Gospel Music Streaming Surges 18.5 Percent in 2025, Outpacing Rock and Latin Genres
Christian and gospel music saw an 18.5 percent increase in on-demand audio streams in the United States in 2025, outpacing rock, Latin, and most other genres. The growth is driven largely by younger listeners, with 60 percent of the audience being female and 30 percent millennial. Artists like Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, and Elevation Worship led the surge.
Christian and gospel music recorded an 18.5 percent increase in on-demand audio streams in the United States in 2025, according to new industry data. The genre outpaced rock, Latin, and most other major categories.
The global music industry logged 5.1 trillion streams in 2025, a 9.6 percent increase from 2024. U.S. on-demand audio streams rose 4.6 percent to 1.4 trillion. Gospel and Christian music's 18.5 percent growth stood out sharply against those broader figures.
The audience driving this growth skews younger and female. Industry data shows 60 percent of Christian and gospel listeners are women, and 30 percent are millennials. The genre is also attracting a streaming-oriented fanbase that was not traditionally associated with gospel music.
Artists leading the growth include Forrest Frank, whose song "Your Way's Better" crossed over to mainstream charts, and Brandon Lake, whose collaboration with Jelly Roll on "Hard Fought Hallelujah" won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2026.
The Christian music touring sector is also expanding. Promoters like Awakening Events project more than 400 shows in 2026, up from 355 in 2025. WME CMG, a Christian music division, booked over 900 shows in 2025 with more than 4 million attendees.
New sub-genres are gaining traction, including trap worship, soul and R&B-inspired gospel, and alternative Christian music. Labels are investing in these categories because of their commercial and spiritual potential.
Anne Wilson extended her "The STARS Tour" into fall 2026 with 25 additional U.S. dates, reflecting strong demand for live Christian music experiences.
