Music royalties have emerged as an increasingly profitable and stable form of passive income, offering steady cash flow with built-in growth potential. Unlike traditional assets like stocks or real estate, music royalties allow investors to earn recurring income without ongoing management responsibilities.
Right now, three music catalogs—Chris Brown & Migos, The Misfits, and Rihanna’s "Don’t Stop the Music"—are available for bidding on Royalty Exchange, each generating $5,000-$10,000 annually in passive income while growing at 15%+ year over year.
In this article, we’ll break down three key reasons why investing in music royalties is a smart financial decision, using real stats, insights, and case studies from these available catalogs.
Reason #1: Each Catalog Has 15%+ Yearly Growth in Earnings
A high-growth catalog is a strong indicator of sustained demand, meaning royalty payments will likely continue increasing over time.
Key Stats from the Available Catalogs:
- Chris Brown & Migos Catalog:
- Last 12 months earnings: $5,348
- 3-year average earnings: $4,656
- Year-over-year growth: 14.9%
- The Misfits Streaming Royalties:
- Last 12 months earnings: $9,584
- 3-year average earnings: $8,200
- Year-over-year growth: 17.2%
- Rihanna’s "Don’t Stop the Music" Publishing Royalties:
- Last 12 months earnings: $6,008
- 3-year average earnings: $4,898
- Year-over-year growth: 22.6%
3 Steps to Identify a High-Growth Royalty Catalog
- Compare the Last 12 Months Earnings to the 3-Year Average
- If earnings are growing 15%+ annually, the catalog is likely increasing in value and demand. This can be due to increased usage across sync placements, public performance from shows and other avenues, or simply increased surge in streaming activity which continues to grow year over year in the music industry.
- Look at Streaming Trends & Listener Engagement
- Songs that are still gaining new listeners on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have a higher chance of long-term revenue stability.
- Check for Consistent Payouts Across Multiple Platforms
- A strong catalog earns from streaming, radio, sync licensing (TV/movies), and international markets, ensuring diverse revenue streams.
Why This Matters for Investors
By targeting catalogs that are increasing in revenue, investors can capitalize on passive income streams that naturally compound over time, similar to dividend stocks or rental income from appreciating properties.
Each of these catalogs continues to increase in value, making them strong investment options for passive income seekers.
Reason #2: These Songs Have High Streaming Longevity & Cultural Relevance
Not all songs generate long-term revenue—some fade after a short burst of popularity, while others remain in steady rotation for decades.
Examples of Catalogs with Streaming Longevity:
- Chris Brown & Migos – Hip-hop streaming is at an all-time high, and Migos' collaboration with Chris Brown continues to perform well due to playlist placements and algorithm-driven exposure. Also, increased usage of songs on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram ensure new fans continue to find these songs and stream them on DSP's like Spotify and Apple Music.
- The Misfits – Classic punk rock with a dedicated fanbase ensures that The Misfits’ music continues to stream consistently across multiple generations of listeners.
- Rihanna’s "Don’t Stop the Music" – A staple in pop music and club playlists, this song has proven global longevity, maintaining millions of streams per year.
Lessons from High-Longevity Catalogs
- Invest in Songs That Have Cultural Staying Power
- Rihanna’s "Don’t Stop the Music" is still used in commercials, fitness playlists, and nightclubs worldwide, proving its evergreen demand.
- Look at Artists with Dedicated, Long-Term Fanbases
- The Misfits’ punk catalog continues to earn royalties because their music has become a staple of the genre, leading to consistent streaming revenue for decades.
- Avoid Investing in Trend-Based Songs That Lose Appeal Quickly
- Some songs generate short-term hype (viral TikTok hits) but fail to sustain revenue over time. Investors should prioritize catalogs with long-term appeal.
Common Mistake: Ignoring Global Streaming Trends
Many investors only focus on U.S. streaming numbers without considering international demand. Rihanna’s catalog, for example, earns a significant portion of its revenue from Europe, South America, and Asia, increasing its global earning potential.
Reason #3: Investors Can Earn Passive Income for Decades with No Active Work Required
Unlike real estate, where landlords must deal with tenants, maintenance, and property management, music royalties require zero active involvement—making them true passive income assets.
Key Benefits of Investing in Music Royalties
✔ 100% Passive Income – Once you purchase a catalog, you collect royalties without additional effort.
✔ Quarterly/Bi-Annual Payouts Like Dividends – Royalties are distributed on a predictable schedule, similar to dividend stocks.
✔ No Market Volatility – Unlike stocks, which fluctuate daily, music royalties provide stable, recurring revenue.
3 Questions to Ask Before Investing in a Passive Income Music Catalog
- How Long Has This Catalog Been Generating Revenue?
- The Misfits catalog has been earning royalties for decades, proving its long-term staying power.
- Are These Songs Still Being Streamed Across Multiple Platforms?
- Rihanna’s catalog is generating consistent earnings on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, reducing investment risk.
- Is the Artist Still Active or Growing in Popularity?
- Chris Brown & Migos continue to release new music, which keeps their older songs relevant and streaming income steady.
Why This Matters for Investors
By choosing long-lasting catalogs with steady royalty streams, investors can build a truly passive income portfolio that provides financial stability without requiring active management.
Final Thoughts: Why Music Royalties Are a Smart Passive Income Investment
Music royalties are an underrated but highly lucrative investment option, offering steady, increasing passive income without the risks and volatility of traditional markets.
Why These Catalogs Stand Out:
- Chris Brown & Migos: Consistent earnings growth and streaming engagement
- The Misfits: Decades of proven revenue generation from a dedicated fanbase
- Rihanna: A global icon with an evergreen hit that continues to generate royalties
How to Get Started Today:
- Sign up for a free account on Royalty Exchange.
- Analyze catalog earnings, streaming trends, and artist longevity.
- Place a bid on a catalog that fits your investment strategy.
- Start earning quarterly passive income with no active work required.
For investors looking to diversify their portfolio with recession-proof, high-growth assets, music royalties offer one of the best investment opportunities available today. On Royalty Exchange you can sign up as an investor and search through thousands of music catalog listings that include producer and songwriter royalties to some of the biggest songs of the past few decades. Discover why song royalties are one of the best investments to grow your wealth in 2025 and download the free Ultimate Guide To Music Royalties to learn everything you need to know about investing in royalties.
