
Year-End Roundup: The Biggest Music Business Stories of 2024
As the year comes to a close, Billboard takes a look back at the most significant and impactful events in the music industry. From major platform updates to high-profile lawsuits, these stories have shaped the music business landscape.
One of the biggest stories of the year was TikTok’s fight against an order to shut down its Canadian operations. The app has been under scrutiny for allegedly violating copyright laws and neglecting to pay royalties to artists and songwriters. Despite the controversy, TikTok has remained a dominant force in the industry, with creators like Lizzo and Khalid leveraging the platform to reach new audiences.
In another major development, Spotify made waves by launching its new podcast feature, allowing users to create custom playlists featuring their favorite shows. The move is seen as a bold attempt to compete with Apple Podcasts and other leading platforms.
Meanwhile, a group of 300 musicians came together in an effort to protect copyright laws. The coalition, which includes artists like Taylor Swift and Kanye West, argues that changes to the law would allow for unlicensed use of music and compromise creators’ rights.
The year also saw Tyla reign supreme as the top Afrobeats artist, with her hit single “Water” claiming the top spot on our annual chart. Elevation Worship, meanwhile, made history by becoming the first Christian act to top the Billboard 200 chart.
In other news, NFL ratings growth has been attributed to a surge in streaming, while customer service giant PnB Rock’s daughter and her mother accused his fiancée of orchestrating his death.
Despite these developments, the music industry remains as vibrant as ever.
Source: http://www.billboard.com