Saudi Arabia music streaming market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Saudi Arabia Music Streaming Market Overview

• The Saudi Arabia Music Streaming Market is valued at USD 700 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones, robust internet connectivity, and a rising preference for digital music consumption among the youth. The market has seen a significant shift towards subscription-based models, reflecting evolving consumer behavior and preferences. Platforms are differentiating through personalization, content exclusivity, and ecosystem integration, further accelerating adoption .
• Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam dominate the market due to their large urban populations and higher disposable incomes. These cities serve as cultural hubs where music consumption is deeply integrated into daily life, supported by a vibrant entertainment scene and frequent music festivals that attract both local and international artists. The high rate of mobile internet usage in these urban centers further supports the expansion of music streaming services .
• In 2023, the Saudi government implemented regulations to promote local music content, mandating that streaming platforms feature a minimum percentage of Saudi artists in their catalogs. This initiative is governed by the "Saudi Music Commission Content Promotion Regulation, 2023" issued by the Ministry of Culture, which requires platforms operating in the Kingdom to ensure at least 30% of their catalog features Saudi artists. The regulation aims to support the local music industry, enhance cultural representation, and foster a more diverse music landscape in the country .

Saudi Arabia Music Streaming Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into on-demand streaming, live streaming, ad-supported streaming, downloadable content, and others. On-demand streaming is the most popular segment, driven by consumer preferences for personalized music experiences and instant access to large music libraries. Live streaming has gained traction, especially during concerts and virtual events, while ad-supported streaming appeals to users seeking free access to music. Downloadable content remains relevant for offline listening, particularly in regions with intermittent internet connectivity .

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes individual users, families, educational institutions, and corporate users. Individual users dominate the market, driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones and the growing trend of personal music consumption. Families are increasingly subscribing to bundled family plans, while educational institutions utilize music streaming for educational and extracurricular activities. Corporate users leverage music streaming for employee engagement and event management .

Saudi Arabia Music Streaming Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Music Streaming Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Anghami, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Tidal, Mawal, Qobuz, Rotana Music, Shahid, MBC Group, STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Zain KSA, and Mobily contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space. These platforms compete by offering extensive content libraries, localized playlists, exclusive releases, and advanced personalization features .

Saudi Arabia Music Streaming Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Smartphone Penetration:As of future, smartphone penetration in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach approximately97%, with around30 millionsmartphone users. This surge facilitates access to music streaming services, enabling consumers to listen to music anytime and anywhere. The rise in smartphone usage is supported by the availability of affordable devices and improved mobile data plans, which collectively enhance the overall user experience in the music streaming sector.
• Rising Disposable Income:The average disposable income in Saudi Arabia is expected to increase to aroundSAR 80,000 (approximately USD 21,300)per capita in future. This growth in disposable income allows consumers to allocate more funds towards entertainment, including music streaming subscriptions. As consumers become more willing to spend on premium services, the music streaming market is likely to see a significant boost in subscription rates and overall revenue.
• Expansion of Internet Infrastructure:By future, internet penetration in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to reach99%, with over36 millioninternet users. The expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure, including 5G networks, enhances the quality of streaming services. This improved connectivity allows users to enjoy seamless music streaming experiences, driving higher engagement and subscription rates among consumers who seek reliable and high-quality audio content.

Market Challenges

• Intense Competition Among Streaming Services:The Saudi music streaming market is characterized by fierce competition, with major players like Anghami, Spotify, and Apple Music vying for market share. As of future, the number of streaming service subscriptions is projected to exceed10 million, leading to aggressive pricing strategies and promotional offers. This competition can erode profit margins and make it challenging for new entrants to establish a foothold in the market.
• Regulatory Hurdles:The music streaming industry in Saudi Arabia faces various regulatory challenges, including content censorship and licensing requirements. In future, the government is expected to enforce stricter regulations on content distribution, which may hinder the availability of certain music genres. These regulatory hurdles can complicate operations for streaming services, impacting their ability to provide diverse content and meet consumer demands effectively.

Saudi Arabia Music Streaming Market Future Outlook

The Saudi Arabia music streaming market is poised for significant growth, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. As the youth population continues to expand, the demand for personalized music experiences will increase. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence in music recommendations is expected to enhance user engagement. Streaming services that focus on exclusive content and collaborations with local artists will likely capture a larger market share, positioning themselves favorably in this dynamic landscape.

Market Opportunities

• Collaborations with Local Artists:Partnering with local artists can create unique content that resonates with Saudi audiences. This strategy not only enhances the platform's appeal but also supports the local music industry, potentially increasing user subscriptions and engagement significantly.
• Expansion into Underserved Regions:Targeting underserved regions within Saudi Arabia presents a substantial opportunity for growth. By offering tailored services and localized content, streaming platforms can tap into new user bases, driving subscription growth and enhancing market penetration in these areas.