Gospel Music Industry Posts 18.5 Percent Growth as Streaming Drives New Audiences

Gospel and Christian music posted an 18.5 percent increase in U.S. on-demand audio streams in 2025, significantly outpacing most other genres, according to industry data.

The growth is being driven by a younger, streaming-forward audience. Millennials and female listeners account for a large share of the new audience, and short-form content on TikTok and Instagram has become a primary discovery channel for gospel artists.

Promoters are projecting more than 400 gospel touring shows in 2026, reflecting the genre's expanding live audience as well.

The 2026 GRAMMY nominees in the Christian and Gospel categories include Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Forrest Frank, and Brandon Lake. Cobbs Leonard also won the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album at the 57th NAACP Image Awards for her studio debut, TASHA.

The industry is also seeing a wave of cross-cultural collaboration. Afro-gospel, Latin-influenced worship, and Caribbean rhythms are appearing more frequently in new releases, reflecting the genre's growing global reach.

Atlanta launched bamX, Black Music Week, in May 2026 to celebrate the legacy and future of Black music, with gospel prominently featured.

On the label side, Aaron Lavelle signed with TRIBL Records, Jonathan Nelson joined Tyscot Worship, and Morton Records struck a deal with the SRG-ILS Group.

Pastor Mike Jr. launched a "PMJ vs AI" social media campaign to spark conversation about artificial intelligence's role in gospel music production, a debate that has gained traction as AI-generated music becomes more common across the industry.

Tyscot Records is also marking its 50th anniversary with a homecoming concert in Indianapolis.