Why SiriusXM Airplay is a Goldmine for Artists – And How to Get Paid

Why SiriusXM Airplay is a Goldmine for Artists – And How to Get Paid

The conversation around music revenue often revolves around streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, but there’s a massively overlooked platform that can be a goldmine for independent artists: SiriusXM. Unlike traditional FM radio or streaming services that pay fractions of a cent per play, SiriusXM pays significantly more, making it an important revenue source for artists who land airplay.

Yet, many musicians and their teams don’t realize how valuable SiriusXM is—or worse, they’re unknowingly leaving money on the table by not registering with the right royalty collection agency. In this article, we break down how much SiriusXM actually pays, why it's so lucrative, and how you can ensure you get every dollar you're owed.

How Much Does SiriusXM Pay Per Play?

One of the biggest misconceptions in the industry is that radio doesn’t pay much. While terrestrial FM radio royalties are notoriously low (and only benefit songwriters, not performing artists), SiriusXM operates under a completely different payment structure.

SiriusXM royalties are collected through SoundExchange, which is responsible for distributing digital performance royalties in the U.S. The payout structure works as follows:

  • SiriusXM is required to pay 15.5% of its gross revenue as royalties under U.S. copyright law.
  • This means that each play on SiriusXM can generate between $47 to $49 (based on current estimates).
  • If a song gets played 100 times, it could result in $4,700 to $4,900 in earnings—a massive sum compared to traditional streaming.

For comparison, let’s look at what streaming services pay per play:

  • Spotify: $0.003 - $0.005 per stream
  • Apple Music: $0.01 per stream
  • YouTube Music: $0.00069 per stream

On Spotify, you’d need roughly 1 million streams to make what 100 plays on SiriusXM could earn you.

Key Takeaway: SiriusXM pays more per play than almost any other digital platform, making it a valuable goal for artists looking to maximize their revenue.

Why SiriusXM Pays So Much More Than Streaming

The reason SiriusXM royalties are so high comes down to audience size and exclusivity:

  1. Fewer Stations, Larger Audiences
    1. Unlike terrestrial radio, where each station is limited to a geographic region, SiriusXM is available across North America and beyond.
    2. With fewer curated stations, each song that gets airplay reaches a large, engaged audience.
  2. Music is Hand-Picked by DJs
    1. Unlike Spotify playlists, which are often dictated by algorithms, SiriusXM’s stations are curated by real DJs.
    2. These DJs actively seek out new music and are open to playing tracks from independent artists.
  3. Digital Performance Rights for Artists
    1. Unlike traditional radio, which only pays songwriters, SiriusXM royalties also go to the performing artist.
    2. If you’re both the artist and songwriter, you can collect double through different royalty agencies.

How to Get Paid for SiriusXM Plays

If you’ve had your music played on SiriusXM but haven’t seen royalties, you might have money waiting for you. Here’s how to ensure you get paid:

1. Register with SoundExchange

SiriusXM royalties are NOT collected by BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC—they are handled by SoundExchange, a government-designated nonprofit that collects and distributes digital performance royalties.

  • Step 1: Go to SoundExchange.com and sign up for a free account.
  • Step 2: Register as a Recording Artist and a Rights Owner (if you own your master recordings).
  • Step 3: Submit your catalog so they can track your plays and pay you.

Important: If you’ve been played on SiriusXM before but weren’t registered, your money is still waiting for you—SoundExchange holds unclaimed royalties indefinitely.

2. Check for Unclaimed Royalties

Artists often leave money on the table because they don’t realize they need to collect their royalties separately. You can check for unpaid royalties here: ➡️ SoundExchange Unclaimed Royalties Search

If your name is on the list, you already have money waiting for you—you just need to claim it.

3. Submit Your Music to SiriusXM

Getting on SiriusXM is challenging, but completely possible for independent artists. Here’s how:

  • Direct Submission: Some channels accept direct submissions from artists and labels. You can send your track through SiriusXM’s submission portal.
  • Radio Promoters: Hiring a radio plugger who specializes in satellite radio can increase your chances of getting airplay.
  • DJs & Curators: Build relationships with SiriusXM DJs who curate your genre. A well-placed introduction can go a long way.

Why Every Artist Should Aim for SiriusXM

SiriusXM is one of the most underrated revenue streams in music today. With the potential to make thousands of dollars from just a handful of plays, it should absolutely be on every artist’s radar.

Final Thoughts: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

If your music has ever been played on SiriusXM and you haven’t registered with SoundExchange, you could have unclaimed money waiting for you.

✅ Step 1: Sign up for SoundExchange
✅ Step 2: Check for unclaimed royalties
✅ Step 3: Submit your music to SiriusXM

Don’t miss out on this major income opportunity. Start taking advantage of one of the best-paying platforms for independent artists today.

Back to blog