Stim passes the billion mark in Sweden

The positive development in 2025 reflects a market in rapid change, where digitalization, international rights flows and new behavioral patterns are changing the conditions for music creators and rights management.

– “The music industry is changing rapidly, but our mission remains the same: to ensure that music creators receive the right compensation when their music is used. This result shows the strength of the collective system,” says Fredrik Tumegård, CEO of Stim.

Record level for the Swedish market

Stim's national license revenues amounted to SEK 1.14 billion – a record result for the Swedish market. Behind this development lies a strong live year, higher market coverage, as well as a more data-driven approach to licensing, pricing and customer relations.

Internationally, revenues were strengthened through renegotiated agreements and increased payments from, among others, the USA. At the same time, Stim continues to develop its international position through the partnership within ICE – the international collaboration that handles digital licensing and rights administration for millions of musical works globally.

Swedish music continues to strengthen its international position

Swedish music creators and music publishers continue to achieve major international successes. Sweden is today the EU's only net exporter of music, and new comparisons based on UN Comtrade data show that the export ratio for music is stronger than several traditional Swedish export industries, including the steel industry.

– “Sweden’s position as a music nation is built on a strong ecosystem of music creators, publishers, companies and international collaborations. To maintain that position requires continued innovation, international cooperation and strong structures that can safeguard the value of music creators in an increasingly global and technology-driven market,” says Carina Brorman, Chair of the Board at Stim.

Focus going forward: technology, transparency and member value

During 2025 Stim continued to develop new technical platforms and data-driven ways of working to manage an increasingly complex global music market. At the same time, the organization has worked to improve member service, transparency and the ability for music creators to understand and influence their revenues.

– “The rapid technological development challenges the entire music industry, but our focus is clear: to safeguard the value of music while ensuring that music creators receive the right compensation, regardless of how, where and when their music is used. One step in this work was when we launched the world’s first AI license for music in 2025; it shows that innovation and copyright can go hand in hand,” says Fredrik Tumegård.

Facts: Stim 2025

• SEK 3.1 billion in rights revenues
• SEK 2.7 billion distributed to rights holders
• Over SEK 1 billion in national license revenues
• Over 50 percent of Stim's revenues come from abroad
• Sweden is the EU's only net exporter of music
• The Stim sphere also includes Skap, FST and Musikförläggarna