In 2025, Spotify pays artists between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream. This rate varies based on factors like the listener’s country, subscription type (free or premium), and the artist’s agreement with their rights holders.
How Spotify’s payment system works
Spotify doesn’t pay artists directly. Instead, it distributes royalties to rights holders—such as record labels, distributors, or aggregators—who then pay the artists according to their individual contracts. This means the amount an artist receives per stream can differ significantly, depending on their specific arrangements.
New policies affecting artists
Since early 2024, Spotify has implemented a policy where tracks must accumulate at least 1,000 streams in a 12-month period to qualify for royalty payments. This change aims to reduce payouts for low-performing tracks and combat fraudulent streaming practices.
Maximising your earnings
To enhance your revenue from Spotify:
- Promote your music: Actively share your tracks on social media, blogs, and other platforms to increase streams.
- Engage your audience: Interact with listeners through live sessions, Q&A, and behind-the-scenes content to build a loyal fan base.
- Diversify income streams: Consider additional revenue sources like merchandise sales, live performances, and crowdfunding.
- Utilise other platforms: Distribute your music on other streaming services and platforms like Bandcamp, which may offer better revenue shares.
While Spotify offers a vast platform for music distribution, the per-stream payout remains modest, especially for emerging artists. Understanding the platform’s payment structure and actively promoting your music can help maximise your earnings. However, it’s essential to diversify your income sources and not rely solely on streaming revenues.
