New Royalty Rules Coming for Vinyl, CDs, and Streams
Published Date: 7/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Continued 2028–2032 phonorecord rates
The Copyright Royalty Judges propose continuing the current Section 115 (Subpart B) rates and terms for making and distributing phonorecords from January 1, 2028 through December 31, 2032. If the Judges adopt the proposed settlement, those rates and terms would be binding on all copyright owners of musical works and on those who make or distribute phonorecords (for example, musicians, record companies, and streaming services). Comments and objections are due by August 10, 2026.
Inflation adjustments for physical & downloads
The partial settlement would keep current Subpart B rates and terms unchanged except for continuing inflation adjustments to the rates for physical phonorecords (compact discs, vinyl, cassette tapes, and the like) and permanent digital downloads for the 2028–2032 period. The proposed settlement specifically covers physical phonorecords, permanent downloads, ringtones, and music bundles for that rate period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-16709, 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).
2026-16707, 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.
2026-06055, 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.
2026-04633, Determination of Rates and Terms for Digital Performance of Sound Recordings and Making of Ephemeral Copies To Facilitate Those Performances (Web VI)
Starting January 1, 2026, certain public radio stations will follow new rules for paying royalties when they play music online and make temporary copies to do so. These rules, agreed upon by major players like NPR and SoundExchange, set clear rates and terms through 2030, helping everyone know what to expect. The changes kick in March 10, 2026, and could affect how much stations pay for digital music performances.
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