In a surprising turn of events, contemporary Christian music (CCM) and gospel have emerged as one of the fastest-growing music genres of 2024. According to data from Luminate, the genre grew by 8.9% in overall consumption through the first half of the year—more than double the industry’s average growth of 3.9%. The rise of CCM and gospel has not only taken place in the United States but is rapidly expanding across the globe, with streaming platforms and social media playing a significant role.

The Power of Streaming and Social Media

Spotify has been a major player in the genre’s growth, with CCM and gospel seeing a 30% increase in the U.S. and globally over the past year. This growth isn’t a new trend—over the last five years, the genre has expanded by 50% in the U.S. and 60% worldwide. Maritza “Ritz” McCain, Spotify’s senior editor for Christian and gospel music, noted that March 2024 marked the biggest streaming month for Christian and gospel music in the platform’s history. The demand continues to rise, particularly in markets outside the U.S., such as Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and the Philippines. Emerging markets like India, Indonesia, and Germany are also showing strong signs of growth.

McCain also credits social media for boosting the visibility of CCM and gospel artists, helping them connect with a younger, global audience. Platforms like TikTok are becoming vital marketing tools, allowing artists to reach millions with short, authentic content. Elevation Worship, for instance, has amassed over 1.9 million TikTok followers, and a post featuring their hit song “Praise” has garnered more than 19 million views. Other artists like Brandon Lake, Lauren Daigle, and rising star Forrest Frank have also used TikTok to skyrocket their exposure, leading to massive streaming numbers and sold-out tours.

Younger Audiences Flock to CCM

A key factor driving the growth of CCM and gospel is the increasing number of younger listeners. According to Luminate Insights, millennials and Gen Z now account for 45% of the genre’s total listenership, up from 39% just two years ago. These younger listeners are spending more time with the genre as well—the number of hours devoted to CCM and gospel has jumped by 19% in 2024, from 47.9 hours per month to 56.8 hours.

Artists like Elevation Worship, Lauren Daigle, and Phil Wickham are capturing the attention of this younger demographic with their fresh sound and meaningful lyrics. Cole Flynn, head of marketing at Elevation Worship Records, attributes this shift to the rise of social media and streaming platforms that allow new generations to discover faith-based music more easily than ever before. “This generation has grown up with the ability to access any kind of music at any time,” says Flynn. “It’s breaking down barriers and allowing more people to express their faith through music.”

A Diverse Sound for a Broader Audience

One of the key strengths of contemporary Christian music is its versatility. Unlike many other genres, CCM and gospel are not confined to a specific sound, allowing for a wide range of musical styles. From pop (for King & Country, Lauren Daigle) to rap (Lecrae), to the rustic singer-songwriter style of Josiah Queen, the genre offers something for everyone. McCain believes that this diversity has played a crucial role in expanding the genre’s reach: “The expansion of what Christian and gospel music sounds like has helped grow the listenership and, in turn, the consumption of the genre.”

Collaborations with secular artists are also helping CCM and gospel break into broader markets. For King & Country teamed up with Timbaland, while CeCe Winans collaborated with Carrie Underwood. These cross-genre partnerships are not only widening the audience but also blurring the lines between Christian music and mainstream music, making it easier for fans of one artist to discover others.

Radio and Touring Keep the Momentum Going

The rise of CCM and gospel isn’t just limited to streaming platforms. Traditional radio remains a crucial part of the genre’s growth, with the number of contemporary Christian radio stations in the U.S. increasing by 22 from July 2023 to July 2024. Major Christian radio networks dominate the airwaves, reaching millions of listeners weekly.

This expanding audience has also translated into impressive concert ticket sales. Elevation Worship’s “Elevation Nights ’24 Tour” sold out before it even began, averaging 11,600 tickets sold per night. Lauren Daigle’s “Kaleidoscope Tour” has also seen significant growth in ticket sales, returning to pre-pandemic numbers despite the crowded touring market.

The Future of CCM and Gospel

As streaming, social media, and radio continue to push CCM and gospel into new territories, the genre is poised for even greater success in the years to come. Younger audiences are embracing the message of faith and hope that these artists deliver, and the power of digital platforms is helping to spread that message further than ever before.

The genre’s recent growth is a testament to the way Christian music is evolving to meet the needs of modern listeners, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With artists like Elevation Worship, Lauren Daigle, and Brandon Lake leading the way, the future of contemporary Christian music looks bright—reaching more people, in more places, than ever before.

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