‘Royalties are not perks; they are the foundation of a creator’s livelihood’

India’s music industry is riding a historic growth wave, with creator revenues rising 40.5% in 2024 to EUR 80.5 million, according to the CISAC Global Collections Report 2025. The report ranks India among the fastest-growing music markets globally, driven largely by the explosive rise of streaming and digital consumption. Yet, industry leaders caution that this success masks a deep structural imbalance, one that could limit the long-term sustainability of the creative economy. Composer and IPRS board member Salim Merchant underlined the stakes for creators, saying, “Royalties are not perks they are the rightful earnings for the music we create. For lyricists and composers, these revenues allow us to focus fully on our craft and create without limitations.” He added that timely and transparent royalty payments strengthen the entire ecosystem, stressing that fair payment across streaming platforms; live events and broadcasting must become the norm, not the exception. “When royalties are paid on time and with transparency, they strengthen the entire creative ecosystem. India is brimming with talent, but for creators to truly thrive, fair payment for music across streaming platforms, live events, and broadcasting must become the norm, not the exception. Royalties are the foundation of a creator’s livelihood. IPRS remains committed to ensuring that every stream, stage, and screen compensates creators fairly and transparently,” says Salim. The CISAC report shows that while digital revenues now account for 82.7% of India’s creator earnings, other key segments, broadcast television, radio, live events, hotels and retail—remain significantly under-licensed. Globally, these non-digital streams contribute over 50% of royalties; in India, they form only a small fraction. Highlighting this gap, Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, said, “India is one of the fastest-growing music markets globally, but this momentum can sustain only if every user of music respects copyright and adheres to licensing norms mandated by law.” He noted that despite strong headline growth, the imbalance between digital and non-digital revenues is a structural challenge. “Paying for music is not optional, it is a legal obligation and the backbone of the creative economy,” he said, pointing out that broadcast income fell sharply to just 2.3% due to deferred payments and non-compliance. For creators, royalties are not just delayed income, they define career sustainability. Suleiman Merchant emphasised that Indian artists still rely heavily on upfront fees, unlike their global peers. “The music we create has a long life, and royalties ensure that creators benefit from that journey,” he said, adding that worldwide, royalties are a major income source. “Fair play and fair pay of music will finally put our creators on equal footing with the world.” IPRS, now with over 20,000 members and the fourth-largest society in Asia-Pacific, sees India at an inflection point. While streaming revenues crossed ₹600 crore and total collections touched a record ₹741.6 crore in FY 2024–25, leaders warn that without stronger compliance from traditional sectors, India cannot reach global benchmarks. As Salim Merchant summed it up, “Properly licensed use of music gives creators the stability to innovate and experiment without compromise.” The message from the industry is clear: India’s music boom will truly resonate only when every stream, stage and screen pays its due.