How much did YouTube pay the music industry in 2024-2025?

YouTube paid the music industry over $8 billion in the 12 months between July 2024 and June 2025.

What did YouTube's Head of Music say about the $8 billion payout?

Lyor Cohen, YouTube's Global Head of Music, called the $8 billion payout "meaningful, sustained progress" in supporting artists and songwriters on the global stage.

How does YouTube's payout compare to Spotify's?

While YouTube paid $8 billion, its competitor Spotify reported a record $10 billion in payouts to the music industry in 2024.

Home / Business and Economy / YouTube Pays Music Industry $8 Billion in One Year, a 33% Increase

YouTube Pays Music Industry $8 Billion in One Year, a 33% Increase

25 Oct

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Summary

YouTube paid over $8 billion to music industry in 12 months
Represents "meaningful, sustained progress" in supporting artists
Payments up from $6 billion in previous year, a 33% increase

YouTube Pays Music Industry $8 Billion in One Year, a 33% Increase

In a significant development for the music industry, YouTube has revealed that it paid out more than $8 billion to music creators and rights holders in the 12-month period between July 2024 and June 2025. This figure represents a substantial 33% increase from the previous year's $6 billion payout.

According to Lyor Cohen, YouTube's Global Head of Music, this milestone "is a testament to the fact that the twin engine of ads and subscriptions is firing on all cylinders." He emphasized that this $8 billion payout is not an endpoint, but rather "meaningful, sustained progress in our journey to build a long-term home for every artist, songwriter and publisher on the global stage."

The sharp rise in YouTube's music industry payouts comes at a time when the platform has faced criticism for its treatment of artists. In September 2025, legendary music mogul Irving Azoff had accused YouTube of "inventing new words for the way to bully people." However, the latest figures suggest that YouTube is actively working to address these concerns and provide better support for the creative community.