Does Apple Music pay artists?

Apple Music does compensate artists for the use of their music on the platform. Similar to other streaming services, Apple Music pays rights holders based on a pro-rata model. This means that the total revenue generated by Apple Music through subscriptions and advertising is pooled together, and the rights holders, including record labels, distributors, and ultimately the artists, receive a share of that revenue.

The amount that an artist receives per stream can vary based on several factors, including the artist's agreement with their record label or distributor, the country where the stream occurs, and the type of Apple Music account (individual or family subscription, for example).

While streaming services like Apple Music provide artists with a new avenue for reaching audiences, it's important to note that the revenue per stream is often a fraction of a cent. Many artists supplement their income through other revenue streams, such as live performances, merchandise sales, and licensing deals.

If you are an artist or content creator, you may want to refer to your distribution agreement or contact your record label for specific details on how you are compensated for your music on Apple Music.