Hey there, music lovers! Big news in the melody world – Spotify’s shaking up its royalty game in early 2024. Did you catch wind of it? They spilled the beans on their blog post back on November 20, 2023, and my understanding is that Spotify is claiming these shifts are all about “better supporting those most dependent on streaming revenues as part of their livelihood.”
Now, these changes have set the music scene abuzz with debates and discussions. How will it impact the folks who create the tunes we can’t get enough of, and what about us, the listeners? Stick around, and let’s dive into the rhythm of Spotify’s new royalties model.
Alright, let’s start with the headliner: What’s changing exactly? Spotify points out three things that have been siphoning off the royalty pool: artificial streaming, small payments, and what they call “noise.” Sounds like the plot of a musical thriller, doesn’t it?
Ever heard of “artificial streaming“? It’s like the sneaky practice of using bots or click farms to boost stream numbers. Spotify says it’s a real party pooper, not just messing with the platform’s vibe but also snatching the limelight and dollars from legit artists. So, no more faking it ’til you make it!
Then there’s the small payments shuffle. Apparently, some artists have been waiting months, even years, to see a dime from their streams. Spotify thinks that’s a bit unfair and, well, not the smoothest groove. Their solution? A new payment system promising more frequent and transparent transactions. Cue the applause, right?
Lastly, the noise complaint. Spotify’s saying “no thanks” to content that’s not music or podcasts – think white noise or nature sounds. It’s not just messing with our playlists; it’s hogging space in the catalog and stealing spotlight from the true stars. So, no more sounds of crashing waves drowning out your favorite tunes.
Now, Spotify’s got a three-piece band of solutions to accompany these issues. First up, a detection system flexing its muscles against artificial streams. Spotify’s promising it’ll be more accurate, provide feedback to artists, and show those shady streams the exit.
Next, a new payment system is getting on stage, promising smaller, more frequent payments to artists and rights holders, without a minimum threshold “No-Minimum“. It’s like getting your paycheck without waiting for payday – sounds pretty good, huh?
Last but not least, a new content policy is rolling out, setting the stage for what’s music and what’s just noise. Clear guidelines mean smoother sailing for creators and better tunes for us. Win-win!
Spotify’s laying down some big claims, saying these changes will bring in an extra $1 billion for artists over the next five years. That’s a lot of zeros and a lot of new tunes!
Let me know what you think in the comments!
Petra Lugar
3 comments on Spotify Changing Royalties in 2024
According to google search, Spotify pays artists the least per stream, but it’s the most popular because it offers listeners a free with Ad option, makes me wonder, how come Apple Music doesn’t offer the same?
How will these changes impact inde artists?
Sounds good 👍