In December 2022, the French government announced the implementation from 2024 of a tax on the turnover of music streaming services. This contribution aims to provide long-term funding to the National Music Center (CNM), a body created in 2020 to support the French music industry.
A tax targeting the main platforms
The tax will apply to the turnover generated in France from the main streaming platforms on the market: Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, etc. Its rate, still under discussion, should be relatively low, probably set between 1.5% and 1.75%. The precise terms such as the final rate or the expected revenue amounts will be defined during 2023 in the 2024 finance bill. Contrary to a previous report, this tax will only concern revenue from paid music streaming.
Long-term additional funding for the CNM
The main objective put forward is to supplement the financing of the CNM in the long term. Created in 2020, the CNM is currently financed by performing arts companies, for example via a tax on ticketing. The tax on streaming should provide it with additional long-term and recurring resources, while streaming now represents more than 70% of the recorded music market in France. This new funding is intended to enable the CNM to continue and strengthen its missions of supporting French musical creation and diversity.
Mostly negative reactions among platforms
While some professional unions welcome this tax, the majority of streaming platforms contest it. Spotify deplores an “unfair” measure only affecting paid streaming and evokes a risk of disinvestment in France. Deezer or Spotify also fear having to significantly increase subscription prices to compensate for the weight of this levy on their margins. The platforms had proposed a joint voluntary contribution of 14 million euros in 2025, refused by the government.
A turning point for music streaming
This tax marks an important step as streaming has established itself as the dominant economic model in the music industry. Questions nevertheless remain about its real impact and its capacity to finance French musical creation effectively and in the long term.
My name is Ethan, I’m 30 years old, and I’m the founder of this magazine. After studying journalism, I quickly decided to go freelance to be able to write as I wanted and talk about my true passions. I aim to create an information hub where French and international news is treated seriously and with insight. My goal is to enlighten my readers’ daily lives and encourage a deeper understanding of current issues.
