Guide
How much does a stream pay in the UK?
By the Sell Your Song team · Last updated:
A single stream in the UK pays a fraction of a penny, so it's easier to think per 1,000 streams: roughly £2.50–£3.50 for the recording on Spotify UK, plus a smaller amount for the song. Every stream pays two sides — the recording and the songwriting.
Two sides of every stream
The recording side goes to whoever owns the recording — often you, if you self-released. The song side goes to the songwriters and anyone they've shared their rights with. Songwriting royalties are usually much smaller than recording royalties.
How much do songwriters get per stream?
| Royalty | Per 1,000 streams |
|---|---|
| Recording royalties, Spotify UK | Roughly £2.50–£3.50 |
| Songwriting royalties, all sources | Roughly a quarter of what the recording earns |
| UK songwriting (performance + mechanical) | Roughly £0.50–£1.10 |
| US songwriting mechanicals | Roughly £0.20–£0.60 |
What this means for your song
Streams add up slowly, which is why many artists look at turning future royalties into a lump sum. See how much your song could be worth and ways to get money for your song.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Spotify pay per stream in the UK?
Roughly £2.50–£3.50 per 1,000 streams for the recording, varying by country and subscription type.
How much do songwriters get per stream?
Usually around a quarter of what the recording earns, split between all the writers.
Why do I earn less than these figures?
Your distributor, label or co-owners may take a share, and listener country and free vs paid accounts change the rate.
Do streams from other countries pay the same?
No. Rates vary a lot between countries and platforms.
Does the recording or the song earn more?
The recording usually earns several times more than the songwriting side.
Sell Your Song is a trading name of Royalties Inc Ltd. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.