How it is calculated
Platforms do not pay a fixed rate per stream. They pool subscription and ad revenue for each country and period, take their cut and split the rest among rights holders according to each one's share of streams. What reaches an artist depends on where their listeners are, on whether those listeners pay or listen with ads, and on what the distributor, the label and co-writers keep.
The calculator multiplies your streams by a reference average rate and by your share. It is an estimate for planning, not a promise and not an official figure.
Why it varies
Five factors explain most of the gap between two artists with the same streams:
- Listeners' country: a subscription costs a different amount in each market, and so does the pool being split.
- Type of listener: a stream from a paid account contributes more than one from an ad-supported account.
- Splits: the distributor takes a commission or a fee, the label keeps its share and co-writers keep theirs.
- Length: Spotify counts a stream from 30 seconds, so early skips do not add up.
- Filters and minimums: platforms remove streams they consider artificial and may require a minimum before a song gets paid.
How to use the result
Compare the estimate with your actual report: if the effective rate in your reports is lower, type that rate into the table and recalculate. With your real rate, the calculator answers two practical questions: how much a release will bring at a given stream target, and how many streams it takes to cover a cost, such as a production or a campaign.
What raises your payout
What is actually in your hands:
- Listeners in countries with more paying subscribers.
- Saves and repeat plays: they weigh in recommendations and extend the life of the song.
- Keeping your rights: every percentage point you do not give away stays with you.
- Songs that hold attention: a play that does not reach 30 seconds does not count.