Streams to goal calculator
Set an income goal and pick a platform to estimate how many streams it takes. No service pays a fixed per-stream rate, so this uses the typical range paid to the rights holder, before any distributor cut.
Streams needed
200,000
to 333,333 on Spotify
Per-stream rate used
$0.003
to $0.005 (gross, before distributor)
This is an estimate only. Your real rate depends on where listeners are, whether they are free or paid, and your distribution agreements. Publishing royalties for songwriters are paid separately.
Good to know
Spotify pays roughly $0.00 to $0.01 per stream to the rights holder, before your distributor's cut.
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Common questions
- How many streams does it take to make money?
- It depends entirely on the platform and your agreements. As a rough guide, at Spotify rates of about $0.003 to $0.005 per stream, $1,000 takes roughly 200,000 to 333,000 streams to the rights holder, before any distributor cut. Higher-paying services like Tidal or Apple Music need fewer streams for the same payout.
- Is this the amount I actually receive?
- No. These figures estimate the gross paid out for the recording before your distributor or label takes its share, so your net is lower. Publishing royalties for the songwriters are paid separately again, through a PRO and a publisher or the MLC.
- Why is there a range instead of one number?
- No streaming service pays a fixed per-stream rate. The real figure shifts with the listener's country, whether they are on a free or paid plan, and your distribution terms. The range reflects what independent artists commonly report.
- Which platform pays the most per stream?
- Tidal and Apple Music typically pay the most per stream, while YouTube pays the least. Spotify sits in the middle. But total payout is about volume too: a platform with far more listeners can pay more overall even at a lower per-stream rate.
Hitting a goal is easier when the splits are settled
Lock who gets what with a split sheet, then collaborate and share in one place.