Apple Sets iTunes Radio Royalty Rate For Independent Artists

Apple is offering independent musicians a non-negotiable royalty rate of $0.0013 per stream on iTunes Radio, according to Digital Music News. Apple will also offer a 15 percent share of net advertising revenue for the first year; in subsequent years, the rate rises to $0.0014 plus a 19 percent share of net advertising revenues. iTunes Radio was announced earlier this month.
iTunes Radio will also allow listeners up to six song skips each hour, provided they skip within the first 20 seconds of a song. This also allows Apple to not pay for song skips. According to Billboard, the minimum royalty rate includes 45 percent of net advertising revenue plus $21.25 for each 1,000 listener hours in the first year and $22.25 for the remainder of the license agreement.
Also, Digital Music News reports Apple is threatening to punish iRadio holdouts by removing their music from the iTunes music store.
Below is a portion of the non-negotiable form contract sent to independent and non-major label artists:

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

Latest posts by Jessica Nicholson (see all)

• CMA Honors Robert Deaton With Chairman’s Award - December 4, 2020
• Nashville Symphony, Nashville Musicians Association Reach Agreement - December 4, 2020
• Zach Williams’ “Chain Breaker” Is Most-Added On ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart - December 4, 2020