The Dark Side of Streaming: Are Artists Getting Scammed in 2025?

Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and YouTube Music have changed the game. They’ve made music more accessible than ever, turning independent artists into overnight sensations. But behind the flashy numbers and viral hits lies a hard truth that many fans don’t see...

Are artists actually getting paid fairly? Or are they being scammed by the system they rely on?

Let’s peel back the curtain and look at the dark side of streaming in 2025.

The Harsh Reality of Streaming Royalties

Here’s the truth: Most artists earn fractions of a cent per stream. Yep, you read that right. Depending on the platform:

• Spotify: ~$0.003–$0.005 per stream

• Apple Music: ~$0.01 per stream

• YouTube Music: ~$0.0007 per stream

• Audiomack & Boomplay: Pay varies and is often lower for artists in Africa

So, unless you're pulling in millions of streams monthly, you’re likely not living off your music alone.

Where’s the Money Going?

Streaming platforms take a large chunk of revenue from subscriptions and ads. Then come the labels, distributors, managers, and marketers—everyone takes a slice before the artist sees a dime.

In fact, a major label artist might only take home 10–20% of their streaming revenue after deductions.

Independent Artists: Even Tougher Struggles

Independent musicians face an even steeper climb. With no major label push, they’re often buried by algorithms and have to fund their marketing, distribution, and branding out of pocket.

Even if their music goes viral on TikTok or gets playlisted, converting that into actual money is not easy.

The Rise of Bots & Fake Streams

To make things worse, streaming manipulation is on the rise. Some artists unknowingly (or knowingly) pay shady promoters who use bots to generate fake streams. Not only does this violate platform rules, but it can also result in removal of songs and banned accounts.

So, some artists are being scammed twice—by platforms and fake promoters.

What Artists Are Saying

Many artists are speaking out:

“Millions of streams, and I can’t even pay rent. Something’s not adding up.”
– Anonymous Afrobeats Artist

“We’re made to believe we’ve made it, but we’re getting crumbs.”
– Independent Producer, Lagos

What Can Be Done?

1. Transparent Payouts: Artists need clearer data on how much they earn per stream.

2. Fairer Revenue Splits: Platforms must revisit how they divide subscription money.

3. Support Direct-to-Fan Platforms: More artists are turning to Bandcamp, Patreon, and NFTs to sell directly to fans.

4. Educate Artists: Musicians need to understand the business side, not just the creative.

Final Thoughts: Is It a Scam?

It’s not an outright scam—but the system is definitely stacked against artists, especially those just starting out. In a world where music is “free” to consume, creators are paying the price.

If fans really want to support artists, it’s not just about clicking “play.” It’s about buying merch, attending shows, streaming legally, and spreading the word.

What Do YOU Think?

Are streaming platforms helping or hurting artists in 2025?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s spark the conversation the industry doesn’t want us to have.