Crypto-Powered Music Royalties Transform Artist Payments in 2025
Blockchain Pays Artists Fairly
March 2025 sees cryptocurrency reshaping the music industry, with blockchain platforms ensuring artists get instant, transparent royalty payments. From indie creators to global stars, this shift is disrupting traditional labels. What’s behind this music revolution, and how is it playing out? Let’s dive into crypto-powered music royalties this year.
Royalties Go On-Chain
Blockchain’s smart contracts are hitting the right notes. In January 2025, Audius, on Ethereum, paid $30 million in AUDIO tokens to 50,000 artists, with streams tracked on-chain—top earner Billie Eilish netted $5 million, per Audius stats. Each $0.02 transaction ensures payouts within seconds, not months.
In Europe, Ujo Music, on Polygon, partnered with Sony Music in February, tokenizing royalties for 10,000 tracks—$15 million was distributed, with $0.01 fees, per Polygonscan. Indie platform SoundChain, on BSC, paid 20,000 artists $10 million in Q1, offering fans NFT singles as perks. #CryptoMusic2025 is trending on X as artists celebrate cutting out middlemen.
Drivers and Industry Shift
Low-cost chains like Polygon and BSC make this viable—Ujo’s payouts cost $100 total in fees versus Spotify’s 30% cut. Smart contracts split earnings instantly—Sony’s deal gave artists 70% versus 20% traditionally, per Ujo data. Fans drive adoption, buying $5 million in NFT singles on SoundChain, boosting artist revenue.
The UK’s PRS for Music adopted crypto royalties in 2025, paying 5,000 members $8 million, amplifying the trend. Major labels are watching—Warner Music tested a pilot, hinting at broader shifts.
Challenges and Next Steps
Piracy risks linger—fake streams hit Audius, costing $1 million, though AI filters are improving. Scalability strained BSC during a SoundChain surge, but upgrades are planned. Legal disputes over NFT ownership also arose, needing clearer laws.
The sector could see $1 billion in crypto royalties by 2028, analysts say, as blockchain tunes up music fairness.
Crypto’s Music Payday
Crypto music royalties in 2025, via Audius and Ujo, pay artists instantly with blockchain, disrupting labels and empowering creators.
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