How this tool works
The calculator multiplies your stream count by a low and a high per-stream figure for the platform you choose, giving a range rather than a single number. It then applies your share of the recording and your distributor’s commission.
Your range = gross × your share % × (1 − distributor commission %)
The per-stream figures are illustrative estimates drawn from ranges commonly reported across the industry. They are not published rates, and they are not what any platform promises to pay:
| Platform | Illustrative range per stream (US$) |
|---|---|
| Spotify | about $0.003 – $0.005 |
| Apple Music | about $0.006 – $0.010 |
| YouTube Music | about $0.002 – $0.008 |
| Amazon Music | about $0.004 – $0.009 |
| Tidal | about $0.008 – $0.013 |
| Deezer | about $0.003 – $0.006 |
If you have your own figures — the best source is your distributor’s statements, where total earnings divided by total streams gives your real average — choose Custom rate and enter them instead.
Why there is no fixed “per-stream rate”
Major streaming services generally do not pay a set amount for each play. Broadly, a platform puts a share of its revenue for a period (from subscriptions and adverts, in a given country) into a pool. Each rights holder receives a slice of that pool in proportion to their share of all streams — often called a pro-rata or streamshare model. So the value of one stream changes month to month and market to market. A “per-stream rate” is simply the result of dividing money paid by streams counted, after the fact.
How to use this tool
- Enter the number of streams — for one song, a whole release or your catalogue.
- Choose the platform, or Custom rate to enter your own low and high per-stream figures.
- Set your share of the recording. If you own the master outright, leave it at 100%. If you split the master with a producer or a label, enter your percentage.
- Set your distributor commission. Flat-fee distributors typically take 0% of royalties; commission-based distributors and many label services deals take a percentage.
- Optionally enter a target amount to see a range of streams needed to earn it.
- Read the range and compare platforms in the table.
Example calculation
Suppose a song has 250,000 Spotify streams. You own 50% of the master and your distributor takes 15%.
- Gross range = 250,000 × $0.003 to 250,000 × $0.005 = $750 – $1,250 (midpoint $1,000)
- Your share = 50% × (1 − 15%) = 42.5% of gross
- Your range = $750 × 0.425 to $1,250 × 0.425 = $318.75 – $531.25
To earn a target of $1,000 yourself on the same terms, you would need $1,000 ÷ (0.425 × $0.005) ≈ 470,589 streams at the high end of the range, and $1,000 ÷ (0.425 × $0.003) ≈ 784,314 at the low end.
What does this result mean?
The range is the honest answer: two artists with identical stream counts can be paid quite different amounts. Listeners in markets where subscriptions cost less, a high share of free-tier listening, or a month in which total platform streams rose faster than revenue can all push your effective rate towards — or below — the low end. A mostly paid-subscriber audience in higher-priced markets tends to push it up.
The midpoint is just the middle of the range. Treat it as a planning figure, never as a forecast.
After your share and fees is closer to what might reach your bank account for the recording, but it is still before any tax, currency conversion costs, label recoupment, and payments you owe to collaborators.
What this figure does not include
Streams also generate publishing income for the songwriters and publishers of the composition — mechanical and performance royalties collected through publishers, collecting societies and mechanical rights organisations. That money is paid separately from the recording royalties estimated here. Our guide to how music royalties work explains both sides, and how Spotify royalties work goes deeper on the pro-rata model.
Important limitations
- Illustrative rates: the built-in ranges are rough, commonly reported figures, not official rates, and they change over time. Your own statements are a better guide.
- Territory and tier: the value of a stream varies by country, subscription price, currency and whether the listener is on a free or paid plan.
- Thresholds and rules: platforms change their rules. Spotify has been widely reported to require a minimum number of streams per track over a 12-month period (commonly cited as 1,000) before recorded royalties are generated. Streams identified as artificial or fraudulent may earn nothing and can lead to penalties.
- Deals and recoupment: if you are signed to a label, your royalty is usually a percentage of what the label receives, and it may first be used to repay (recoup) advances and costs. Use the record deal calculator for that.
- Recording side only: publishing royalties for songwriters are separate and not included.
- All figures are in US dollars. Exchange rates and bank fees are not included.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Spotify pay per stream?
Spotify does not pay a fixed amount per stream. Rights holders receive a share of a revenue pool based on their share of streams. Dividing total payouts by streams, commonly reported averages for Spotify are roughly $0.003–$0.005 per stream, but your actual figure depends on where your listeners are, subscription types and your distribution deal.
How much do 1,000 streams pay?
Using the illustrative Spotify range, 1,000 streams might generate roughly $3–$5 in gross recording royalties before your distributor, label or collaborators take their shares. Other platforms’ commonly reported ranges are higher or lower. Treat any single figure as an estimate only.
Why do different websites quote different per-stream rates?
Because the figure is calculated after the fact from money paid ÷ streams counted, and it changes with the country mix, free versus paid listening, the platform’s revenue in that period and each rights holder’s deal. Different sources look at different catalogues and time periods.
Is there a minimum number of streams before Spotify pays?
It has been widely reported that since 2024 Spotify requires a track to reach a minimum number of streams in the previous 12 months — commonly cited as 1,000 — before it generates recorded-music royalties. Rules can change, so check Spotify for Artists or your distributor for the current policy.
Does this include songwriting royalties?
No. This calculator estimates recording (master) royalties. Songwriters and publishers earn separate mechanical and performance royalties from streams, collected through publishers and collecting societies. See how publishing royalties work.
What should I enter as my share of the recording?
If you released the song yourself and own the master, enter 100%. If you agreed to share the master with a producer or featured artist, enter your percentage. If you are signed to a label, your share is usually your royalty rate, and any unrecouped advance may still be deducted first.
Are these earnings before or after tax?
Before tax. Tax depends on where you live and your personal circumstances; speak to a qualified accountant.
