How Social Royalties Work
Social platforms pay when your music is used in short videos, stories, posts, or live
streams. Most of the time, money flows through your distributor or a direct deal.
Below are the major social platforms where your sound can be used and monetized.
Short-Form Video Platforms
TikTok
TikTok
Pays: Usage-based royalties when users add your sound to videos.
Flow: TikTok → distributor → you (master) + PRO/MLC (composition).
Instagram Reels
Instagram
Pays: Music usage via Meta’s deals with distributors and publishers.
Facebook Reels & Stories
Facebook
Pays: Similar to Instagram — usage royalties via Meta Music.
YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts
Pays: Revenue share from Shorts ad pool + Content ID where applicable.
Snapchat Sounds
Snapchat Sounds
Pays: Usage-based royalties when your sound is used in snaps.
Triller
Triller
Pays: Music usage via distributor deals.
Kwai / Kuaishou (China, Global)
Kwai
Pays: Usage royalties in short-form videos.
Likee
Likee
Pays: Music usage via distributor deals.
Live Streaming & Creator Monetization
Twitch
Twitch
Pays: Subs, Bits, ads to streamers; performance royalties via PROs.
Music angle: Live performances, DJ sets, listening sessions.
YouTube Live
YouTube Live
Pays: Ads, Super Chat, memberships; performance royalties via PROs.
Facebook Live
Facebook Live
Pays: Stars, ad revenue; performance royalties via PROs.
Instagram Live
Instagram Live
Pays: Badges, brand deals; performance royalties via PROs.
Discord (Indirect)
Discord
Pays: Not directly, but can drive fans to monetized platforms.
Profile Audio, Avatars & Background Music
Facebook Profile Music
Facebook
Pays: Through Meta’s music licensing deals.
Instagram Stories Music
Instagram
Pays: Usage royalties via distributor/publisher.
Snapchat Lenses & Filters (Music)
Lens Studio
Pays: Indirectly via music usage + brand deals.