Music Streaming Platforms and the Digital Music Economy
Music Streaming Platforms and the Digital Music Economy Music streaming platforms are the central marketplace for modern listening. They connect listeners to vast catalogs, power personalized recommendations, and shape how revenue is earned across the digital music economy. This article explains how platforms influence licensing, discovery, and the balance between artists, publishers, and listeners. Revenue flows through several channels. Subscriptions fund most income, while free tiers supported by ads add value for many users. The platform then distributes a share of earnings to rights holders, who allocate portions to labels, publishers, songwriters, and independent creators. The exact splits depend on contracts, territories, and the mix of services a listener uses. For artists, the math can feel opaque, but understanding these moves helps in planning releases and partnerships. ...