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What in the World, What in the World, How do musicians make money?

What in the World

What in the World

How do musicians make money?

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May 27, 2025

11 minutes

Available for over a year

From Taylor Swift to Michael Jackson, there’s been countless superstar musicians who have called out their record labels for how much they’re being paid for their music. For musicians at the start of their careers it can be even more challenging to make money. The emergence of streaming sites like Spotify has made understanding publishing a bit more complicated. So how does it all really work?

BBC Newsbeat reporter Riyah Collins talks us through how musicians make their money - from royalties, touring and streaming. Mary Spender, a singer-songwriter here in the U.K. shares her experience with earning money from her music.

Plus we also hear from Kenyan TV host, KenRelBis, who’s launched a free music distribution platform to help local artists.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6

Presenter: Iqra Farooq

Producers: Emily Horler and Maria Clara Montoya

Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal

Editor: Verity Wilde