It is a well-established fact that the landscape of digital music is constantly evolving. Digital streaming platforms (DSP) like Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal have become popular and globally accepted.
These platforms offer musicians a stage to share their musical talents to a global audience, but a pressing question needs to be addressed: How Much Do Artists Earn Per Each Stream?
This article will address the question and do a short comparison of Apple Music against other popular platforms like Tidal and Spotify. This information will help intending musicians decide which streaming platforms will yield higher dividends.
How Much Does Apple Music Pay Per Stream?
Apple Music has a massive appraisal of being regarded as more artist-friendly in comparison to other streaming services. However, it should be noted that the pay-per-stream model still doesn’t offer substantial earnings for most artists.
On average, Apple Music pays approximately $0.0078 per stream. Although this amount may seem small, it’s relatively competitive when compared to other platforms.
Pros
Higher Pay Per Stream: Apple Music generally offers a higher pay per stream than Spotify, making it a more appealing choice for independent and upcoming artists.
Global Reach: Apple Music has a larger user base, and the potential to earn more increases proportionally as your streaming numbers grow.
Cons
Not a Major Revenue Source: Despite its $0.0078 per stream payout, an artist would need over 128,000 streams to earn $1,000. This illustrates that for most musicians, streaming revenue is just a small part of their overall income.
An independent artist might get significant playtime, but unless their music reaches millions of streams, income from Apple Music alone might not be enough to support their career.
Apple Music vs. Tidal: Which Stands Out?
While Apple Music has its advantages, it’s important to compare it with other platforms like Tidal, which is often recognized for its commitment to fair artist compensation.
Tidal’s Pay Per Stream: Tidal is praised for offering one of the highest payouts among all Digital streaming platforms (DSP), around $0.01284 per stream. This rate is notably higher than what Apple Music provides.
Merits
Higher Payout: Artists earn more per stream on Tidal compared to Apple Music, which can make a huge difference, particularly for those with a bigger fan base.
Exclusive Content: Tidal provides artists with the chance to release exclusive content reserved for Tidal subscribers only and will not be found on other music streaming services, this often helps to boost their revenue.
Demerits
Smaller User Base: Even though Tidal pays more per stream, its smaller user base compared to Apple Music often limits the overall number of streams an artist can achieve.
Apple Music’s Competitive Edge:
Larger Audience: Apple Music’s large user base means more potential listeners, even if the pay-per-stream is lower.
Integration with Apple Ecosystem: For musicians, being part of the Apple ecosystem can lead to increased exposure to their music through iTunes, Apple Music radio shows, and curated playlists.
During this short comparison, it can be concluded that although Tidal offers higher pay per stream, Apple Music’s wider reach will surely lead to more overall revenue for artists.
The choice between these streaming platforms will come down to whether as a musician, you prioritize immediate higher earnings over a larger audience and more streams.
Through a partnership with a trusted music marketing company, can you ensure your music gets the attention it deserves across Apple Music, Spotify, and other streaming platforms. Contact us for tailored promotion services that will boost your streaming numbers.
Does Apple Music Pay More Than Spotify?
Spotify remains the largest streaming platform worldwide, but how does its payout stack up when compared to Apple Music in terms of artist earnings?
On average, Spotify pays around $0.00318 per stream, which is considerably lower than Apple Music’s rate.
Why Apple Music Pays More:
Fewer Free Users: Spotify’s revenue is watered down by its Ad-supported tier also known as the freemium model, where many users listen for free. In contrast, Apple Music operates on a paid subscription model, enabling a higher pay-per-stream.
Exclusive Releases: Apple Music at times secures exclusive releases, boosting streaming numbers for some artists and increasing their overall earnings.
The Case for Spotify:
Massive User Base: Spotify’s larger user base can result in more streams, potentially balancing its lower per-stream payout.
Discoverability: Spotify’s algorithms excel at helping users discover new music, which can boost an artist’s exposure and increase their stream count.
Given these points, artists in the music industry looking to maximize their earnings may find Apple Music to be more lucrative on a per-stream basis. However, Spotify’s ability to reach a broader audience shouldn’t be underestimated. Balancing both platforms might be the best approach for artists seeking to maximize reach and revenue.
After comparing these streaming platforms, artists in the music industry aiming to maximize their earnings through music marketing would find Apple Music more profitable per stream basis. However, Spotify’s vast audience reach should not be underestimated either.
Balancing your investment on both platforms could be the best strategy for artists looking to optimize both reach and revenue.
Final Words: Streaming Isn’t the Only Answer
While Apple Music, Tidal, and Spotify have their unique benefits for Musicians, relying solely on streaming revenue isn’t enough to support a music career, especially for upcoming artists.
To succeed, artists should try out additional income streams such as live performances, merchandise sales, and utilizing digital marketing to promote their music’s visibility
Don’t let your music get lost in the noise. With our DSP promotion services, you can reach your target audience wherever they are. Get in touch with us now and let’s amplify your music’s reach!
Finally, while Apple Music might offer a slightly better payout per stream, the real key to success is adopting a well-rounded approach to music promotion.
