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A Guide for Independent Artists on Digital Royalties

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Digital Royalties are one of the main revenue for artists


This guide is a break down of the complexities of digital royalties, offering practical advice and tips for independent artists looking to maximize their earnings.

In today’s digital age, the opportunities for artists to share their music with the world are endless. However, navigating the intricacies of digital royalties can often feel like traversing uncharted territory.


As an independent artist, understanding how digital royalties work and how to maximize your earnings is crucial to building a sustainable music career. In this blog post, we’ll demystify the world of digital royalties and provide you with practical tips to help you navigate this complex landscape with confidence.

Digital royalties are the primary source of income for artists whose music is distributed and streamed online. These royalties are generated from various digital platforms such as streaming services (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music), digital downloads (e.g., iTunes), and online radio (e.g., Pandora). There are typically two types of digital royalties that artists earn:

  1. Performance Royalties: Generated when your music is played publicly, whether it’s on streaming platforms, radio, or in a public venue.
  2. Mechanical Royalties: Earned from the sale or reproduction of your music, such as digital downloads and physical copies.

Maximizing Your Earnings: Now that you have a basic understanding of digital royalties, let’s explore some practical tips to help you maximize your earnings:

  1. Choose the Right Distribution Partner: Partnering with a reputable music distributor like Prisma Music can help ensure that your music is properly registered and monetized across various digital platforms.
  2. Optimize Your Metadata: Metadata plays a crucial role in ensuring that your music is accurately tracked and attributed for royalties. Make sure to provide detailed information about your music, including song title, artist name, album title, and ISRC codes.
  3. Promote Your Music: Building a strong fan base and increasing your streams can directly impact your royalty earnings. Utilize social media, music blogs, and live performances to promote your music and engage with your audience.
  4. Stay Informed: The music industry is constantly evolving, with new platforms, technologies, and revenue streams emerging regularly. Stay informed about industry trends and changes in digital royalty rates to adapt your strategy accordingly.
  5. Monitor Your Royalties: Regularly monitor your royalty statements to ensure that you’re receiving fair compensation for your music. If you notice any discrepancies or missing payments, don’t hesitate to reach out to your distributor for clarification.

Conclusion:

Navigating the world of digital royalties as an independent artist may seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and strategy, you can effectively maximize your earnings and build a successful music career. By understanding the different types of digital royalties, choosing the right distribution partner, and implementing effective promotional strategies, you can take control of your financial future as a music creator. Remember, every stream counts, and with perseverance and determination, your music can reach new heights of success in the digital landscape.

What type of Royalties do you collect?