How Much Does Tidal Pay Per Stream in 2023?

The music industry has long struggled to provide fair compensation for artists. With the rise of music streaming, this issue has become even more pressing. However, one streaming service has emerged as a leader in promoting fair payment and transparency: Tidal.

The streaming platform’s commitment to fairness goes beyond just streaming payment rates. The company has also launched several initiatives aimed at supporting and promoting emerging artists. It’s Tidal Rising program highlights up-and-coming musicians and provides them with exposure to a wider audience. Tidal also hosts regular events, such as its Tidal X concert series, which showcases both established and emerging artists.

But what does Tidal actually pay per stream, and how does it arrive at that number? Read on below to learn more.

 

In This Article:

  • What Is Tidal?
  • Tidal’s Story
  • What Does Tidal Pay Per Streams
  • The Number Of Streams Needed to Earn $1 On Tidal
  • Tidal’s Payouts Compared To Other Streaming Platforms
  • Variables that Influence Your Tidal Payout

 

What Is Tidal?

Tidal is a streaming music platform that caters to those who demand more from their listening experience. Boasting an extensive catalog of tracks from a diverse range of genres–likely the same catalog that all other platforms claim as well–Tidal caters to music aficionados who crave uncompromised audio quality. The company allows users to pay more for better audio.

But Tidal’s allure doesn’t end there. Unlike some of its counterparts, Tidal has been making headlines for its artist-friendly compensation model. Tidal’s mission is centered around empowering artists and building better connections between them and their fans. One of the key ways it does this is through its continued commitment to providing higher and more transparent payments for artists. While it might not be the biggest player in this space, the firm’s goals have endeared it to many in the business.

 

Tidal’s Story

Tidal was born in 2014 as a brainchild of Swedish tech company Aspiro, emerged with a unique mission: to redefine artist compensation and listener experiences. Soon, high-profile ownership from the likes of Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and others took the company to a new level. Eventually, Tidal aimed for exclusivity, sparking discussions about fair compensation and accessibility. Its emphasis on high-fidelity sound quality garnered audiophile attention, though challenges in a competitive industry persisted.

Tidal’s commitment to global expansion and artist-listener connections remained resolute, driving innovation through collaborations and exclusive content.

Is your work about to be uploaded to streaming platforms like Tidal? Then it’s time to start to promote your new music!

 

What Does Tidal Pay Per Stream?

One of the burning questions for artists and songwriters in the digital age is: “How much does a stream actually pay?” In 2023, Tidal sets itself apart by paying out around $0.013 per stream on average. This figure might seem modest, but it’s a significant leap forward for an industry where fractions of a cent often determine an artist’s earnings.This rate is significantly higher than what most other streaming services pay, including Apple Music and Spotify.

What’s even more remarkable is that Tidal is among the select few streaming services that go beyond the 1-cent-per-stream threshold. This signifies a dedication to fair compensation for artists and a recognition of the value their creations bring to the platform.

If your new single or album is ready, do you have a social media music promotion plan? If not, let’s talk.

 

The Number Of Streams Needed to Earn $1 On Tidal

Curious about the mathematics behind the music? On average, an artist needs just under 77 streams on Tidal to earn a single dollar. While this might seem like a lofty number, it is actually one of the best in the world.

You can reach a lot of new fans on streaming sites, but radio promotion can take you even further.

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How Many Users Does Tidal Have?

Tidal keeps its user count undisclosed, making it difficult to estimate its overall impact on the music industry. Although some sources have reported that Tidal had three million paying subscribers a few years ago, it is uncertain how many users the platform has today. While Tidal boasts of paying artists more per stream than other streaming services, its smaller user base compared to competitors like Spotify could mean less income for musicians overall.

 

Tidal’s Payouts Compared To Other Streaming Platforms

In the world of music streaming services, how artists get paid can differ a lot from option to option, company to company. Tidal, a pioneer in this field, has always stood out because of how it pays artists for each stream. If  your album is headed to streaming soon, learn How To Promote Your New Album.

Let’s explore the details and compare how Tidal’s payments compare to other streaming platforms:

  • Tidal – Leading the pack with an average payout of around $0.013 per stream, Tidal sets a high standard for artist compensation, showcasing its commitment to rewarding creators for their work.
  • Apple Music – The tech giant offers artists $0.01 per stream, reflecting a competitive compensation model within the streaming landscape.
  • Spotify – Known for its massive user base, Spotify pays artists between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream.
  • YouTube Music – With a unique twist on the traditional YouTube platform, YouTube Music contributes $0.008 per stream to the artist’s revenue pool.
  • Deezer – The platform offers an average payout of $0.0064 per stream, positioning itself as a player in the middle ground of artist compensation.
  • Pandora – Falling on the lower end, Pandora provides artists with approximately $0.00133 per stream. 
  • SoundCloud – The range on SoundCloud spans from $0.0025 to $0.004 per stream, and those sums highlight the variability that artists may encounter on the platform.

 

Variables that Influence Your Tidal Payout

Beyond the raw numbers, several intricate factors come into play when determining an artist’s earnings on Tidal.

  • Location of Listeners – The global reach of music streaming means that listeners span across countries with varying economic landscapes. In regions where users subscribe at lower rates, the royalties paid to artists are inevitably affected. This geographical nuance is not specific to Tidal, but something artists with a global reach should be aware of.
  • Tidal Plan – Tidal offers a range of subscription plans at different price points. If your music resonates with users who opt for higher-cost plans, your earnings get a boost. Conversely, artists should be mindful that listeners on lower-cost plans might contribute to relatively lower payouts.
  • Distribution Partner – The relationship between artists, music distribution companies, and streaming platforms can vary widely. Some distribution companies require an upfront fee for placing music on platforms like Tidal, thereby allowing artists to retain their full royalty share. Alternatively, others might not charge upfront fees but take a percentage from your streaming revenue. Navigating this terrain requires careful consideration when picking a distribution partner.

If you’re getting ready for the next chapter of your musical career, give Planetary a call and we can talk about the best music promotion for you and getting your music heard! (323) 952-5050