FACTS ON ROYALTY STREAMS WORLDWIDE (2025 UPDATE)
- Allen Johnston
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist
The global royalty collection landscape continues to evolve, with CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers) remaining a key player. Representing over 4 million creators and publishers across 230+ authors' societies in 120+ countries, CISAC tracks royalty trends to ensure fair compensation. Many corporations still prefer keeping songwriters, publishers, and copyright owners in the dark—but knowledge is power, and I’m here to shed light on the truth.
The 2025 Global Royalty Breakdown
In 2024, royalty collections worldwide exceeded €10.2 billion (approx. $11.5 billion USD), with Europe still leading at 58% of total collections. The creative economy now rivals the GDP of mid-sized nations, proving that music remains a dominant global industry.
Three Key Royalty Streams
1. Mechanical Reproduction – Physical sales (CDs, vinyl) have stabilized after years of decline, now accounting for 8% of collections, thanks to vinyl’s resurgence.
2. Synchronization (Sync) – Music in films, TV, ads, and video games continues to grow, making up 22% of collections, driven by streaming platforms and global content demand.
3. Public Performance – Still the largest revenue source at 60%, including radio, TV, streaming, and live venues.
Emerging Trends in 2025
- Digital & Streaming Dominance: Digital royalties now make up 35% of collections, a massive jump from just 1% in 2008.
- Live Music Boom: Post-pandemic, live performances surged, contributing 18% of collections.
- Regional Growth: Africa, Asia, and Latin America saw 30%+ growth, with local artists gaining global traction.
- AI & New Tech: AI-generated music is disrupting royalty models, with legal battles shaping future payouts.
Who’s Winning & Losing in 2025?
- Biggest Winners: Afrobeats, K-Pop, Latin Pop, Electronic Dance Music (EDM), and Classic Rock (thanks to sync deals).
- Declining Genres: Hip-Hop (outside major stars) faces saturation, with local scenes dominating. Pop music remains steady but fragmented.
How to Secure Your Royalties in 2025
1. Copyright Everything – Register your works with the U.S. Copyright Office or your local equivalent.
2. Join a PRO – Sign up with BMI (www.bmi.com), ASCAP (www.ascap.com), or SESAC (www.sesac.com) to collect performance royalties.
3. Set Up a Publishing Company – Own your masters and publishing rights.
4. Leverage SoundExchange (www.soundexchange.com) – Essential for digital radio royalties (Pandora, SiriusXM, etc.).
5. Think Globally – Distribute via platforms like Music Specialist, TuneCore, DistroKid, or CD Baby to maximize international reach.
The Future of Royalties
The music industry is more decentralized than ever. Independent artists now earn more via direct fan engagement (NFTs, Patreon, Bandcamp) and sync deals.** Streaming algorithms favor consistency—release frequently and engage fans worldwide.
The money is out there—go get yours!