Royalty collections for creators of all repertoires were up in 2021 but remain lower than levels seen before the pandemic, CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers) has found.
Global collections rose 5.8 percent to EUR 6.9 billion in 2021, helped along by a 27.9 percent rise in digital royalties, in part due to the growth of subscription streaming. However, total worldwide collections in 2021 were still 5.3 percent lower than those seen in 2019. Additionally, digital still makes up only 32.6% of all royalty collections – less than half the share accounted for by digital in the recording industry.
The findings come from the 2022 Global Collections Report published by CISAC, which provides comprehensive data and analysis of collections across all repertoires including music, audiovisual, visual arts, literature, and drama. The report’s key findings indicate a potential for further digital growth, but also illuminate the disastrous impact of the two-year lockdown on creative industries. Music was the only repertoire to report an increase in 2021, with royalty collections rising 7.2 percent last year.
When looking at global territories, Europe and Africa saw the largest collections growth, up 7.5 percent and 17.1 percent respectively. Latin America was the only region to decline in 2021, with a 44 percent fall in live and public performance collections.
Speaking on the report’s findings, Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO at PRS for Music, says, ‘The CISAC Global Collections Report 2022 finds royalty collections for creators of music, audiovisual works, visual arts, drama and literature are returning, with a sharp increase in digital markets. Though it is encouraging to read, we must collectively work together across the music industry to continue empowering songwriters and composers.
‘PRS’ online portal, launching in 2023, will give members increased control over their works and accompanying metadata, including the links between ISRC and ISWC. This is essential for the future of royalty payments to songwriters, composers and music publishers.’
