Billboard’s esteemed data partner Luminate has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with the South Korean firm KreatorsNetwork. This collaboration grants KreatorsNetwork exclusive rights to distribute Luminate’s comprehensive global music streaming data, insightful consumer analytics, and detailed metadata products through its innovative CONNECT platform within South Korea. This partnership signifies a major step in enhancing the accessibility of vital music industry data in a rapidly evolving market.
The agreement, which was officially announced on Tuesday, April 16, positions KreatorsNetwork as the sole authorized reseller of Luminate in the Korean market. This strategic move is designed to provide localized access to essential global streaming analytics and sophisticated music intelligence tools for record labels, distributors, and music marketers operating in the region. By focusing on tailored solutions, this partnership aims to drive growth and innovation within the Korean music industry.
“At Luminate, we are committed to collaborating with partners across the entertainment sector globally, empowering them to make data-driven decisions in an increasingly complex media landscape,” stated Rob Jonas, the CEO of Luminate, in a recent statement. “We are excited to embark on this new partnership with KreatorsNetwork, which will enable us to expand our services in such a dynamic and influential international market, enhancing our ability to support music industry stakeholders with actionable insights.”
Steve Shin, the CEO of KreatorsNetwork, expressed optimism about the partnership: “Having supported K-pop labels for the last five years with effective data-driven promotional strategies, we believe that Luminate’s expertise will significantly contribute to advancing the Korean music industry as it transitions into the next phase of global expansion. We are eager to leverage this collaboration to enhance our offerings in the market.”
This partnership arrives at a time of remarkable global growth in music streaming, particularly within the Asian continent. According to Luminate’s 2024 Year-End Music Report, global on-demand audio streams reached an astounding 4.8 trillion last year, marking a 14% increase from 2023. While the United States experienced a modest increase of 6.4%, international markets surged by 17.3%, with Asia leading the charge in premium (paid) streaming growth. Notably, South Korea emerged as one of the top ten nations worldwide for premium streaming growth, with a 14.7% year-over-year increase.
For Luminate, this partnership bolsters its presence in one of the globe’s most significant music markets, while simultaneously offering Korean music companies enhanced access to essential tools for analyzing streaming performance, audience behavior, and cross-border trends. This strategic alliance aims to facilitate deeper insights into consumer preferences and market dynamics, thus driving targeted marketing strategies.
Luminate’s CONNECT platform, which was launched in 2024, provides users with a centralized dashboard for accessing global music data, consumer insights, and seamless metadata delivery. This sophisticated platform is specifically designed to support music industry clients by delivering real-time intelligence essential for effective campaign planning and strategic market expansion. By utilizing advanced analytics and comprehensive data, clients can optimize their marketing efforts and enhance their overall engagement with audiences.
