SoundExchange Sets New Record with Over $12 Billion Distributed to Artists

SoundExchange Surpasses $12 Billion in Cumulative Distributions

In a remarkable achievement for the music industry, SoundExchange announced that it has crossed the significant milestone of distributing over $12 billion to artists and rights owners since its creation in 2003. This landmark was reached during the company's 185th distribution in February 2025, highlighting the organization's consistent efforts to ensure artists receive fair compensation for their work.

This announcement follows a productive year for SoundExchange, during which it distributed more than $1 billion to creators, marking a 4.9% increase from the previous year. In the last quarter of 2024 alone, they distributed $248.6 million, solidifying their role as a vital player in the digital music landscape.

Michael Huppe, the president and CEO of SoundExchange, articulates the organization's vision: “This milestone reflects our vigorous commitment to enhancing the value of music in a growing digital ecosystem. Enhancing the financial well-being of those who dedicate their lives to their craft is our priority.” Such statements reveal the deep-rooted mission of SoundExchange to support and uplift artists through efficient royalty distribution processes.

The Role of SoundExchange

SoundExchange operates as a non-profit entity that administers digital streaming services, making it easier for digital service providers (DSPs) to fulfill their obligations to artists and rights owners under U.S. law. The organization serves a community of over 700,000 registered creators, establishing itself as a global leader in collecting and distributing music performance royalties. Notably, 90% of the collections are disbursed within 45 days of receipt, reflecting their dedication to timely payments.

Internationally, SoundExchange also leads as the largest global collective management organization, partnering with nearly 60 international entities to manage 87% of the neighboring rights market. This ensures comprehensive performance royalties for artists, even when their music plays abroad, benefiting over 474,000 creators.

Advocacy and Legislative Efforts

In addition to its operational success, SoundExchange is an ardent advocate for artists' rights, pushing for legislative changes that protect music creators. Over the last two decades, it has achieved significant increases in royalty rates across various platforms, including satellite and subscription services, as noted in their recent advocacy efforts. Their dedication extends to supporting the American Music Fairness Act, a bipartisan legislative initiative that aims to secure royalties for artists whose music is broadcasted on U.S. radio.

Future Directions

SoundExchange, formed to revolutionize the music industry with a fairer and more efficient approach, continues to innovate using technology and data. Its mission is clear: to ensure that artists and rights holders receive the revenue they earn. Each dollar distributed contributes to the sustainability of the music ecosystem, fostering a culture of respect and recognition for artistic contributions.

As the industry evolves, SoundExchange stands committed to its mission, propelling the future of music forward by advocating for creators and enhancing the digital landscape to prioritize fair compensation. The surpassing of the $12 billion milestone is not just a figure; it's a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of recognizing the invaluable contributions of artists worldwide.

For more information on SoundExchange, their mission, and how they support music creators, visit SoundExchange's official website.