A composer in India may never see a rupee from FM radio.
Songs play. Stations earn. But the creator is invisible in the royalty chain.
That’s the reality we all know.
But here’s the twist.
Digital radio and podcasts are changing that story.
When your track plays on a station inside Apple Music or TuneIn, it’s not just exposure.
It’s data.
And data means royalties.
The system can actually trace the song back to you; if your rights are in order.
Podcasts too are turning into discovery platforms. A sync on a Spotify podcast or a feature in an indie show can trigger streams, Shazams, and even licensing requests. One placement can unlock a chain of revenue opportunities.
The global industry has already seen this shift. In the US and Europe, spins on digital radio feed into performance rights systems.
Podcasts spark sync deals and catalogue re-discoveries.
India is behind, but the opportunity is real. FM may rarely pay you directly, but digital platforms are built to. Creators who prepare now will be the first to benefit.
So what should you do?
- Make sure your works are properly registered with your publisher or society.
- Distribute not just to Spotify and YouTube, but also to digital radio services.
- Track podcast mentions of your songs — and follow up for rights clearance if needed.
The message is simple.
Radio and podcasts are no longer “just exposure.”
They are entry points into the royalty system.
And if your catalogue is ready, they can still change your story.
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