5 Top Streaming Platforms That Pay Nigerian Artists Higher

Introduction

The music industry has evolved drastically in the digital age. Gone are the days when CD sales and radio airplay were the only sources of revenue. Today, streaming platforms dominate how audiences consume music—and how artists get paid. For Nigerian musicians, this global shift has opened new doors for exposure and income, but not all platforms pay equally.

While streaming offers accessibility, the earnings per stream can vary from platform to platform. Some platforms offer better royalty rates, enhanced exposure, or special programs that directly benefit African artists. In this article, we will explore five top streaming platforms that pay Nigerian artists higher and how these platforms support their growth in both local and international markets.

1. Tidal – The Most Artist-Friendly Platform

Tidal stands out as one of the highest-paying music streaming services globally. Co-owned by artists and driven by a commitment to fair compensation, Tidal pays around $0.0125 per stream—significantly higher than most other platforms.

For Nigerian artists, this is good news. As Afrobeats and other Nigerian genres continue to attract international audiences, artists can earn more from the same number of streams compared to platforms like Spotify or YouTube Music. Tidal also prioritizes high-quality audio, attracting music lovers willing to pay premium subscription rates, which in turn benefits artists.

Tidal’s emphasis on artist empowerment includes initiatives like exclusive content deals, behind-the-scenes promotions, and personalized artist pages. For Nigerian artists seeking to earn higher income while retaining creative control, Tidal is an excellent choice. Though it may not have the massive user base of Spotify or Apple Music, its business model places artists first.

2. Apple Music – High Royalties and Strong Global Reach

Apple Music is a dominant player in the streaming space and pays an estimated $0.01 per stream. With over 100 million users, it provides Nigerian musicians with a lucrative balance of reach and royalty rates. In many cases, Nigerian songs and albums have ranked high on Apple Music charts, both locally and internationally, boosting visibility and streaming income.

Unlike free-tier platforms, Apple Music operates entirely on a subscription basis. This ensures a higher revenue pool that can be shared among artists. Nigerian artists benefit not only from the pay-per-stream model but also from curated playlists, featured spots, and algorithm-driven suggestions that help boost their streams globally.

Apple Music also partners with Nigerian platforms and creators to spotlight regional talents. Their Apple Music Africa Now playlist and Apple Music 1 radio often feature interviews and exclusives from top Nigerian musicians. This exposure results in more streams, higher royalties, and greater fan engagement.

3. YouTube Music – Combining Audio and Video Revenue

While YouTube Music’s average per-stream payout is lower (around $0.006), it offers diverse income streams that appeal to Nigerian artists. Artists can earn through ad revenue, subscription payouts, and fan donations via YouTube’s Super Thanks and live features. The monetization potential is significantly higher when music videos are included.

Nigerian artists have long used YouTube to build careers. From Burna Boy’s viral performances to Rema’s creative videos, the platform has played a vital role in promoting Nigerian music. YouTube’s global reach ensures artists can tap into international audiences, leading to additional revenue from outside Africa.

YouTube Music also enables monetization via Content ID. This system detects when a user uploads music containing an artist’s work, ensuring that royalties are credited to the rightful owners. For Nigerian artists whose music often spreads through fan uploads, this feature is essential for collecting every possible coin.

4. Audiomack – Popularity and Monetization for Nigerian Artists

Audiomack has grown to become one of the most beloved platforms among Nigerian and African youth. Initially a free streaming service, Audiomack now offers monetization through its Audiomack Monetization Program (AMP), especially tailored for emerging markets like Nigeria.

While Audiomack’s payout per stream is lower than Apple or Tidal, the platform compensates by offering massive local visibility, strong promotional tools, and direct fan interaction. Nigerian artists like Fireboy DML, Omah Lay, and Bella Shmurda gained major traction on Audiomack before achieving international fame.

Audiomack frequently partners with African music festivals, record labels, and influencers to promote artists. Its ease of use, fast uploads, and offline listening features make it extremely popular among Nigerian youth, contributing to high stream counts.

The platform also offers “Supporters”—a feature where fans can directly fund their favorite artists. This model gives Nigerian musicians a direct path to earning more money beyond traditional streaming income.

5. Boomplay – Africa’s Homegrown Streaming Platform

Boomplay is Africa’s leading music streaming platform, with strong user bases in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania. While the payout per stream on Boomplay is lower (estimated around $0.002), its focus on African content gives Nigerian artists significant advantages.

Boomplay allows artists to reach listeners who may not be active on global platforms. It features daily charts, curated playlists, and music promotions aimed at African audiences. For Nigerian artists, this often means millions of localized streams and performance opportunities in regional markets.

In addition to streaming revenue, Boomplay offers partnership opportunities for artists through sponsored promotions, brand deals, and concert marketing. The platform has signed licensing deals with Universal Music Group, Sony, and Warner Music, ensuring that major Nigerian artists get paid fairly and promptly.

Boomplay’s Artist Partnership Program supports both major and independent artists. This includes monthly analytics, fan engagement tools, and marketing strategies customized for African markets. As data costs drop and smartphone usage rises in Nigeria, Boomplay continues to grow as a major income stream for local musicians.

Why Streaming Pays Differently

Streaming payouts are influenced by several factors, including:

• Platform revenue (ad vs. subscription)

• Region of stream

• Number of premium vs. free users

• Artist’s label contract or distributor agreement

• Stream type (video, audio, short clip)

For Nigerian artists, this means that 1,000 streams on Tidal may pay more than 5,000 streams on a free-tier YouTube account. That’s why choosing platforms with higher payouts and dedicated local support is crucial for long-term sustainability.

Distributors That Help Maximize Income

To access all these platforms, Nigerian artists often rely on music distributors like:

• TuneCore

• DistroKid

• Amuse

• CD Baby

• Ditto Music

These services help musicians upload their songs to all major streaming platforms, collect royalties, and manage rights. Some even offer free plans for beginners, making them ideal for independent artists.

Choosing a reliable distributor ensures that artists get paid fairly, track performance data, and protect their intellectual property. For Nigerian musicians with global ambitions, using the right distribution channel is as important as making good music.

Conclusion

The future of music earnings is digital, and Nigerian artists have more tools than ever to succeed. While streaming payouts can seem small per stream, they add up with scale, quality promotion, and platform selection.