To take it a bit further, if you’re wondering what is factored into the percentage given out for streaming royalties, a recent confirmation from the Copyright Royalty Board details how the matter will be moving forward.

According to Variety, the Board confirmed the headline rate increase in royalties paid by streaming services to publishers for the 2018-2022 period from 11.4 percent to 15.1 percent. Additionally, “the decision comes ahead of a similar decision for the 2023-27 period, for which the NMPA has argued for a 20% headline rate.” Streaming royalties are approximately split 75/25 between recorded music (i.e. labels) and publishers.

“Today’s decision reflects a significant increase in the royalties that will be paid to publishers,” president and CEO of the Digital Media Association Garrett Levin said, according to the outlet. “The work to give effect to these new rates will soon begin in earnest. The streaming services are committed to working with the [Mechanical Licensing Collective] and music publishing companies to facilitate the accurate distribution of royalties.”

He added: “Looking ahead, streaming services believe it’s time for all stakeholders—labels, publishers, writers, artists and the services—to engage in comprehensive discussions to figure out the right royalty-sharing balance going forward.”

Music Sampling

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