# Music industry shifts to paid AI models

> India's music industry moves toward paid subscriptions and AI to boost revenue.
- Title: Music industry shifts to paid AI models · Financialexpress
- Summary: India's music industry moves toward paid subscriptions and AI to boost revenue. India's music industry must build paid subscription models and AI-driven…
- Keywords: india, music, subscription, monetisation, spotify, blinkit, swiggy, amazon, flipkart, royalty, copyright, industry
- Source: Financialexpress — https://financialexpress.com/opinion/future-of-music-unfolds-in-a-paid-ai-led-world/4365700
- Author: FE Bureau
- Published: 2026-10-20T16:38:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: india, music, ai, subscription, monetisation, spotify, blinkit, swiggy, amazon, flipkart, royalty, copyright
## India's music market growth
India has one of the world's largest music-listening ecosystems with high consumption but low monetisation.
## Global music revenue trends
Global recorded music revenues reached $31.7 billion in 2025, with paid streaming accounting for over 52% of revenues.
## YouTube's role in music
YouTube remains a key platform for music discovery and monetisation but creates structural vulnerabilities for music labels.
## Diversifying revenue streams
Music labels must diversify distribution, develop paying consumer relationships, and expand commercial licensing opportunities.
## AI-driven music experiences
AI will improve music discovery, personalisation, and monetisation of older soundtracks and regional catalogues.
## Cross-platform partnerships
Spotify could collaborate with Blinkit, Swiggy, Amazon, Flipkart to bundle music subscriptions with shopping and loyalty programs.
## Simplified licensing for events
Music companies should partner with restaurants, hotels, and retail stores for standardised licensing arrangements.
## Key takeaway

India's music industry must build paid subscription models and AI-driven revenue streams to improve monetisation without relying on YouTube.