Artists on Apple Music are set to receive a bonus payout of up to 10 percent in royalties for songs also available in spatial audio, as per an update communicated to record label partners, as reported by 9to5Mac. The change, effective from January’s month-end payout, introduces a factor of 1.1 for pro-rata shares on Spatial Available plays, while Non-Spatial Available plays will continue using a factor of 1. Pro rata refers to the distribution of pooled subscription money based on the number of streams, creating a financial incentive for musicians and labels to embrace Dolby Atmos-supported spatial audio.
A December report from Bloomberg had already hinted at Apple’s plans to incentivize the release of songs in the Dolby Atmos format, and the latest move aligns with the growing trend of spatial audio support in new smartphones, tablets, and wireless earbuds. All of Apple’s recent devices, including AirPods, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and HomePod, support spatial audio, making it a prominent feature across its product lineup. The format is also compatible with certain Samsung Galaxy and Pixel phones, as well as iPhones from the XS model onward (excluding iPhone SE).
The increasing prevalence of spatial audio is evident in the rising number of songs released in both Dolby Atmos and stereo formats. Apple Music’s note highlights a remarkable 5,000 percent increase in songs available in spatial audio since the feature’s introduction in 2021, underscoring the industry’s shift toward embracing immersive sound experiences. While Apple Music has been expanding its spatial audio catalog, other platforms like Tidal and Amazon Music Unlimited, along with streaming video services such as Netflix and HBO Max, have also embraced this audio innovation. However, Spotify is yet to introduce a comparable upgrade to its audio offerings, despite having promised a premium HiFi tier since 2021, with no confirmed release date as of now. The move by Apple aims to further incentivize the adoption of spatial audio among artists, providing them with an additional financial reward for embracing this advanced audio technology.
In the competitive landscape of streaming services, spatial audio has become a distinctive feature that enhances the listening experience for users equipped with compatible devices. Apple Music’s proactive approach in encouraging artists to release spatial audio versions of their songs contributes to the platform’s differentiation in the market. As the music industry continues to evolve, these financial incentives and technological advancements shape the landscape, influencing artists, labels, and streaming platforms alike. The positive response to spatial audio from both creators and listeners underscores the significance of enhancing audio quality and fostering innovation in the music streaming space.