Streaming has officially become the format of choice for American music fans, as for the first time it has generated more revenue than all other sources combined.
The RIAA (Record Industry Association of America) reports that streaming overtook CDs, downloads and vinyls in 2016, generating 51% of the industry's total profit for the year.
Sales for downloads fell 22% from the previous year, while physical products were down 16%.
However, it's not all doom and gloom for the industry; the rise of streaming means that for the first time since 1994, there has been a year-on-year growth in the music industry, with profits up 11% on 2015, thanks to streaming.
What's more, it seems that not everyone is opting for the 'free' packages on the likes of Spotify, as the RIAA report that paid subscriptions accounted for a whopping $2.26 billion - up a remarkable 94.9% on 2015 alone.
It seems like the music industry might not be breathing its last just yet...
