Universal Music Group reported strong second-quarter revenue growth, taking in €3.294 billion ($3.795 billion) as it seeks to expand paid music streaming in high-potential markets. The company will make new domestic and international releases in India available only to paid subscribers for their first 72 hours, aiming to improve low conversion rates from free, advertising-supported listening.

Revenue rose 10.5% year on year, although it would have been just over €3 billion excluding recently acquired Downtown Music. Recorded-music revenue increased about 13% to €2.516 billion, publishing rose roughly 8% to €616 million, while merchandising fell 13% to €167 million because of touring timing and weaker direct-to-consumer sales; the India policy mirrors an earlier approach in China and is not currently planned for the US or UK.