The Crisis of Music Streaming
While talking and observing friends and colleagues, I can’t help but notice how Spotify is treated as a monopoly in the digital music market. It has changed our behaviors on so many levels – listening, sharing, visualizing data, marketing – that it’s almost impossible to approach the matter differently. That being said, this time calls for a reality check: there’s no monopoly. Spotify is part of a free market where many competitors treat the product (us) far more fairly.
As someone who has spent years producing music, composing for media, and releasing my own artistic work, I’ve watched this transformation from both sides of the glass. The streaming revolution promised democratization but delivered a different kind of hierarchy. Here’s what I’ve learned, and why I believe we need to radically rethink our relationship with streaming platforms.
The Reality Behind the Numbers
Let me share some sobering figures from my own experience and research. In the first half of 2024, we’ve seen over 50 million new songs uploaded to Spotify – a 15% increase from previous years. But here’s where it gets interesting: while releases from traditional labels are declining, we’re seeing an exponential rise in “independent” releases. As a producer who works with both signed and independent artists, I’ve noticed something troubling: a significant portion of these independent releases aren’t what they seem.
Recent research has found that out of a group of 560 AI-generated songs analyzed, 549 were being monetized on streaming platforms by accounts posing as human artists – many even achieving “verified” status. As someone who spends countless hours in the studio crafting sounds and working with artists to perfect their performances, this feels like a punch in the gut.
The Payment Reality Check
Let’s talk money – real numbers that affect real artists. Here’s how the major platforms stack up in 2025 (from bottom up):
Social Media Platforms (The Bottom Feeders)
- VK: $0.00005 per stream
- Snapchat: $0.00001 per stream
- Meta platforms: $0.0003 per stream
- TikTok: $0.0021 per stream
Traditional Streaming Services
- YouTube Music: $0.0027 per stream
- Pandora: $0.0027 per stream
- Spotify: $0.0029 per stream
- Apple Music: $0.006 per stream
- Deezer: $0.007 per stream
- Tidal: $0.0078 per stream
Premium Tier (Yes, Better Options Exist)
- Amazon Unlimited Music: $0.0096 per stream
- Qobuz: $0.0136 per stream
The Label Topic in 2025
As someone who has worked both with and without labels, I need to address the elephant in the room. Traditional labels still typically take 50-75% of streaming revenues from signed artists. In 2025, with the tools and technologies available to us, this model feels increasingly outdated. Let me break down why:
- Distribution? We can handle that ourselves through numerous digital distributors
- Marketing? Social media and targeted ads are accessible to everyone
- Production? My home studio can produce broadcast-quality content
- Industry connections? LinkedIn and music industry networks have democratized networking
Yet, I’ve seen many artists still chase label deals. Why? Often, it’s the perceived legitimacy and the promise of advance payments. But with streaming revenues this low, those advances are essentially high-interest loans against future earnings that barely exist.
Moving Forward
After years in this industry, I’ve started advising my clients to consider hybrid models that combine:
- Strategic streaming presence & subscription (choosing platforms that pay fairly)
- Direct-to-fan subscription models
- Exclusive content platforms
- Sync licensing opportunities (my personal favorite as a media composer)
- Limited edition physical releases
The future isn’t in surrendering our work to platforms that undervalue it. It’s in building sustainable models that respect both artists and listeners. As professionals, we need to lead this change by:
- Educating our audiences about fair compensation
- Supporting platforms that value our work
- Building direct relationships with our listeners
- Creating compelling alternatives to the current streaming model
The Technology Factor: Friend or Foe?
As a producer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how technology has transformed our industry. AI tools are now capable of generating convincing tracks, and machine learning can handle basic mixing and mastering tasks. But here’s the thing – these should be tools in our arsenal, not replacements for human creativity.
In my media composition work, I’ve found that combining human expertise with technological tools can actually help us create more efficiently while maintaining artistic integrity. The key is knowing where to draw the line. Use AI to handle repetitive tasks? Absolutely. Let it compose your entire soundtrack? That’s where we risk losing the emotional depth that only human experience can bring. Another related topic is the music copyright crisis, which has been aggravated since AI entered the game.
Rethinking Revenue Streams
From my experience working across different sectors of the industry, I’ve identified several promising approaches for sustainable income:
Sync Licensing
This has become an increasingly vital revenue stream. When it comes to media productions, I’ve seen how platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and gaming companies are often willing to pay fair rates for quality music. The key is building relationships and understanding the specific needs of each medium.
Educational Content
Many of my colleagues have found success by sharing their expertise through:
- Production tutorials
- Mixing workshops
- Composition masterclasses
- Sample packs and presets
These not only generate income but also help build a community around your work.
Custom Work
The demand for bespoke music in advertising, film, branding and corporate media remains strong. While it requires a different skill set from artist releases, it can provide stable income that supports more creative pursuits.
Building a Sustainable Future
The way forward isn’t about abandoning streaming entirely – it’s about being strategic. Here’s what I recommend to artists I work with:
- Diversify Your Presence
- Maintain profiles on higher-paying platforms
- Build direct relationships with fans through platforms like Bandcamp
- Consider exclusive releases on platforms that value your work
- Create Tiered Content
- Keep mainstream releases on major platforms for discovery
- Offer premium content through direct channels
- Develop exclusive experiences for dedicated fans
- Invest in Community
- Build genuine connections with your audience
- Share your creative process
- Create value beyond just the music
Looking Ahead
The music industry of 2025 is at a crossroads. As creators, we need to stop accepting the status quo of unfair compensation. The data clearly shows that better payment models are possible – just look at platforms like Qobuz and Amazon Unlimited Music. The question isn’t whether change is needed, but how we can accelerate it.
My advice to fellow producers and artists? Don’t put all your eggs in the streaming basket. Build a diverse portfolio of revenue streams, maintain control of your work, and most importantly, don’t undervalue your creativity. The platforms need our music more than we need them.
Final Thoughts
After decades of producing and composing, I’ve learned that the industry will always evolve, but quality and creativity will always have value. The key is finding the right channels to deliver that value and being compensated fairly for it. As we move forward, we need to focus on building sustainable models that serve both creators and listeners, rather than just platform shareholders.
Remember, Spotify might be the biggest player, but it’s not the only game in town. The future of music distribution lies in our hands – as creators, we have more power than we think. It’s time we started using it.
