The music industry faces a grim reality: 80% of artists have seen their revenue and visibility destroyed by the rise of streaming platforms. These platforms boast extensive libraries with millions of songs, yet only 20% of the content comes from major record labels. The remaining 80% is the creation of independent artists and emerging talents.

Despite their contribution, independent artists are used merely as bait. Streaming services prioritize visibility and revenue for major label artists, ensuring they dominate recommendations, playlists, and promotions. Meanwhile, independent creators receive crumbs—a revenue share so meager it doesn't even cover their basic costs, let alone their livelihoods.

To put it bluntly, a beggar may earn more in a day than many independent artists earn from streaming. The so-called "democratization" of music has instead created a digital monopoly where the few thrive while the majority struggle to survive.

The Telecom Trap

The telecom industry has exploited music streaming as a freebie to lure users into their networks. Music, a deeply creative art form, is being reduced to a bait-and-switch tactic, losing its intrinsic value. Now, telecom companies are eyeing the movie industry to replicate the same exploitative model.

A Call to Action

Independent artists and content creators must wake up to this harsh reality. Providing your work to platforms without an upfront payment is fueling an ecosystem that thrives on greed while leaving you penniless. The lack of fair revenue distribution and visibility perpetuates a broken system.

It’s time to take a stand. Creators must demand fair compensation and refuse to contribute their content to platforms that do not pay upfront or share revenues equitably. The survival of art as a viable profession depends on it.

Let’s preserve creativity by demanding fairness. Together, we can stop this exploitation before it extends further.

Awakening Article by Arunkanth V. Follow Arunkanth V on LinkedIn