Does Spotify pay per song?

Spotify does not pay artists a flat rate per song. Instead, Spotify, like other streaming services, uses a pro-rata payment system. This means that the revenue generated from the Spotify Premium subscriptions and advertising is pooled together, and then it is distributed among rights holders (record labels, distributors, and artists) based on their share of total streams.

The exact amount an artist earns per stream is influenced by several factors, including the country where the stream occurs, the type of Spotify account (free or premium), and the artist's agreement with their record label or distributor. On average, artists receive a fraction of a cent per stream.

It's important to note that streaming revenue can vary widely, and many artists find that streaming is just one component of their overall income. Artists may also generate revenue through other means, such as live performances, merchandise sales, and licensing deals. Additionally, artists often use streaming platforms like Spotify as a tool for exposure and to connect with a broader audience.