Christian and Gospel Music Sees Major Growth in 2025, Says Luminate Report

Christian and gospel music is experiencing a powerful resurgence across the United States, according to Luminate's 2025 Midyear Report. The genre's growth comes amid an overall shift in listener behavior and rising demand for inspirational and faith-based content.

In its midyear survey, the Associated Press reports that Luminate, a leading entertainment data and insights company, provides a detailed snapshot of music consumption trends, revealing that Christian/gospel music is one of the fastest-growing genres in the country-alongside the cultural phenomenon dubbed "recession pop."

Global music streams continued to climb in the first half of 2025. On-demand audio streams worldwide reached 2.5 trillion, an increase from 2.29 trillion during the same period last year. In the U.S., audio streams rose to 696.6 billion from 665.8 billion in 2024.

Despite the overall increase in volume, the rate of growth has slowed. U.S. streaming was up 4.6% compared to 8% in 2024, while global growth declined to 10.3% from 15.1%.

While streams of newly released music (within the past 18 months) are slightly down, Christian/gospel music stands out as a clear exception. The genre now ranks behind only rock, Latin, and country music in overall streaming performance in the U.S.

"This genre is winning over audiences as people seek to reconnect with the Christian faith," said Jaime Marconette, Luminate's Vice President of Music Insights and Industry Relations.

Leading the charge are breakout acts such as Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, and Elevation Worship. Their music is resonating strongly with a younger, streaming-forward fanbase that is 60 percent female and 30 percent millennial.

The renewed interest in Christian/gospel music challenges narratives suggesting a decline in Christianity in the U.S., offering instead a picture of spiritual reawakening through sound.

 

 

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