Getting Paid: The Indie Artist’s Essential Guide to Music Royalties

As an independent artist, the ultimate goal is to create great music and share it with the world. But equally important is getting paid for your hard work. Understanding how and when you receive your earnings from streaming services and digital stores can often feel like a complex process, leaving many artists wondering about the reliability and transparency of their income.

This article will break down exactly how Hankad pays artists, detailing its clear royalty structure, monthly payout schedule, low withdrawal threshold, and secure payment methods. With Hankad, you’ll have complete clarity on your earnings, empowering you to manage your music career with financial confidence.

Hankad’s Transparent Royalty Collection Process

Hankad acts as your dedicated partner in collecting all the royalties your music generates from various platforms worldwide. Here’s a simplified overview:

  1. Music Distributed: Your tracks are delivered to over 200 global platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, TikTok, etc.).
  2. Streams & Downloads: As listeners stream or download your music, these platforms generate royalties.
  3. Collection by Hankad: Hankad diligently collects these gross royalties from all the Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
  4. Net Calculation: Hankad then calculates the net royalties by deducting any service fees or applicable taxes incurred by Hankad in collecting from the DSPs.
  5. 80% Artist Share: From this net amount, Hankad takes a 20% commission, and the remaining 80% is your artist share. This transparent model ensures you always know what percentage you’re keeping from the actual money Hankad receives.

Monthly Payouts: Regular & Reliable Income

One of Hankad’s key benefits is its commitment to regular and reliable income for artists:

  • Monthly Royalty Statements: Your royalty statements are meticulously updated and accessible in your Hankad dashboard on the 1st of every month. This provides a consistent overview of your earnings and performance from the previous period.
  • Consistent Payouts: Once your balance meets the minimum threshold, you can request a payout. Hankad processes these payments promptly, ensuring you receive your earnings without unnecessary delays.

This monthly cycle allows you to forecast your income and plan your investments more effectively, crucial for any growing independent music business.

The Low Payout Threshold: Access Your Money Faster

Many distributors hold onto your money until you’ve accumulated a significant sum, sometimes hundreds of dollars. Hankad believes you should access your earnings sooner.

  • €50 Minimum Threshold: Hankad’s payout threshold is set at a low €50 (Euros). This means once your accumulated earnings reach this amount, you are eligible to request a withdrawal. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for emerging artists, allowing you to reinvest smaller amounts into your career more frequently.

Secure & Global Payment Methods: Payoneer

To ensure artists worldwide can securely and conveniently receive their earnings, Hankad utilizes Payoneer for all payouts:

  • Global Reach: Payoneer is a leading international payment platform, supporting transfers to bank accounts in over 200 countries and territories. This means whether you’re in Nairobi, New York, or anywhere else, you can receive your money.
  • Security: Payoneer provides a secure and reliable way to transfer funds, giving you peace of mind.
  • Easy Setup: If you don’t already have one, setting up a Payoneer account is a straightforward process. Once linked to your Hankad account, requesting payouts is simple via the invoice page.

Beyond Royalties: Multiple Earning Streams

Hankad’s financial support extends beyond just streaming royalties:

  • Music Publishing Administration: Hankad helps you collect additional songwriting royalties (performance, mechanical, sync) that often go unclaimed.
  • Social Media Monetization: Earn from your music’s usage on popular platforms like YouTube (via Content ID), TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
  • Royalty Advance Program: Access upfront capital based on your future earnings, allowing you to invest in new projects without debt.

All these streams contribute to your overall earnings, which are then paid out through Hankad’s transparent system.

Your Money, On Your Terms

Hankad’s payment system is designed to be transparent, accessible, and reliable. By offering monthly statements, a low payout threshold, and secure global payments via Payoneer, Hankad ensures that independent artists can focus on their music, confident that their hard work will be fairly and promptly compensated.

Ready to start earning transparently and reliably? Sign up for Hankad today at hankad.io and get paid for your music!