Streamed and Retail Entertainment Sales: UK 2025

The UK entertainment sector experienced significant growth in 2025, with combined revenues from music, video, and games rising by 7.1% to reach a record £13.26 billion. This performance significantly outpaced the broader UK economy, which saw a projected growth rate of 1.5%. Over the past decade, the entertainment industry has expanded by over 120%, demonstrating a consistent upward trajectory that has solidified its role as a primary driver of the UK’s creative economy.

The video sector emerged as the largest of the three segments, growing 8% to £5.44 billion, largely fueled by an 8.8% increase in streaming-video-on-demand services. The games industry also saw a strong resurgence, growing 7.4% to £5.37 billion, driven by mobile and tablet gaming and full-game console downloads. While music revenues rose 4.2% to £2.45 billion, the sector notably benefited from a 11.5% increase in physical format sales, particularly vinyl. Games remain distinct within the market as the segment most reliant on ownership models, with 45% of revenue generated through direct purchases rather than access-based subscriptions.

These findings are based on annual market data compiled by the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA), which has tracked industry performance for 26 years. The data highlights a long-term shift in consumer behavior toward digital streaming and subscription services, which have successfully integrated technology and innovation to capture a larger share of consumer spending. Despite the maturity of these digital models, the data indicates that physical formats continue to provide niche value, particularly in music and video, where collectors and enthusiasts maintain demand for high-quality, tangible products.