Deezer’s Subscriber Growth at Home in France Helps Drive Quarterly Revenue Increase

Direct subscriber growth offset a decline in partnership subscribers, with Deezer's CEO saying it "gives us the confidence to raise our full-year revenue outlook and strengthen our profitability… Headphones beside a smartphone and computer screen displaying the logo of French music streaming platform Deezer LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images Deezer reported on Tuesday (Oct. 27) third-quarter revenue rose as the Paris-based streamer grew subscribers in France and revenue from direct subscribers by more than 6% in constant currency, leading the company to raise its full-year revenue forecast. Overall revenue rose 1% in constant currency, which neutralizes foreign exchange rate currency fluctuations, to 133.8 million euros ($153.9 million). That increase was driven by a 6.4% increase to 94.1 million euros ($108.3 million) in revenue from subscribers who sign up to the streaming service directly, as opposed to subscribers who arrive by way of partnerships, such as with telecom service providers Orange or TIM. Related Direct subscribers are more lucrative for the company, and Deezer says it grew direct subscribers by 6.5% in France and by 4% in other markets for a total of 5.8 million direct subscribers — the result of successful family plans in France and improvements in retention elsewhere. That helped offset a 17% decline in subscribers from partnerships as some legacy distribution deals wound down. The company revised its prior guidance for stable revenue in 2026, saying it now expects to grow revenue slightly. Deezer projected it will generate 10 million euros ($11.5 million) or more in adjusted earnings before income, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for a third straight year of positive free cash flow. “We delivered revenue growth for a second consecutive quarter, supported by the continued expansion of our direct business,” Deezer CEO Alexis Lanternier said in a statement. “Our continued operational progress and disciplined execution gives us the confidence to raise our full-year revenue outlook and strengthen our profitability outlook.” Deezer said average revenue per user (ARPU) from its partnerships rose by nearly 16.7% to 3.7 euros ($4.26) a month, while ARPU from direct subscribers held flat at 5.4 euros ($6.21). Other revenue from advertising and other services fell 20.6% to 7.9 million euros ($9 million), mainly due to the end of a content licensing agreement last year. In July, Deezer signed a new partnership with Winamp, which will result in Winamp launching a streaming subscription offering using a white-labeled version of Deezer’s technology and catalog. Earlier this year, Deezer said it renewed 10 major distribution agreements, including with TIM and Sonos and several new distribution agreements with companies including Taiwan’s EDF Entertainment and Brazilian streaming platform Chippu. Daily newsletters straight to your inbox Sign Up More From Pro