Australian Music’s Global Surge: Beyond the Streaming Numbers
Spotify data confirms a significant shift: Australian music isn’t just travelling well internationally, it’s being exported at scale. Global streams of Australian artists have increased by 69% since 2020, marking a structural change in how Australian music reaches audiences worldwide.
The Power of Streaming and Algorithmic Discovery
Streaming platforms like Spotify have effectively removed geographical barriers, acting as a de facto export infrastructure for Australian talent. This isn’t just about artists like Sia topping charts – it’s about a broader trend of increased global engagement. The platform’s Australian Music Global Impact List, now ranking the top 50 Australian tracks internationally, highlights this momentum.
Sia’s Continued Reign and the Rise of New Voices
Sia has become the first artist to top Spotify’s Global Impact List twice, with Beautiful People (with David Guetta) claiming the number one spot in 2025, following Gimme Love in 2023. This solidifies her position as a consistent global performer.
Beyond established stars, emerging artists are also gaining traction. Lithe, debuting at number four with Don Toliver on Cannonball, demonstrates the platform’s ability to launch new talent onto the global stage. Kiki wera’s Top 10 placement with Pool (Gravagerz Version) showcases the increasing diversity of Australian artists connecting with international listeners.
Catalogue Power and the Remix Revolution
The success isn’t limited to new releases. The Temper Trap’s Sweet Disposition, revitalized by a Lost Frequencies remix, re-entered international rotation years after its initial release. Similarly, CYRIL’s cover of The La’s There She Goes achieved success. This highlights the commercial value of remixes and catalogue reinvention, demonstrating that tracks can have multiple lives through algorithmic discovery and playlisting.
Expanding Global Markets: Beyond the Usual Suspects
While the United States remains the largest export market for Australian artists, followed by the UK and Germany, the data reveals diversifying demand. Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, and France are now key international markets.
More significantly, emerging territories are experiencing the fastest growth. South Africa saw a 99% increase in export growth over the past three years, followed by the Philippines (64%) and Colombia (53%). These markets, previously considered peripheral, are now central to the growth of Australian music internationally.
The New Geography of Music Export
Streaming has fundamentally altered the music export model. Artists can now build global audiences directly through platforms like Spotify, then leverage that reach for touring, partnerships, and commercial opportunities. This represents a significant shift from the traditional model where radio airplay and touring dictated international success.
Did you know?
Spotify’s Global Impact List is increasingly viewed as a key indicator of export performance for the Australian music industry.
FAQ: Australian Music’s Global Impact
- What is Spotify’s Global Impact List? It ranks the top 50 Australian tracks with the biggest global impact on Spotify outside of Australia.
- How much have global streams of Australian artists increased? They’ve increased by 69% since 2020.
- Which country is the biggest export market for Australian music? The United States.
- What role do remixes play in the global success of Australian music? Remixes can revitalize older tracks, bringing them back into international rotation and expanding their reach.
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