Afrobeat isn’t just a genre; it’s a movement. What began in the streets of Lagos has exploded into a worldwide phenomenon, filling dance floors from Accra to Amsterdam. Today, Afrobeat stands tall as a globally recognized genre, thanks to the unrelenting creativity and hustle of African artists who’ve turned local sounds into international anthems. And as the genre soars, streaming platforms are the vehicles driving it to every corner of the planet.
Spotify and Apple Music dominate the global market with the largest user bases, especially for genres like Afrobeat that are growing internationally.
The best streaming platform for Afrobeat artists in 2024 depends on priorities, such as payout rates, audience reach, and quality of service, however, these platforms are no longer just tools; they’re stages where Afrobeat takes center stage.
1. Tidal: Offers the highest payouts, ranging from $0.0125 to $0.015 per stream, meaning artists can earn around $1,250 to $1,500 per 100,000 streams.
2. Napster: Pays $0.019 per stream, the highest in the industry, but has a smaller audience.
3. Apple Music: Provides payouts between $0.006 to $0.008 per stream, translating to $600–$800 per 100,000 streams.
4. Spotify: The most popular platform pays between $0.003 to $0.005 per stream, amounting to $300–$500 per 100,000 streams.
5. Amazon Music: Offers $0.004 to $0.007 per stream.
6. YouTube Music: Has the lowest rates, between $0.001 to $0.003 per stream, but it includes video plays as well.
For Afrobeat artists, Spotify and Apple Music are optimal for reach and revenue, respectively. Platforms like Tidal and SoundCloud can complement these by offering niche exposure and creative freedom. Building a multi-platform strategy ensures you can maximize both earnings and fan engagement effectively.
