Copyright Board Patches Math Goofs in Streaming Royalties
Published Date: 2/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Copyright Royalty Board fixed some math errors in their proposed rules about how much new music subscription services will pay for streaming songs from 2026 to 2030. This correction makes sure the formulas for setting rates are clear and balanced. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until March 12, 2025, to comment online.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Per‑performance royalty formulas set for 2026–2030
If you run a new music subscription service, the proposed rule sets the per-performance royalty formulas that will apply from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030. For Stand‑Alone Contracts the rate is (1 + (Cy-315.664)/315.664) × $0.0234, and for Bundled Contracts it is (1 + (Cy-315.664)/315.664) × $0.0390.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16709, Distribution of Satellite Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Judges (Judges) announce the commencement of proceedings to determine distribution of 2023 royalties deposited with the Copyright Office under the satellite carrier license. The Judges also set the date by which all parties wishing to participate and share in the distribution of satellite retransmission royalties for 2023, must file Petitions to Participate and pay the accompanying $150 filing fee. The Judges seek a single Petition to Participate in either or both the allocation phase and the distribution phase of the satellite royalty proceeding. Any party that fails to file a petition to participate by the time set forth in this notice shall not be a participant at any stage of either proceeding, unless the Judges accept a late petition to participate pursuant to 37 CFR 351.1(d).
2026-16708, Distribution of Cable Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Judges (Judges) announce the commencement of proceedings to determine distribution of 2023 royalties deposited with the Copyright Office under the cable service statutory license. The Judges also set the date by which all parties wishing to participate and share in the distribution of cable retransmission royalties for 2023 must file Petitions to Participate and pay the accompanying $150 filing fee. The Judges seek a single Petition to Participate in either or both the allocation phase and distribution phase of the cable royalty proceeding. Any party that fails to file a petition to participate by the time set forth in this notice shall not be a participant at any stage of the proceeding, unless the Judges accept a late petition to participate pursuant to 37 CFR 351.1(d).
2026-16710, Distribution of Satellite Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Judges solicit comments on a motion of Allocation Phase Parties for partial distribution of 2023 satellite royalty funds.
2026-16707, Distribution of 2023 Cable Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Board is asking for comments on how to share the 2023 cable royalty money among creators whose work was shown on cable TV. This affects artists, producers, and other rights holders waiting for their share of the cash. Comments must be sent by September 16, 2026, so the Board can decide on partial payments while sorting out any disagreements.
2026-13996, Determination of Rates and Terms for Making and Distributing Phonorecords (Phonorecords V)
Starting in 2028, new rules will set how much music makers pay to copy and share songs on CDs, vinyl, and digital formats until 2032. Musicians, record companies, and streaming services will all feel the impact as royalty rates and terms get updated. If you want to speak up, you’ve got until August 10, 2026, to send in your comments!
2026-06055, Adjustment to Sound Recordings by New Subscription Services and Ephemeral Recordings To Facilitate Those Performances License 2026 Royalty Rates
Starting January 1, 2026, new subscription music services will pay slightly higher royalties for playing songs online, thanks to a cost-of-living update. These changes, effective through 2030, adjust fees based on inflation to keep payments fair for artists and rights holders. If you run or use these services, expect a small bump in what you pay or earn starting March 30, 2026.
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