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In January 2025, new data show that per-stream payouts across digital platforms remain vastly different — and that difference matters to creators. Platforms like Apple Music and non-traditional services such as Peloton are emerging as surprising opportunities for artists seeking higher value per stream. Understanding these numbers — and how they affect your strategy — puts you, the creator, in stronger control.
According to the second annual Music Economics Report by Duetti, indie artists received on average US $3.41 per 1,000 streams in 2024 globally.
A separate breakdown of platform-specific payouts shows:
Peloton — approx $0.03 per stream, making it one of the highest-paying platforms for those tracks placed inside its classes.
Qobuz (hi-res audio specialist) — approx $0.0136 – $0.0187 per stream (US$18.73 per 1,000 streams) in its published data.
Apple Music — approx $0.01 per stream, roughly double that of the lowest-paying major service.
TIDAL — estimated between $0.008–$0.012 per stream (varies by region/plan).
Spotify — around $0.003–$0.005 per stream, placing it at the lower end in this comparison.
The disparity in payouts provides strategic advantage for artists ready to leverage it. Here’s how you can benefit:
1. Choose where your streams matter most.
Platforms like Qobuz, Apple Music and Peloton offer higher value per stream. Even if they reach fewer listeners than Spotify, each play can be worth more. If you have a niche audience or a strong fan base in premium-tier services, you’ll extract more value.
2. Position your catalogue for premium placement.
In services like Peloton, where rates are higher because music is part of a curated workout experience, your track can earn significantly more — especially if your genre fits a playlist theme. This means targeting placement opportunities (workout classes, hi-res audio playlists, curated niche services) can boost effective payout.
3. Balance reach with revenue.
Mass platforms like Spotify provide vast exposure but often payout less per stream. A smart strategy uses both: build presence on high-volume services for reach, then monetize premium-tier platforms for higher per-stream income. It’s not either/or — it’s both/and.
4. Build sustainable revenue streams, not just high stream counts.
With payouts varying five- or ten-fold, your goal shifts from “get as many plays as possible everywhere” to “get the right plays in the right places.” Higher-value plays reduce the dependency on millions of streams to generate revenue.
1. Audit your platform mix. Know how many streams you’re getting on premium services (Apple Music, Qobuz) versus high-volume low-rate services (Spotify, free tiers).
2. Negotiate placement/playlist opportunities intelligently. Curated services, premium tiers, workout services — these may carry higher per-stream value.
3. Register your works thoroughly. Ensure your tracks are fully registered with your PRO (e.g., ASCAP, BMI) and mechanical rights agency so you don’t leave higher-rate plays uncollected.
4. Track and compare payouts. Use analytics to see which platforms are delivering value and consider shifting marketing efforts towards platforms where your payout per stream is stronger.
5. Don’t ignore high-volume services. These still matter for fan-building and exposure. The goal is a diversified income strategy: premium rates and mass reach.
The era of “one stream equals the same everywhere” is gone. As streaming services evolve, paying models vary dramatically — and savvy creators can make this variation work in their favor.
By understanding which platforms pay more, targeting those opportunities, and balancing reach with revenue, you shift from competing on volume alone to maximizing value on every play.
Your music is valuable. Make sure each stream earns that value.
Royalties & Bundles: How “All-in-One” Plans Cut Payouts — and When Clarity Might Arrive When a streaming service adds audiobooks (or other media) to a music plan and calls it a bundle, U.S. mechanical royalties for songwriters can be calculated at a discounted...