In 2024, a staggering 60 million people used AI tools to create music, according to the latest IMS Business Report. This marks a major turning point in the music industry, where listeners are no longer just consuming music—they’re creating it.
AI Music Creation Goes Mainstream
The report reveals that 10% of music consumers crossed the threshold from passive listeners to active creators using generative AI music tools. This trend is reshaping how people engage with music, blurring the lines between artist and audience.
With just a few taps on AI-powered music apps, users can now compose tracks, modify audio, and even create songs using their own voice. Tempo adjustment emerged as the most popular feature, followed by vocal replacement tools that let users swap an artist’s vocals with another—or even their own.
The Democratization of Music Creation
The surge in AI-driven music apps reflects a deeper cultural shift: a desire for creative participation. While traditionalists argue that this wave of democratization risks diluting the art of music composition, others see it as an evolution—giving fans the power to engage with music on a whole new level.
Electronic Music Thrives Amid AI Disruption
Despite concerns surrounding AI and its impact on creativity, the electronic music industry experienced solid growth in 2024, expanding by 6% year-over-year. The sector now boasts a global valuation of $12.9 billion, underscoring its resilience and adaptability.
According to Mark Mulligan of MIDiA Research, this growth is fueled by the rise of new and revived genres—Afro house, drum & bass, and others—alongside a new generation of tech-savvy fans and creators.
“Electronic music is entering a bold new era,” Mulligan notes. “It’s being reshaped by fresh scenes, genres, and creators who are redefining what music can be in the digital age.”