As an independent artist, it’s essential to understand the true value of 1,000 streams from different platforms. Not all streaming services pay the same—some offer significantly higher payouts than others. In this article, we’ll dive into the top five highest-paying streaming platforms in 2025, break down their per-stream rates, and explore why these differences matter for your revenue.
Quick Snapshot: Top 5 Payouts per 1,000 Streams
| Rank | Platform | Approx. Payout per Stream | Estimated Payout per 1,000 Streams |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qobuz | $0.0187 | $18.70 |
| 2 | Napster | $0.019–$0.021 | $19–21 |
| 3 | Tidal | $0.0128–$0.013 | $12.80–$13 |
| 4 | Apple Music | $0.0078–$0.01 | $7.80–$10 |
| 5 | Deezer | $0.0064 | $6.40 |
1. Qobuz – Audiophile-Friendly, Artist-Friendly
Qobuz tops the payouts list with about $0.0187 per stream, translating to $18.70 per 1,000 streams. This transparency is rare in the industry. As a premium, high-resolution audio service, Qobuz targets audiophiles who are willing to pay more—and in return, artists get paid more.
2. Napster – High Payouts, Niche Audience
Once a pioneer in music sharing, Napster now offers competitive payouts—around $0.019 to $0.021 per stream. That works out to $19 to $21 per 1,000 streams. Though users are fewer than on major platforms, the payout per stream is among the highest.
3. Tidal – Sustainable Audio and Fair Pay
Tidal pays approximately $0.0128–$0.013 per stream — leading to $12.80–$13 per 1,000 streams. Known for its high-fidelity audio and artist-first model, Tidal aims to provide fair compensation despite its smaller user base.
4. Apple Music – Balance of Reach and Revenue
Apple Music offers payouts in the range of $0.0078 to $0.01 per stream, meaning artists can expect $7.80–$10 per 1,000 streams. While not as high as the leaders, Apple Music’s massive subscriber base makes it a valuable platform for visibility and fan growth.
5. Deezer – Fair Pay in European Markets
Deezer varies by territory and subscription tier, averaging around $0.0064 per stream, or $6.40 per 1,000 streams. For artists targeting Europe, Deezer’s user-centric model can be especially beneficial.
Bonus Comparison: Other Platforms (for context)
- Spotify – ~$0.003 to $0.005 (about $3–$5 per 1,000 streams)
- Amazon Music –
($4–$6 per 1,000) - YouTube Music –
$0.0007 to $0.008 ($0.7–$8 per 1,000)
Why These Differences Matter
- Maximize Earnings – Focusing on high-paying services like Qobuz, Napster, and Tidal can significantly boost income—especially if your fanbase is niche but loyal.
- Reach vs. Revenue Trade-off – Huge platforms like Spotify deliver visibility but pay less per stream. A balanced approach—using both high-payout and high-exposure platforms—is key.
- Diversify Your Strategy – Promote your music across multiple platforms and guide fans toward high-paying ones when possible.
Final Thoughts
For independent artists, the order of platforms by payout per 1,000 streams in 2025 looks like this:
- Napster – $19–21
- Qobuz – $18.70
- Tidal – $12.80–13
- Apple Music – $7.80–10
- Deezer – $6.40
While Netflix-sized exposure might come from Spotify and Apple, don’t overlook platforms that pay more—each stream there is more valuable.