Record-breaking Spotify Payments: Over $11 Billion to Music Industry Yet Criticism Persists
By HiFi Editorial24 February 2026
Key Highlights
Spotify announced a record-breaking payout of over $11 billion to the music industry in 2025, surpassing competitors significantly.
To date, Spotify has distributed nearly $70 billion to rights holders, with a 10% annual increase in payouts from the prior year.
The platform plays a pivotal role in the music economy, contributing 30% of global recorded music revenue, doubling its share since 2017.
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