PRS for Music pays out record £274.9 million in final royalty distributions of 2025

17 December 2025 - Press release

Nearly 400 music creators receive a royalty payment for the first time 

 

PRS for Music has announced its largest-ever royalty payout, distributing £274.9 million to rightsholders worldwide. The December distributions mark a 4% increase on last year, cementing its role as a global leader in music rights management.

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

Crispin Hunt, President, PRS Members’ Council, said: “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.

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 hard working 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 such as Apple, Disney+ and Netflix. A further £18.1 million was paid out for the use of music in video games.

£8.9m from songs performed live at concerts and gigs was paid out to more than 14,000 music creators. 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. 

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