Revenue distribution and transformation in the music streaming value chain

PERSPECTIVES for the diversity of cultural expressions is a series of policy briefs designed to inform and inspire discussions among Parties of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Its objective is to identify and analyse emerging trends in the creative sectors.

This edition entitled Revenue distribution and transformation in the music streaming value chain provides a critical overview of the challenges and opportunities posed by different revenue-sharing systems for the music sector’s main stakeholders, including artists, composers, labels, and distributors, while also identifying how these systems, can have an impact on the diversity of cultural expressions more generally. Building upon secondary research and interviews conducted with a variety of industry experts, it sheds light on existing initiatives which serve to improve diversity in the sector, summarise the main trends observed, and offers perspectives to ensure that the industry not only operates in a sustainable manner, but that it is ultimately representative of all those who desire to participate in it.