Apple Music May Increase Payouts for Dolby Atmos Music Streams

Apple Music, a competitor of Spotify, is considering a new payout scheme that could boost earnings for artists using Spatial Audio technology. This advanced audio format, known as Dolby Atmos, creates an immersive listening experience by making sounds appear to come from all around the user, differing from the traditional stereo format that uses two channels for left and right directional audio.

Understanding the Enhanced Payouts

A recent report suggests that Apple Music might start giving more weight to streams of tracks mixed in Dolby Atmos, potentially resulting in increased royalty payments to artists. The specific details on how much more weight these tracks will receive are not yet clear, but the change is expected to encourage more artists and producers to create and mix music in Spatial Audio.

The Popularity of Spatial Audio

Since Apple Music introduced Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos support in June 2021, the format has seen significant growth in popularity. In its first year available on the platform, the use of Spatial Audio surged, with monthly plays jumping over 1,000%. The majority of Apple Music subscribers experimented with the feature, indicating its rising mainstream appeal.

Broader Implications for the Industry

The strategic move by Apple Music may have underlying motives, such as driving sales for its devices that support Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio, like iPhones, AirPods, and Macbooks. Meanwhile, other music streaming services like Amazon Music Unlimited have also embraced Spatial Audio, offering a growing catalog of tracks in Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio.

Competitors and Market Adaptations

Despite not currently offering Spatial Audio, Spotify is rumored to be working on a 'Supremium' tier, which could include high-quality lossless music and AI-generated playlists, possibly entering the spatial sound arena. As streaming platforms adapt and improve their offerings, the emphasis on advanced audio technologies indicates a trend towards a more immersive listening experience for users globally.

Apple, Music, Royalties