In a digital era defined by borderless access to content, the French language is emerging as a global force in music led not just by cultural powerhouses like France and Quebec, but by fans far beyond traditional Francophone regions. According to Spotify’s Francophone Report for June 2025, global streams of French-language music have surged an astonishing 192% since 2019, signaling a major cultural shift in the way the world consumes music.
A Global Audience for a Local Language
Spotify’s data shows that more than 123 million users worldwide listened to French-language content in 2024, and strikingly, over 100 million of these listeners were based outside of historically French-speaking regions like France, Quebec, Belgium, and parts of Africa. Monthly, this translated to over 64 million hours of French-language music consumed globally.
The increase far exceeds what was reported just a year earlier. When Spotify released its first Francophone Report in October 2024, it noted a 94% growth in French-language streams from 2019 to mid-2024. By June 2025, that number has doubled an indicator of the accelerating international appeal of French-language content.
New Markets, New Momentum
This spike isn’t just an extension of Francophone countries tuning into more local content—it’s also a result of increasing engagement from non-Francophone regions. Gustav Gyllenhammar, Spotify’s Vice President of Markets and Subscriptions, highlighted that listenership for Francophone music is booming across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, areas traditionally outside the French-language music stronghold.
“We’re seeing listenership for Francophone content explode in markets across Asia, Africa and Latin America,” Gyllenhammar said. “It’s a phenomenal proof point for Spotify’s ability to help artists and creators find their audience, no matter where they are.”
Spotify’s technological ecosystem of playlists, algorithmic discovery, and curated content has undoubtedly played a role in this transformation, empowering artists from diverse backgrounds to reach a broader and more global audience than ever before.
Francophone Stars Leading the Charge
A key driver of this surge is the star power of Francophone artists, who have expanded their sonic footprint worldwide. The report cites prominent names such as:
- Stromae (Belgium)
- GIMS (Congo)
- Patrick Watson (Canada)
- Soolking (Algeria)
- Aya Nakamura (France-Mali)
- Jul, Indila, Tayc, Gazo, and PNL (France)
Patrick Watson’s emotional ballad Je te laisserai des mots became a standout track, earning over 6.6 million streams globally in 2024, making it the most-streamed Francophone track on the platform.
Additionally, African Francophone artists are experiencing newfound recognition and growth, with groups and individuals like Magic System, Vieux Farka Touré, Amadou & Mariam, Sidiki Diabaté, and Jeune Lion gaining fans around the world.
This cross-continental appreciation showcases how French-language music is now less about the language and more about the vibe, authenticity, and emotional connection it builds with global listeners.
Quebec: A Cultural Export Powerhouse
One region playing a surprisingly pivotal role in this musical revolution is Quebec. The Canadian province not only boasts a vibrant French-speaking population but also acts as a significant exporter of French-language content.
Spotify revealed that 49% of Quebec’s users regularly consume French-language music. This is noteworthy, as Quebec continues to cultivate a rich and diverse music scene that resonates well beyond its borders.
Not Just Music: Podcasts and Audiobooks Join the Boom
While music is at the core of this surge, French-language audio content beyond music is also thriving on Spotify. Since 2019, French podcast consumption has increased by an eye-popping 1,888%. This is particularly remarkable given that many of these listeners are non-French speakers, who still engage with more than four hours of French audio content per month.
The podcast boom highlights a growing interest in French culture and storytelling, perhaps driven by language learners, cultural enthusiasts, and fans of immersive narratives.
In October 2024, Spotify also launched French audiobooks, which have since attracted “several hundred thousand” global listeners. This diversification of content types illustrates Spotify’s commitment to serving Francophone content in all forms, broadening its appeal across multiple user preferences.
When the World Listens
According to Spotify’s data, peak listening time for French-language content is 5 PM local time across global markets, pointing to evening hours as a sweet spot for consumption. Interestingly, November 29, 2024, stood out as the single highest day of French content consumption outside France, though the report doesn’t clarify what caused the spike. It could have been tied to a major release, a viral trend, or even an artist’s global tour.
Additionally, playlist additions of French tracks increased 26% between 2023 and 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 25% since 2020. This trend underscores the increasing mainstream visibility and accessibility of French-language songs in everyday listening experiences.
A Platform That Empowers Discovery
Spotify’s platform plays a central role in this musical renaissance. The combination of algorithmic personalization, curated editorial playlists, and artist-led engagement strategies has allowed creators from various Francophone regions to find traction globally.
As Gyllenhammar emphasized, this isn’t merely a musical moment it’s a global shift in audio consumption habits.
“It’s incredible to see the power of our platform connecting over 100 million fans globally with Francophone content. This is more than just a musical trend,” he said. “It’s a testament to our ability to deliver creativity and fuel discoverability across the globe.”
He further noted Spotify’s ongoing efforts to support creators: “Spotify offers audio creators from all walks of life, from Québec to West Africa, a global stage – and we’ll continue to support them in growing their audience on our platform.”
Economic Context: Streaming Tax and Pricing Shifts
This explosive growth comes amid a period of economic recalibration for streaming platforms. Earlier this month, Spotify confirmed to Billboard that Premium subscription prices in France rose by 9.2%, from €11.12 to €12.14 ($14.03). This change follows France’s implementation of a streaming tax introduced in May 2024, which mandates a 1.2% levy on music streaming platforms earning more than €20 million annually in the country.
Despite the price hike and increasing competition from Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music, Spotify’s momentum in the Francophone space remains robust testament to the loyalty of its users and the compelling appeal of French-language content.
French Is Back and Bigger Than Ever
What began as a gradual uptick in streams has now transformed into a full-blown global phenomenon. Spotify’s June 2025 Francophone Report shows that language is no longer a barrier to musical discovery and appreciation.
With rising stars, iconic veterans, and dynamic new voices pushing the boundaries of what Francophone music can be, French-language content is reaching ears and hearts in every corner of the world from Kinshasa to Kolkata, from Paris to Buenos Aires.
As Spotify continues to amplify these voices and democratize access to global audiences, one thing is certain: French music isn’t just surviving in the digital age it’s thriving.
