How does the RIAA work?

The RIAA operates an award program for albums that sell a large number of copies. The award was launched in 1958; originally, the requirement for a Gold single was one million units sold and a Gold album represented $1 million in sales (at wholesale value, around a third of the list price).

How do I get RIAA certified?

To become an RIAA member company, your label must:

1. Be a U.S. based record label/company. *
2. Distribute recordings of performances to U.S. consumers under your label for home use.
3. Have not been engaged in the piracy of sound recordings during the last five years.

How do licensing agreements help artists earn money from their music?

PROs help both songwriters and publishers by licensing, on a non-exclusive basis, musical works’ public performance rights. PROs typically pay songwriters and publishers their royalties directly, as opposed to the publisher collecting the full amount of royalties and then paying the songwriter.

How much do RIAA plaques cost?

The charge for individual certifications is $350 for RIAA member companies, while non-members are charged $450 per certification, which must be pre-paid.

How much does an RIAA certification cost?

What is the Recording Industry Association of America?

The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world, investing in great artists to help them reach their potential and connect to their fans.

Are my albums eligible under RIAA’s Gold & Platinum program?

Albums bundled with other products (e.g. concert tickets, merchandise, etc.) and sold to consumers can be eligible under RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program if they meet the following requirements: Sold at a minimum $6 premium per album when compared to the standalone product’s price.

How many RIAA awards have there been in 2019?

In August, the RIAA certified 246 Song Awards and 35 Album Awards. Latin music revenues grew 13.5\% to $232 million at estimated retail value versus the prior year, building on 3 consecutive years of growth through the end of 2018. Total revenues grew 18\% to $5.4 billion in the first half of 2019.

Are artists not getting paid enough for streaming music on Spotify?

In recent years there has been an outcry from many artists claiming they are not getting paid enough for streaming music on Spotify. Many artists have argued that the music streaming giant’s payouts are simply not high enough. As of 2019, Spotify reported that they pay between $0.00331 and $0.00437 per stream to artists for their songs.