Independent Companies Dominate Music Industry Structure
Data collected throughout 2025 indicates that independent labels, agencies, publishers, and management companies comprise a significant portion of the music industry. Ninety-seven percent of the companies tracked are classified as independent, defined as not being owned by Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, or Warner Music Group, and generally employing fewer than 50 people.
Ninety-eight percent of companies added to the database in 2025 were independent businesses entering the market, suggesting a continuing trend of new, independent businesses entering the market.
The data also shows that 95% of companies with active job listings on a jobs platform are independent. Examples of independent labels currently hiring include Mom + Pop, Nettwerk, and ANTI-.
Eighty percent of artist signings recorded in 2025 involved an independent company. This indicates that independent companies are frequently involved in developing artists’ careers at earlier stages.
More than 80% of company profile views on the platform in 2025 were for independent companies, demonstrating a high level of interest in these businesses.
Industry revenue data indicates that major labels account for approximately 70% of global recorded music revenue. However, when focusing on the companies directly supporting artists, the proportion shifts, with independent companies accounting for over 80% of profile views on the platform.
