PRS final distribution of 2025

Photo Credit: Christopher Bill

PRS for Music announces its largest-ever royalty payout during its final distribution of the year, with over £274.9 million ($368 million) given to rightsholders worldwide for the quarter.

UK organization PRS for Music, which tracks, collects, and pays songwriters, composers, and music publishers for the use of their music across streaming, downloads, broadcast radio, or any public performance space, has announced its largest-ever royalty payout in the final quarterly distribution of the year. The org distributed over £274.9 million ($367.4 million) to rightsholders worldwide—a 4% increase on last year.

Over 51,500 PRS members will receive a payment in December, with nearly 400 songwriters and composers receiving royalties for the first time, reinforcing the society’s mission to champion creators and secure fair payment for their work.

“Record royalty distributions mean more than just big numbers—they represent rent paid, instruments bought, studio time covered, and careers sustained for thousands of music creators,” said Crispin Hunt, President, PRS Members’ Council.

“Hundreds of songwriters are receiving royalties for the first time this year. That first payment matters—I’m proud to be part of a member-led society dedicated to making sure hardworking and emerging songwriters and composers are earning whenever their music is played.”

International royalties contributed significantly to the record distribution, with £98 million paid out, reflecting the reach of PRS songwriters and composers on the global stage.

Streaming and broadcast royalty payments remain strong, with £13.5 million from radio including plays on the BBC network and £12.8 million from video-on-demand platforms like Apple, Disney+, and Netflix. A further £18.1 million was paid out for the use of music in video games. Finally, £8.9 million from songs performed live at concerts and gigs was paid out to more than 14,000 music creators.

With one final payment scheduled for December 22, including £22.2 million from multi-territory online streaming services such as Spotify and YouTube, PRS for Music will have paid royalties to more than 88,000 members in 2025.

In October, PRS for Music launched its Livelihood campaign, an initiative designed to raise awareness about live performance royalties and help creators understand how these payments can sustain their careers.