Published: July 5, 2025
By: Lee Michaels β Radio News Now
Music tastes evolve, but format trends reveal how listeners are changing, where the industry is investing, and what radio and streamers need to keep an eye on. So, in the battle of Country, Hip-Hop, and EDM, which format is growing the fastest in 2025?
Letβs dive deep into the data, the platforms, and what it all means for radio, podcasting, and live streaming.
πΆ Snapshot: The Format Growth Landscape in 2025
| Format | Growth Area | Status in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Streaming + Touring | Exploding across digital platforms |
| Hip-Hop | Social media + Global reach | Still dominant, shifting stylistically |
| EDM | Live events + hybrid genres | Rebounding with youth + festivals |
π€ Country: Surging on Streaming & Crossover Charts
π Whatβs Growing:
- U.S. Country streaming is up 27% YoY (per Luminate, Q1 2025)
- Nashvilleβs “New Country” acts are drawing massive TikTok followings
- Crossover hits with pop, hip-hop, and R&B collaborators are mainstreaming the format
π Breakout Artists:
- Jelly Roll β Country-rap ballads dominating FM and Spotify
- Megan Moroney, Zach Bryan β Acoustic-first, TikTok-fueled careers
- Breland, Shaboozey β Genre-bending artists redefining modern country
π§ Radio Outlook:
- Country radio is still strong in key markets like Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville, and even L.A.
- Urban, Christian, and crossover-friendly country formats are being tested in non-traditional regions
- Internet country radio and country podcasting are on the rise
βCountry has gone global and digital without losing its hometown soul β thatβs powerful.β β MusicRow Report, April 2025
π€ Hip-Hop: Still #1, But Facing Saturation & Evolution
π Whatβs Changing:
- Hip-Hop still dominates overall U.S. streaming, accounting for ~28% of all streams, but growth has slowed compared to previous years
- Listener habits are splintering: conscious rap, melodic trap, Afrobeat collabs, and drill are diverging into sub-scenes
- AI-generated tracks and short-form content are reshaping discovery
π₯ Trending Subgenres:
- Melodic rap and emo-trap continue to pull Gen Z
- Afrobeats + Hip-Hop fusions (ex: Burna Boy x J. Cole) gaining global appeal
- Faith-based and βcleanβ hip-hop rising among younger Gen Alpha listeners
π§ Radio Outlook:
- Urban and Rhythmic stations are blending more R&B and Afrobeats to stay fresh
- Major markets (New York, Atlanta, Houston) still rely on Hip-Hop to lead their ratings
- Morning show formats are evolving: comedy, wellness, and social awareness are big draws
βHip-Hop isnβt dying β itβs diversifying. And itβs more global than ever before.β β Billboard Hip-Hop Panel, May 2025
ποΈ EDM: Rebounding Through Festivals & Fandom
π Whatβs Growing:
- After a slowdown in the late 2010s, EDM is bouncing back, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha
- EDM + Gaming = Massive crossover appeal
- Genres like tech-house, chillstep, trance revival, and hyperpop are fueling the return
β‘ Trending Artists & Moments:
- Fred again.., Dom Dolla, and Peggy Gou leading the live global DJ circuit
- AI-driven remixes and DJ sets gaining popularity on YouTube and SoundCloud
- Platforms like Twitch, Audius, and YouTube Live are enabling interactive live DJ experiences
π§ Radio Outlook:
- Terrestrial radioβs EDM presence is limited, but internet radio and niche stations like Digitally Imported, SiriusXM Chill, and Insomniac Radio are growing
- Podcasts like “Group Therapy” (Above & Beyond) and “Diploβs Revolution” continue building communities
βEDM’s comeback isnβt about trends β it’s about tech, community, and emotional energy.β β Dancing Astronaut, March 2025
π§ Final Analysis: Which Format Is Winning?
| Format | Streaming | Radio | Social Media | Crossover Potential | Live/Festival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | β β β | β β | β β | β β β | β β β |
| Hip-Hop | β β β | β β β | β β β | β β | β οΈ (less emphasis) |
| EDM | β β | β οΈ (limited FM) | β β β | β | β β β β |
π The Verdict:
- Country is the fastest-growing in terms of new listener engagement, streaming, and crossover success
- Hip-Hop is the most entrenched, but must evolve to maintain dominance
- EDM is rebounding fast, especially via digital-native formats and live experiences
ποΈ What This Means for Creators, Radio, and Podcasters:
- Podcasters: Country and hip-hop culture shows are prime real estate. Country interviews, lyric breakdowns, and hip-hop history pods are exploding.
- Radio Programmers: Urban AC is strong, but watch for country hybrid formats and EDM revival shows with youth listeners.
- Streamers: Curated sets in EDM and acoustic country can build loyal listener bases fast β especially in underrepresented regions.
- Labels & Indies: Genre fluidity is the new normal β think Morgan Wallen x Lil Durk or Marshmello x Kane Brown. Embrace it.
π£ Final Word
Genres are no longer silos β theyβre ecosystems.
In 2025, itβs not just about what music people like, but how, where, and why they consume it.
So whether youβre spinning vinyl in Nashville, producing a drill beat in Philly, or hosting a sunrise set on Twitch β the future is wide open.
Which format are you seeing blow up in your market?
Tag #RadioNewsNow or comment below β and we may feature your format forecast in our next report.
β Lee Michaels
Founder, Radio News Now
