8 Predictions For 2026 From Around the Music Industry

Hypebot’s Future Predictions series is back. Join us as we ask the music industry’s expert analysts what they think might unfold in the world of music in 2026.

For Hypebot’s last instalment of our “2026 Music Industry Predictions” series, we wanted to get a wider scope of thoughts from partners and key players around the music industry. The following eight directly quoted predictions were sourced by our friends over at Rock Paper Scissors. This list features some heavy-hitting representatives of brands that define the way we currently make, experience, and promote music, such as Soundstripe, Audiomack, We Are Rewind, ONErpm, and more.

Please enjoy this rundown of more short quotes from 8 more contributors. Here’s what they had to say:

David Ponte (Co-Founder & CMO at Audiomack)

“Platforms will continue to broaden and democratize creation. In 2026, we’ll see platforms and labels increasingly embrace audio modification. As remixes, edits, sped-up versions, and fan-made variations invite listeners into the creative process, music will evolve beyond passive consumption. Platforms that allow fans to safely (and legally) interact with songs can extend lifecycles, build stronger communities, and open new paths to discovery. The next generation of fans wants to shape music and feel ownership over how it evolves.

Afrobeats will have its Bad Bunny moment. The ascendant generation of African superstars — like Tyla, Wizkid, Amaarae, Davido, Tems, and Burna Boy — have gained massive popularity on the continent, but have yet to dominate US charts. This changes in 2026, when an African artist will break through and drive one the most-streamed songs of the year.

Human curation will play a critical role in discovery as algorithms continue to optimize for familiarity and mainstream appeal. Authentic discovery occurs when tastemakers take risks and surface music before the data confirms it’s ‘safe.’ The platforms that win will be the ones that balance scale with human taste and cultural relevance.”

Geraldo Ramos (Co-Founder & CEO at Music AI)

“In 2026, the definition of a musician will inevitably change. If making a full song can be done with a text prompt, then ‘someone who can make music’ suddenly describes almost everyone. But that doesn’t diminish the value of artists who’ve spent years mastering their instruments; it actually raises the bar for what musicianship means.

Used thoughtfully, AI won’t replace craft, it will amplify it, giving instrumentalists and creators new ways to learn, collaborate, and express ideas more deeply rather than flattening the creator economy.”

Casey Childers (VP of Digital/Music Marketing at ONErpm)

“Significant shift into international markets that feel untraditional — widening of genres bridging the gap for fans that were previously uninterested. Think about the cultural shift of Country as a genre, Afrobeats, as well as K-Pop Demon Hunters‘ successes.

An interest in Recession Pop could surge with economic uncertainty and an interest in nostalgic music. Labels and artist managers to push harder into lifestyle marketing as things like film, books, and cultural moments are moving the needle in recent artist breakouts.”

Romain Boudruche (Founder & CEO at We Are Rewind)

“The resurgence of nostalgic listening formats: In 2026, we are clearly seeing the continued rise of nostalgic music formats. Vinyl has paved the way, but cassette tapes and CD players are now becoming a stronger cultural statement. Younger listeners are looking for tactile, intentional listening experiences that contrast with algorithm-driven streaming. This shift is reshaping the way artists release and package their music, with more albums being issued on cassette each year.

Collectible physical media and limited editions: Collectors and fans increasingly value physical objects that hold emotional meaning. Cassettes have become an accessible entry point for limited editions, artist collaborations, and exclusive releases. This trend strengthens the bond between artists and their audience and reintroduces the idea of music as a personal, tangible artifact — not just a digital file.

Slower, more intentional ways of consuming music: More broadly, we notice a cultural movement toward slowing down. People are seeking deeper engagement with the music they love, away from passive playlists. Cassette listening, with its linear nature, encourages exactly that: taking the time to listen to an album from start to finish, without skipping. This shift is influencing both device design and how artists think about albums as complete narratives.”

Jouni Salasola (CMO at Singa)

“A completely new music vertical will be born out of karaoke: Once overlooked by the music industry, karaoke is reemerging as a meaningful revenue stream and a powerful new way for artists to connect with fans, driven by Singa’s partnerships with major and independent labels and its cutting-edge technology.”

Björn Lindvall (Co-Founder & CEO at MusicInfra)

“For a long time, the world outside the music industry has wanted to use music in apps, games and other innovative digital venues. However, it has been extremely difficult to license the music needed. With the advent of a number of very credible tech companies wanting to use music, and the industry seeing that clearly, I believe there is now enough momentum to make that happen.

At the moment, there is, understandably and correctly, a significant amount of reluctance on behalf of rightsholders and creators to engage with and issue licenses to AI music companies. Given all the conversations going on behind the scenes, it seems clear that wrinkles in agreements between AI companies and rightsholders are going to get ironed out.

Due to the MMA/MLC blowing the hinges off the gate, rightsholders are recognizing that metadata spread widely (and, of course, correctly and efficiently) can greatly enhance revenue generation. This will gain further traction during the coming year and metadata will become a commodity.”

Josh Collum (VP of Music at Soundstripe)

“Sync licensing will enter a phase of true scale: This shift has been building for years, with Soundstripe among the companies modernizing sync. As content production accelerates and timelines compress, the traditional and manual sync process is no longer sustainable. While bespoke licensing will (and should) remain for marquee artists and culturally significant works, a streamlined, technology-enabled approach for back catalog and emerging repertoire will unlock faster decision-making, broader usage, and more revenue.

‘Unexpected’ songs will become a brand advantage: When everyone is using the same tools to create, songs start to blur together. Meanwhile, the fragmentation of media, from broadcast tentpoles to digital micro-moments, gives brands room to experiment. The result is a greater appetite for music that surprises, challenges, and cuts through the noise.

Jingles are back! What was once a growing trend will soon become an industry movement. Brands will create original songs with every bit the production quality of a Top 40 hit, only to inject an earworm hook melody talking about their tacos or pharma product.”

Sean Power (CEO at Musical AI)

“Historically, music has often been the testing ground for new media business models. Right now, AI is being trained and deployed without clear permission, credit, or payment, creating real tension between creators and technology. Just as music figured out streaming before film, TV, audiobooks, etc. followed, it will likely be the first to solve AI licensing and attribution through clear consent, proper credit, and fair compensation, setting a model other verticals can adopt.”