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How much per stream? Streaming Payouts Music Per Platform & Royalties Calculator 2023

Understanding “Music Streaming Payouts Comparison” can significantly influence a musician’s choice of platforms for distribution. This comprehensive guide will provide insights into what various popular streaming services pay per stream.
With the dawn of digital technology, music distribution has radically transformed, making it easier for artists to get their music out to a global audience. On the flip side, how artists make money from their music has also changed, and one significant source of revenue in today’s music landscape is streaming services. In this blog, we’ll discuss how much each major streaming platform pays per stream and how artists can calculate their potential earnings from these platforms.

How much does each platform payout per stream?

The payouts from streaming platforms may vary and are influenced by numerous factors, including the artists’ contract with their record label, the listener’s location and subscription type, and the platform itself. Below, we’ve detailed the average music streaming payouts per stream for the leading streaming platforms as of 2023.

Streaming PlatformAverage Payout per Stream
Tidal$0.01284
Apple Music$0.008
Amazon Music$0.00402
Spotify$0.00318
YouTube Music$0.002
Pandora$0.00133
Deezer$0.0011
Income pay outs per platform per stream

How to calculate your potential earnings with music

So, how much can you earn if your track becomes a hit on these platforms? Let’s do some simple math. If your song is streamed a million times on Spotify, you can earn approximately $3,180. Similarly, a million streams on Apple Music could earn you around $8,000.

However, it’s important to remember that these are gross figures. In most cases, the net amount that reaches the artist can be considerably lower, as it’s typically subject to deductions such as record label shares, distribution fees, and taxes.

Music distribution solution

Using Virpp’s Streaming Payouts Calculator

To make this task easier, you can use Virpp’s Streaming Payouts Calculator. Just input your stream count, and it will provide a detailed estimate of your potential earnings from each platform. It’s a handy tool for every musician aspiring to make a living from their music.

A note on album equivalent units

The term ‘album equivalent units’ (AEU) has become increasingly relevant in the age of digital music. It’s a measurement used by the music industry to equate the purchase of music (be it a physical copy or a download) with the streaming of songs. For example, in the US, 1,500 streams on most platforms are considered equivalent to one album sale.

How Much Do Artist Make Per Stream On Spotify?

As we explore the complex landscape of “Music Streaming Payouts Comparison,” one name that constantly takes center stage is Spotify. As one of the most popular music streaming platforms globally, it plays a crucial role in shaping the earnings of artists across genres.

Spotify: At the Forefront of Music Streaming

Spotify has revolutionized the music streaming industry with its user-friendly interface, expertly curated playlists, and a vast library of over 70 million songs. It’s this combination of features that attracts over 356 million active users worldwide, making it a significant platform for musicians seeking exposure and revenue.

Understanding Spotify’s Payout Per Stream

When considering a “Music Streaming Payouts Comparison,” understanding Spotify’s pay-per-stream structure is key. On average, Spotify pays between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream, making it one of the highest-paying music streaming platforms. However, the exact payout can vary based on multiple factors, such as the listener’s geographical location and subscription type. This means artists’ earnings from Spotify can fluctuate widely.

Music streaming pay out

Why Choose Spotify?

What sets Spotify apart in a “Music Streaming Payouts Comparison” is more than just its payout rate. Its algorithmic playlists like “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar” can help emerging artists reach millions of potential new fans. Furthermore, the Spotify for Artists tool offers musicians in-depth analytics about their audience, helping them to strategize their promotional efforts more effectively.

Conclusion: Spotify’s Role in Music Streaming Payouts Comparison

In a “Music Streaming Payouts Comparison,” Spotify emerges as a major player not just for its competitive payouts, but also for its promotional opportunities and artist-focused tools. For artists seeking to navigate the complexities of the music streaming landscape, understanding Spotify’s model can offer valuable insight into potential revenue streams and audience engagement strategies.

However, it’s important to note that these per-stream payouts don’t go directly to the artists. They are typically paid to the rights holder, which could be the record label, the producer, or others depending on the specifics of the artist’s contract. The artist then gets a percentage of this based on their agreement with the rights holder. So, the actual amount that artists earn per stream is often less than these figures after all the distributions.

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Music Streaming Payouts Comparison: Where Does Pandora Stand?

Pandora operates differently from other streaming platforms, which results in a different payout structure for artists. It pays royalties based on the number of spins (plays) a song gets, and the royalties are divided between all rights holders. The average per-stream payout for Pandora Premium is estimated at $0.00133, which is lower than most other platforms.

Comparing Youtube Music’s Streaming Payouts: How Much Can Musicians Earn?

Navigating the expansive universe of music streaming platforms can be overwhelming for artists aiming to maximize their earnings. In this sphere, YouTube, the behemoth of video content, is now making significant strides with YouTube Music, its dedicated music streaming service. When it comes to “Music Streaming Payouts Comparison”, it’s important to understand YouTube Music’s unique payout model.

YouTube Music: An Overview

In the burgeoning realm of music streaming platforms, YouTube Music sets itself apart through a blend of traditional music streaming features and integration of the broader YouTube ecosystem. The platform appeals to users who want to seamlessly transition between music tracks and related video content, like live performances or music videos. Its expansive music library, coupled with its user-friendly interface, ensures a rich user experience.

Demystifying YouTube Music’s Payout Per Stream

In the realm of music streaming payouts, YouTube Music’s model might appear complicated initially. YouTube pays artists $0.00164 per stream for their own channel’s streams and $0.002 per stream on YouTube Music. Artists earn a minimum of $0.00069 per stream for music played on other creator’s videos, under Content ID instances. While these numbers might seem lower compared to other platforms, the sheer volume of YouTube’s user base can potentially lead to substantial earnings for artists.

Why Choose YouTube Music?

YouTube Music, in comparison to other platforms, provides an additional benefit – the ability to leverage the vast YouTube video audience. Artists can connect with fans through music videos, live performances, and other video content, in addition to audio streams. This video integration allows artists to earn additional income, further enhancing YouTube Music’s appeal in a “Music Streaming Payouts Comparison”.

Conclusion: The Significance of YouTube in Music Streaming Payouts Comparison


In a competitive landscape, understanding how platforms like YouTube Music fit into a “Music Streaming Payouts Comparison” can greatly aid artists in making informed decisions about where to distribute their work. Beyond payouts, the potential for exposure and engagement with a broad audience base is a crucial aspect to consider, and here, YouTube Music shines.

Apple Music Streaming Payouts Comparison: What to Expect?

Apple Music is another popular music streaming service, operating in over 100 countries worldwide. Apple is well-known for its high-quality services, and its streaming service is no exception. The company has stated that it aims to support artists and provide fair compensation for their work.
Apple Music pays its artists roughly $0.0056 per stream. This amount is higher than most other streaming services, making it a favorite among many musicians. However, it’s important to note that this is an average rate, and the actual amount may vary based on several factors, including the artist’s record deal and the listener’s country.

Apple Music logo

SoundCloud in Music Streaming Payouts Comparison: Is It Profitable for Artists?

SoundCloud, though not primarily seen as a revenue source, pays approximately $0.003275 per stream. With a strong focus on exposure and sharing, SoundCloud remains a popular choice among emerging artists.

How Much Do Artist Make Per Stream On Tidal?

Tidal, owned by a consortium of artists led by Jay-Z, emphasizes high fidelity, lossless audio and promises to pay higher royalties to artists and songwriters.
Tidal has one of the highest payout rates in the industry, paying artists approximately $0.0125 per stream. However, the high payout rate is offset by the platform’s relatively small user base when compared to Spotify or Apple Music.

Conclusion: How Do Music Streaming Payouts Compare?

The “Music Streaming Payouts Comparison” reveals a wide variance among different platforms. For artists, understanding these disparities is crucial to maximize potential earnings in the digital music landscape. It’s important to remember that payouts are only one aspect of these platforms; their user base, exposure opportunities, and other factors also play vital roles in an artist’s career growth

Earning from music streaming platforms requires strategic planning and understanding of the landscape. It’s crucial to not just rely on these platforms but to diversify your income sources, including live performances, merchandise sales, and synchronization deals.

Remember, Virpp is here to help you navigate this complex landscape. From providing you with a platform to upload your unique music and artwork to offering our dedicated customer support and innovative tools like the Streaming Payouts Calculator, we aim to be your companion in your musical journey. Stay tuned for more updates and tips to help you thrive in the world of music!


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