subscription pricing, licensing structures, and adoption of premium features. While the EU leads in regulatory reform, the U.S. appears more effective in monetizing fandom, especially through dynamic pricing, bundled offers, and better data infrastructure.
#4. TikTok Surpasses YouTube for Music Discovery, Says MIDiA
A new study from MIDiA Research reveals that TikTok has surpassed YouTube as the top music discovery platform for Gen Z. Currently, 38% of users report discovering new music on TikTok, compared to 30% on YouTube. Spotify remains dominant for full-length consumption, but discovery is clearly shifting toward short-form and social-first platforms. This confirms that music marketing strategies must account for where attention starts.
#5. Reunion Tours Drive Major Streaming Spikes
New analysis reveals that reunion tours significantly boost catalog streams, sometimes even more than new releases. As legacy acts return to the stage, fans re-engage with older material, leading to measurable lifts in both streaming volume and playlist placements. The effect is particularly strong when paired with documentary content, anniversary reissues, or viral moments. For catalog owners, timing digital strategies around live events could unlock new lifecycle value.
