Four big questions re: streaming music in 2022:
1) What were the most popular artists and songs in 2022?
2) How many paid subscribers does Spotify have?
3) How do artists get paid by a streaming service like Spotify?
4) How much are artists making from Spotify?

Big question #1: What were the most popular artists and songs in 2022?

Most-streamed artists of 2022, according to Spotify:
1) Drake
2) Taylor Swift
3) Bad Bunny
4) Kanye West
5) The Weekend

Most-streamed songs of 2022:
1) “As It Was” by Harry Styles
2) “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
3) “Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy
4) “Me Porto Bonito” by Bad Bunny feat. Chencho Corleon
5) “First Class” by Jack Harlow

Big with Mr. Screens older people:
1) “Running Up That Hill ( A Deal With God)” by Kate Bush
2) “Yellow” by Coldplay
3) “The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem
4) “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio (RIP)
5) “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana

Wow: At one point in early November, Taylor Swift accounted for every song on Billboard’s Top 10 list!

Big question #2: How many paid subscribers does Spotify have?

Spotify paid subscribers (YoY growth):
1) 2015-Q3 – 24M
2) 2016-Q3 – 40M (↑ 67%)
3) 2017-Q3 – 62M (↑ 55%)
4) 2018-Q3 – 87M (↑ 40%)
5) 2019-Q3 – 113M (↑ 30%)
6) 2020-Q3 – 144M (↑ 27%)
7) 2021-Q3 – 172M (↑ 19%)
8) 2022-Q3 – 195M (↑ 13%)

Big question #3: How do artists get paid by a streaming service like Spotify?

Quick answer: Artists receive a share of monthly subscription revenue based on various factors (# of streams, etc.).  For example, artists collect roughly $0.78 (8%) from every $10.00 monthly Spotify membership.

Big question #4: How much are artists making from Spotify?

Quick answer: Spotify has paid out $30B+ in royalties since 2006.

The number of Spotify artists reaching annual revenue thresholds:
1) $10K+ – 50K
2) $1M+ – 1K
3) $2M+ – 450
4) $5M+ – 130

Share of music revenue going to top 50 artists:
1) CD era – 25%
2) Spotify era – 12%

Video: The Business Strategy Sprint | Spotify Case Study