Get Paid: The Music Platforms That Pay Artists Best
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Getting paid for your art? That’s the real deal. As an artist today, digital streaming is where your bread comes from, but not all platforms are showing the same love. Some have reach but drop pennies per play, while others reward you with real stacks for your streams. If you’re in the game — or just stepping into it — knowing who’s paying the most per 1000 listens is gonna impact everything from your hustle to your profit margins.
Here’s the lowdown on the top streaming services — who’s handing out the cash and how you can make sure you’re getting yours. This guide will cover payouts, what you’ll earn per stream, and the ups and downs of each platform. Plus, you’ll get some essential tips for new artists looking to hit the ground running and stack those coins.
Tidal 💸
Tidal is owned by artists like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West, so it’s built with creatives in mind. And the numbers back it up. This is the platform that’ll pay you the most per 1000 streams, with payouts ranging between $8 and $12. That’s real money, considering a lot of other platforms can’t even come close.
Tidal’s not just about cash though. Tidal HiFi subscribers pay for premium, studio-quality sound, so if your audience is big on sound engineering and quality, this platform delivers in both sound and stacks. The platform’s got an audience of 4.5 million subscribers, and while that’s smaller than some of the other big players, these listeners are invested.
Here’s the trick: Tidal might not give you global reach like Spotify or Apple Music, but if you’re about quality over quantity and serious payouts, this is your spot.
Pros?
Tidal’s payouts are the highest in the industry, and being owned by artists, it’s got a creator-first vibe that really looks out for you. The HiFi tier is a great add-on, giving audiophiles a reason to subscribe and keeping your pocket fatter.
Cons?
Reach is smaller compared to Spotify or Apple Music, and if your fanbase is outside the U.S., the platform isn’t quite as popular. So, while you’re stacking per stream, you may not get the volume.
Apple Music 🍏
Apple Music comes in with $5 to $7 per 1000 streams. While it doesn’t hit the top tier of Tidal, it’s no slouch, especially when you look at its 88 million users worldwide. That’s huge. With integration into Apple’s ecosystem (think iPhones, iPads, Macs), Apple Music offers seamless access to a giant, engaged audience.
But let’s get real: Apple is consistent in how they pay artists. The numbers might not jump out like Tidal, but they are reliable. You can count on Apple to pay you on time and give you the audience you need. Their payment cycle might stretch from 30 to 60 days, but once you’re in, you’re locked into one of the biggest platforms on the planet.
When it comes to reach, Apple’s global dominance gives you access to every corner of the world. If you want to get your music into the ears of millions, this platform delivers. And that loyal Apple audience? They’re paying for their music, which means you’re not fighting for pennies like you would on free-tier platforms.
Pros?
Massive reach combined with reliable payouts makes Apple Music one of the safest bets. Apple fans stick with what they know, so once you’re in their playlist, you’ve got a listener for life.
Cons?
Payments take a while to come through, so you won’t see that money for up to two months. Plus, the platform is crowded. Without a strong marketing push, it can be tough to stand out.
Spotify 🎶
The king of streaming? For a lot of people, Spotify is the go-to. With 551 million users, it’s the biggest music platform out there. But here’s the catch: Spotify’s pay-per-stream rate is low. You’re looking at between $3 and $5 for every 1000 streams, which means you’ll need serious volume before you see that money.
But why do so many artists still ride with Spotify? It’s all about reach and exposure. With massive numbers of daily users, getting on the right playlists can send your stream count through the roof. Playlists like RapCaviar or Discover Weekly can rack up thousands of plays fast, and if you make it to those coveted spots, even at the low payout rate, you’re still looking at a healthy check.
Spotify also gives you the tools to control your music’s presence. The Spotify for Artists dashboard lets you track your streams, monitor where your listeners are coming from, and even gives you insights on demographics. If data is your thing, Spotify hooks you up.
Pros?
You get the largest audience out there, which means if you push hard, you can grow a serious fanbase. Plus, the platform’s tools give you everything you need to optimize your performance.
Cons?
The payout is on the low end, so unless you’re getting millions of streams, the money won’t be huge. Getting onto popular playlists can also be tough without connections or a label.
Amazon Music 📦
Amazon’s here, building its own corner of the music game. The platform’s payout sits around $4 to $5 per 1000 streams, which isn’t too far behind the likes of Apple Music. It’s also integrated into Amazon Prime, so if your audience is already subscribed to Prime, they’re more likely to use Amazon Music since it comes at a discount for them.
What sets Amazon apart is how it’s tied into its voice assistant, Alexa. Casual listeners who own Amazon smart speakers are playing music through voice commands, and your track could easily pop up on a playlist. 55 million subscribers is nothing to sneeze at, and it’s growing steadily.
While it’s not the top choice for die-hard music fans just yet, Amazon’s Prime integration could be the key to building an audience that’ll stick with you.
Pros?
Amazon Music offers a solid payout rate, and the fact that it's integrated into a wider platform with Prime makes it easy for subscribers to access. Alexa integration helps with visibility too.
Cons?
It’s still not a go-to platform for serious music lovers, so building a dedicated fanbase here might take longer. The artist tools also don’t stack up to what Spotify and Apple Music offer.
YouTube Music 🎥
When people think of YouTube, they think of video, but YouTube Music is carving its lane in the streaming world. Here’s the thing though — the payout is low. You’re looking at around $0.60 to $1 per 1000 streams, but YouTube’s massive audience gives you room to make money through video content as well as music. If you’ve got music videos, you can make that revenue through ads and streams, doubling up your hustle.
The platform comes with 80 million subscribers, but it’s YouTube’s overall reach that makes it a powerful tool for musicians. Most of the biggest viral moments happen on YouTube, and if your track gets picked up in a YouTube challenge or gets linked to some viral content, your streams could jump fast. YouTube’s ad revenue model also gives you another way to stack earnings, even if your pay-per-stream rate is lower.
Pros?
Massive reach with the potential to go viral. If you’re smart with video content, you can leverage YouTube’s platform for both streams and ad money. It’s also got powerful algorithms that can push your music to the right people.
Cons?
The lowest payout on the list, so it’ll take serious numbers to make good money from streams alone. YouTube also takes a chunk of ad revenue, so you’re splitting the profits.
How Much Can You Make?
Let’s break down the numbers again. For every 1000 streams, this is what you can expect to pocket:
- Tidal: $8 to $12
- Apple Music: $5 to $7
- Spotify: $3 to $5
- Amazon Music: $4 to $5
- YouTube Music: $0.60 to $1
Now, if you hit that 1 million streams mark, here’s what you’re looking at:
- Tidal: $8,000 to $12,000
- Apple Music: $5,000 to $7,000
- Spotify: $3,000 to $5,000
- Amazon Music: $4,000 to $5,000
- YouTube Music: $600 to $1,000
Essential Tips for Starter Musicians 🎤
Getting your streams up is all about strategy. Dropping music is one thing, but making sure it’s heard by thousands (or millions) is where the real grind is. Here are the key moves to get you streaming money right.
Get Your Music on All Platforms
Don’t pick just one streaming service. Spread your tracks across Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube Music, and more using distribution platforms like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby. These services cost around $20-30 per year and handle the heavy lifting. This is how you make sure all major services carry your music, and you never leave any stream on the table.
The big tip? Once your music is live on these platforms, make sure you’re optimizing your artist profiles. Fill in all the details, upload high-quality images, and make your profile professional. Claim your profiles so you have more control over how your music is displayed.
Promotion is Key 🚀
You can't just drop a track and hope it pops off. The grind is real, especially on social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook are essential for getting your music out there. Create teaser content before your release to build anticipation, and don’t be afraid to get creative. TikTok is especially powerful right now — if your track picks up steam there, it can spread like wildfire.
Drop short clips of your music, behind-the-scenes content, and personal posts to engage your audience. Keep the momentum up by staying consistent. Instagram Stories and TikTok clips can keep you in the spotlight, and always interact with your fans.
Collaborate to Build Your Network 🤝
Collaboration can help expose you to new audiences. Team up with other artists in your genre, or even outside of it, to boost your visibility. A collab means access to their listeners and a chance to double your streams. Features, remixes, and even live sessions can make a huge difference. Independent and upcoming artists have loyal fanbases that can become your fanbase if the vibe is right. Working together can be a low-cost way to generate a buzz around your release.
Focus on Playlists 🎯
One of the fastest ways to get more streams is through playlist placement. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have official playlists that can catapult your track to thousands of listeners in a day. But even beyond those, independent curators are building playlists with high engagement. Reach out to these curators and pitch your tracks.
Keep in mind, some curators offer paid placement, so be ready to invest if it makes sense for your strategy. Being on a popular playlist can increase your streams significantly and introduce your music to new fans who might’ve never found you otherwise.
Build an Email List 📧
Even in the age of social media, email is still a powerful tool. Build a direct connection with your fans through an email list. This gives you the freedom to announce releases, share exclusive content, and stay in touch without worrying about algorithm changes. Platforms like MailChimp or ConvertKit can automate this for you, making it easier to stay consistent. Offer freebies like exclusive content, early access to tracks, or discount codes for your merch. This way, your fans will feel connected, and they'll be more likely to stream your music when it drops.
Costs for Starter Musicians 💸
Let’s break down your basic expenses as a new artist:
- Distribution Platform: $20 - $50/year
- Marketing Budget: $100 - $500/month
- Music Equipment: $500 - $2,000
Starting out doesn’t need to cost a fortune, but you do need to invest wisely. The tools you use will dictate your growth, and if you’re marketing right, those investments will pay off fast.
How Much Can You Earn as a New Artist?
Let’s talk real-world figures. A million streams on Tidal can land you between $8,000 and $12,000, while the same number of streams on Spotify might give you $3,000 to $5,000. That’s a significant difference in payout.
Beyond streaming though, your income will grow as you start performing live, selling merch, and building partnerships. Merch sales and live shows can add serious cash to your pocket, and platforms like Bandcamp give you even more control over how you sell and price your music.
Don’t forget about sync deals and sponsorships, which can add even more income streams to your career. The goal is to diversify your revenue, so you’re not relying on just one source of income.
It’s a grind, but it’s worth it. The more you understand how these platforms work and how to optimize your presence, the more money you’ll pull in. Keep building, keep pushing, and let your music speak for itself. 🎤