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Implementation of Blockchain Automation for Record Labels in Streaming Platforms

Said, Aron; Wiryawan, Drajad

Abstract

The music industry has always had a problem with an opaque royalty system that has yet to be resolved despite technological advances. There have been numerous news stories about artists not being paid fairly for their work, leading to lawsuits being filed by artists later on. It clearly shows the system's weaknesses in terms of transparency and timeliness of payments. This study investigates whether blockchain automation can address this gap through smart contracts and decentralized ledgers by enabling real-time and tamper-proof royalty distribution. Using Systematic Literature Review (SLR) research on 995 papers from various writing databases such as Springer, Taylor&Francis, Scopus, Emerald, Science Direct, ACM, and IEEE, 22 studies were found that wrote about the related issue. Based on the results of the analysis of this research, a hybrid model of blockchain technology (on-chain transparency and off-chain scaling) can be proposed as a transitional solution for stakeholders in addressing various existing obstacles and constraints, where blockchain technology through smart contracts and ledgers can be used to provide a practical evaluation between the balance between the world of technology and the world of music that exists today. However, adoption barriers such as Ethereum's throughput limits and legal ambiguity surrounding the contracts created also need to be further addressed to maximize the use of this technology

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Implementation of Blockchain Automation for Record Labels in Streaming Platforms Aron Said School of Information Systems Bina Nusantara University Jakarta, Indonesia [email protected] Drajad Wiryawan School of Information Systems Bina Nusantara University Jakarta, Indonesia [email protected] Abstract — The music industry has always had a problem with an opaque royalty system that has yet to be resolved despite technological advances. There have been numerous news stories about artists not being paid fairly for their work, leading to lawsuits being filed by artists later on. It clearly shows the system's weaknesses in terms of transparency and timeliness of payments. This study examines whether blockchain automation can bridge this gap by leveraging smart contracts and decentralised ledgers, thereby enabling real-time and tamper-proof royalty distribution. Using Systematic Literature Review (SLR) research on 995 papers from various writing databases such as Springer, Taylor Francis, Scopus, Emerald, Science Direct, ACM, and IEEE, 23 studies were found that wrote about the related issue. Based on the results of the analysis of this research, a hybrid model of blockchain technology (on-chain transparency and off-chain scaling) can be proposed as a transitional solution for stakeholders in addressing various existing obstacles and constraints, where blockchain technology through smart contracts and ledgers can be used to provide a practical evaluation between the balance between the world of technology and the world of music that exists today. However, adoption barriers such as Ethereum's throughput limits and legal ambiguity surrounding the contracts created also need to be further addressed to maximise the use of this technology. Keywords — Blockchain, Automation, Record Labels, Streaming Platforms, Royalty Transparency, Smart Contracts I. INTRODUCTION The rapid growth of technology has had a significant impact across industries, and the music world is no exception. [1], [2]. With streaming becoming the main way people consume music, record labels have adopted digital tools to help manage royalties and operations. [3], [4]. However, despite these advances, many labels still depend on outdated financial systems and traditional frameworks. [1], [5]. It often leads to a lack of transparency, delayed royalty payments, and confusion or disputes over how much artists are earning [3], [6], [7]. Ultimately, many musicians still do not receive fair compensation for their work. [8], [9], [10]. Several well-known cases illustrate the severity of the problem. Limp Bizkit, for example, filed a $200 million lawsuit against Universal Music Group over unpaid royalties.[11]. The music company faces claims of breach of contract, fraudulent concealment, fraudulent business practices, copyright infringement, and more. [11]. Agnez Mo also raised concerns in Indonesia after using her song commercially without proper compensation. [12]. While her case primarily concerns performance rights rather than streaming royalties, it still highlights a broader issue: artists often lack a straightforward method to track or prove how their work is being used and whether they are being compensated for it. [12], [13], [14]. A 2015 report from the National Music Publishers' Association found that approximately 25% of revenue in the music industry goes unpaid or is lost due to poor metadata and a lack of accountability. [3], [15]. These problems make it clear that the current system needs a serious upgrade—one that brings more transparency, better security, and fairer pay for everyone involved. [3], [5], [10], [16]. Blockchain has been getting attention as a possible solution.[13]. With its decentralised structure and smart contracts, it can help track royalties in real time and handle payments automatically. [3], [5], [10], [16]. Smart contracts are self-executing agreements that operate automatically when specific conditions are met. [3], [5]. It means fewer delays, fewer arguments, and more trust between artists, labels, and streaming platforms. [1], [9], [13]. An example is Original Works, a blockchain-based platform created by Revelator, offers a functional prototype that automates rights management and permits royalty payments in almost real-time, Revelator used the Artist Wallet to pay 20 artists their streaming royalties in a 2021 pilot with Finland-based Family in Music in less than a day, greatly surpassing the customary quarterly or longer settlement times. The Royalty Token (RT), which connects off-chain streaming data with on-chain payment flows and smart contracts, form the foundation of the fundamental mechanism. These smart contracts are validated by Payment Oracles (POs), which are industry players such as distributors or rights organisations that ensure royalty data is accurately displayed on-chain. In addition to speeding up payments, this arrangement improves stakeholder confidence and transparency. Through their RTs, artists can access cash services, such as direct fan interaction or royalty-based micro advances. The system design and successful pilot show that blockchain may transcend theory and become a workable, scalable framework for royalty distribution in the real world [17]. This research examines how blockchain automation can be utilised by record labels—particularly in the context of streaming platforms—to enhance the tracking and payment of royalties. [3], [14], [18]. Using an SLR approach, the study combines past research to determine how blockchain technology can address these longstanding issues. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), global recorded music revenues reached US$26.2 billion in 2022, with streaming accounting for 67% of the total revenue—US$17.55 billion— representing a 10.3% increase from the previous year[8]. Within this, paid subscription audio streaming alone contributed over 48%, showing continued growth in user adoption [2], [18]. As of early 2024, Spotify reported over 602 2025 IEEE Symposium on Industrial Electronics & Applications (ISIEA) | 978-1-6654-7752-9/25/$31.00 ©2025 IEEE | DOI: 10.1109/ISIEA65768.2025.11138376 Authorized licensed use limited to: Hohai University Library. Downloaded on September 30,2025 at 03:43:42 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply. million monthly active users, with more than 236 million paying subscribers, underscoring the scale and penetration of such platforms across global markets. However, while streaming has expanded access and global reach, it has also introduced challenges related to royalty transparency, revenue distribution, and fair compensation. [16]. A 2021 report by the UK Parliament's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMS) noted that artists typically receive only 13% of the revenue from streaming platforms.[19], raising concerns over opaque distribution mechanisms and the dominance of major labels in negotiations. These issues underscore the importance of exploring technological solutions, such as blockchain, to enhance accountability and equity in royalty payments. [16], [9]. II. LITERATURE REVIEW A. Record Labels Record labels have been—and still are—the backbone of the music industry since the start of music commercialisation.[19]. They act as the bridge between artists and the commercial world. Most record labels handle a variety of essential processes, including financing recording sessions, producing albums, distributing, and marketing/promoting music created by artists they work with, as well as securing licensing deals.[19]. So, they are releasing songs and providing the resources, infrastructure, and expertise needed to support artists in building their careers.[8]. It includes physical formats, such as CDs, and digital platforms, like Spotify or YouTube Music.[15]. Another significant responsibility is collecting and distributing royalties, ensuring that artists receive adequate compensation for their work. [5], [6]. There are mainly two types of record labels: major and independent (or indie) labels. [19]. Major labels, like Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group, are usually large companies with global reach, bigger budgets, and stronger industry connections.[15]. Indie labels, on the other hand, operate with smaller teams and limited budgets.[19] But tend to offer more creative freedom and a closer relationship with the artists. For many artists, signing with a record label comes with many benefits. They gain access to professional production teams, receive assistance with tours, benefit from legal support, and have opportunities to expand their industry network. [8], [19]. Labels also help artists handle the tricky aspects, such as rights management and monetisation, especially now that most music is consumed through streaming platforms. [4], [5], [15]. Even though selfpublishing is gaining popularity, record labels still play a crucial role in shaping artists' careers and keeping the industry organised. [8]. B. Streaming Platforms Streaming platforms are digital services that enable users to access multimedia content, such as music, videos, or podcasts, in real-time over the Internet without the need for downloading. [2], [13], [15]. In the music industry, these platforms—such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music—have become the dominant mode of content distribution. [1], [19]Transforming how music is consumed, monetised, and valued [8]. Streaming has reshaped consumer behaviour and redefined revenue models for artists, record labels, and rights holders. [3], [16]. C. Issues in Royalty Payments within Record Labels Although record labels offer numerous benefits to artists, one of the most persistent problems in the industry is the lack of transparency in royalty payments. [1], [3], [4], [9], [14], [15]. Artists often rely heavily on their labels to handle the financial side of their careers, including tracking streams, managing licensing deals, and ensuring that royalties are distributed fairly. [3]. Unfortunately, many artists have experienced delays, misinformation, or even fraud when attempting to receive their hard-earned money. [1], [6], [19]. In some cases, the royalty calculation process is very complex and involves numerous intermediaries, which makes it difficult for artists to understand how much they are truly owed. [3], [5], [18]. Contracts are often vague or filled with complicated legal terms, and without proper access to data, artists are left in the dark about where their money is going. For example, artists may only receive their earnings once every few months or sometimes not at all, and these reports can be inconsistent and inaccurate. [3], [18]. Another core issue is the inaccurate use or absence of proper metadata. [1], [3]. Every time a song is played, essential details—like the songwriter's name, producer, and publishing info—should be attached to it. [1], [15]. If this metadata is incorrect or missing, the royalty payments may be directed to the wrong person or not paid at all. [15]. According to a 2015 National Music Publishers' Association study, about 25% of music industry revenue remains unpaid or misallocated due to problems like these. [15]. It creates an environment where trust between artists and record labels is often tense. [6], [7]. Without a transparent, efficient, and tamper-proof system to track and manage royalties, the risk of disputes and financial loss will continue to haunt both new and established artists. [3]. D. Role of Technology in Record Labels Over the past few decades, technology has transformed how music is created, distributed, and consumed [9], [10]. Record labels have adapted their operations by utilising various digital tools to support their activities, ranging from managing digital rights to tracking streaming analytics. These technologies have made some processes more efficient; however, there are still loopholes, particularly in ensuring transparency and accuracy in royalty management. [3], [5], [15], [19]. Most record labels now rely on Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems—a set of tools that help protect and control how digital content is used. [3], [13], kind of like how 7Zip helps compress files, but instead, DRM sets rules such as whether a song can be downloaded, shared, or streamed. Alongside DRM, labels also utilise data analytics platforms to track song plays, manage licensing agreements, and produce royalty reports. [19]. While these systems are helpful, they often operate in isolation and lack integration. [3]. That means the systems do not always communicate with each other and instead rely heavily on third-party platforms— such as streaming services or external distributors—for data collection. [3], [19]. It creates room for inconsistencies, manipulation, or errors, especially when information has to pass through multiple hands before reaching the artist. [9]. Furthermore, the financial and licensing systems used by labels are often privately owned and closed, meaning artists have little to no visibility into how their payments are calculated or when they will receive payment. [14], [15]. The lack of standardisation between systems makes it even more challenging to track royalties, particularly across multiple platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. [3], [5]. As music consumption becomes increasingly digital, the cracks in transparency and efficiency become more obvious. While some labels have attempted to enhance royalty tracking using advanced algorithms or AI-powered tools, these solutions still rely on centralised models that are vulnerable to data tampering or human error. [7]. This growing frustration has pushed many in the industry to explore alternative technologies that offer better security, automation, and accountability. [1], [5], [13], [16]. Among them, blockchain is a promising solution to redefine how royalties are tracked and distributed.[18]. With its decentralised and tamper-proof nature, blockchain has the potential to bring the transparency and trust that today's systems are still struggling to achieve [13]. E. Blockchain Technology and The Potential Benefits Blockchain technology first gained attention by powering cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but its use has since expanded far beyond that. [20]. Blockchain is a decentralised digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers to ensure the data cannot be altered. [20], [21]. This structure creates a system that is not only secure and transparent but also free from centralised control, making it very suitable for industries that deal with sensitive data and financial transactions, like the music industry. [5], [10], [21]. One of blockchain's most significant strengths is its immutability. [10], [20]. Once a transaction is recorded, it cannot be changed or deleted, which helps reduce fraud and manipulation. [10]. Every party involved in the transaction has access to the same version of the truth, eliminating fights over data inaccuracy. [4]. Another key feature is smart contracts, self-executing agreements with the deal terms written directly into the code. [20]. These contracts can automatically make payments once certain conditions are met, such as a song reaching a specific number of streams. [5]. It allows for real-time, automatic royalty distributions without relying on intermediaries. [9]. Blockchain enables tokenisation, representing rights or ownership as digital tokens, essentially virtual certificates or contracts indicating the percentage of a song owned. [18]. These tokens are digital assets, like stocks, that can be sold or transferred, with royalties functioning like dividends. It allows for royalties to be split instantly and accurately among everyone involved in creating a song, producers, writers, and artists, based on their respective "shares" [6], [10], [18]. Since all transactions are verifiable and traceable on the blockchain, artists no longer have to wait months or rely solely on record labels for payment updates. [4]. In the context of royalty distribution, blockchain's decentralised and transparent nature holds the potential to solve many of the issues faced by traditional systems, such as delayed payments, lack of trust, and data inaccuracy. [1], [15]. With proper implementation, blockchain technology could revolutionise the music industry's approach to managing intellectual property and finances, ensuring fairer compensation and greater trust between artists and labels. [1], [5]. III. METHODOLOGY This section will explain the methods and data used for this research A. Research Method This study uses the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method to gather and synthesise information from multiple sources. Using the SLR approach, the author can gain a deeper understanding of the topic discussed. Additionally, the findings from this review can serve as a valuable reference and learning resource for future research in this subject area. B. Research Step The author conducted a literature review in this study using journals, articles, papers, and online sources. Academic materials were primarily obtained from Google Scholar with the help of Publish or Perish to streamline the search process. Specific keywords were applied during the search to narrow the scope and ensure more focused results. Keywords used: -“Blockchain, Transparency, Music, Royalty, Smart Contract, Copyright, Licensing, Automation, Record Label, Streaming, Platform” Fig 1. Research step C. Data Source The author used the Publish or Perish tool with reference sources from Scopus and Google Scholar to refine the literature search in this study. The Google search engine also found supplementary references unavailable in academic publication databases. Authorized licensed use limited to: Hohai University Library. Downloaded on September 30,2025 at 03:43:42 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply. TABLE I. Article Sources Year Journal Conference Webpage Total(%) 2021 [13] - - 1 Publication (4.3%) 2022 [14], [19] [20] - 3 Publication (13.0%) 2023 [2], [3], [9], [10], [18], [22] - [7], [8] 8 Publication (34.7%) 2024 [1], [4], [15], [16] - [6], [17] 6 Publication (26.1%) 2025 [21], [23] - [5], [11], [12] 5 Publication (21.7%) Total 15 Publication (65.2%) 1 Publication (4.3%) 7 Publication (30.4%) 23 Publication (100%) D. Research Questions The main questions that were used for the research are: 1. How can blockchain automation enhance transparency and efficiency in royalty payments for record labels and streaming platforms? 2. How can blockchain technology improve transparency in royalty distribution within the music industry? 3. How does blockchain-based automation compare to traditional methods of royalty management in terms of cost, efficiency, and accuracy? 4. What are the potential barriers to adopting blockchain technology in the music industry, specifically for record labels and streaming platforms? IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This section presents findings from a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of academic papers, whitepapers, and industry reports that explore the use of blockchain automation in the music industry, particularly within record labels and streaming platforms. The aim is to synthesise insights regarding blockchain's potential in improving transparency, automating royalty distribution, and reducing intermediary friction in the digital music ecosystem. A. Blockchain for Transparent Royalty Multiple studies agree that a key benefit of blockchain in the music industry is enhancing payment transparency. [1]. Traditional systems often hinder the flow of royalties, resulting in delays and a lack of visibility into the amount earned and how it is split among rights holders. [1], [5]. Blockchain can enable real-time royalty tracking by storing stream data and payment logic on a distributed ledger. [1]. It allows all stakeholders—artists, producers, and publishers—to view and verify the transactions. Its payments can be audited at any time without relying on intermediaries to report earnings. [7]. Another study suggests integrating blockchain with metadata standards can address data mismatch issues that often lead to unclaimed royalties, especially in global distribution scenarios. [3]. B. Smart Contracts for Automated Royalty Splits A recurring theme in the reviewed literature is the automation of royalty disbursement using smart contracts. [18]. Smart contracts can encode agreements between multiple parties, ensuring instant and automatic payouts once predefined conditions are met (e.g., a song being streamed or purchased) [14]. It removes the need for intermediaries to calculate splits, manually reducing administrative costs and human error. [6]. A smart contract can define proportions for songwriters, composers, producers, and labels, and execute payment distribution immediately after recording revenue is generated. [5]. Studies argue that automation supports artist empowerment, as rights and splits are visible, tamper-proof, and enforced automatically without third-party intervention. [5]. C. Reducing Intermediaries and Operational Costs Traditional royalty tracking systems often rely on a complex chain of intermediaries, including performance rights organisations (PROs), rights management services, and various administrative entities responsible for tasks such as royalty calculation, revenue splitting, and metadata validation. [3], [5]. While some roles are essential, others may contribute to inefficiencies, higher operational costs, and delayed payments due to manual processing or fragmented systems. [1], [16]. Blockchain technology offers a more streamlined infrastructure by automating many functions through smart contracts and transparent data records. [1], [5]. For instance, calculating and executing royalty splits—traditionally handled by separate departments or external agencies—can be embedded directly into the system logic, reducing manual intervention and lowering the risk of error or dispute. [5], [7]. This approach does not seek to eliminate key industry stakeholders such as record labels, but instead supports them. [3] by minimising administrative overhead, enhancing auditability, and enabling faster, more accurate reporting [5]. As labels often act as investors, marketers, and brand developers for artists, blockchain can improve their operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. [5]. Studies suggest that blockchain could reduce royalty distribution and rights management costs by 40% [5], depending on the complexity of the underlying contracts and data flows. By decreasing reliance on non-value-adding intermediaries and automating backend processes, record labels can reallocate resources toward strategic initiatives, artist development, and market expansion. [5]. TABLE II. Difference between the Traditional System and the Blockchain-based system Aspect Traditional system Blockchain-based system Intermediaries Multiple Layers Reduced Transparency Limited High Payment Speed Delayed Near real-time Authorized licensed use limited to: Hohai University Library. Downloaded on September 30,2025 at 03:43:42 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply. Administrative cost High Low Data Security Centralised and Vulnerable Decentralised and secure D. Transparency and Trust Across Stakeholders Trust is a significant issue in the current music ecosystem. [16]. Blockchain provides immutable, time-stamped records of all events, from music uploads to stream counts and payments. [13]. This immutability ensures that once a transaction is recorded, it cannot be altered without consensus, thus reducing the potential for fraud or disputes. [13]. Several studies highlight how transparent tracking can help independent artists—who often lack negotiating power— gain more control and clarity over their income. [9]. In addition, record labels can benefit from this transparency in their reporting obligations, as blockchain records can be used to generate automatic audit trails. [3]. E. Technical and Legal Limitations Despite the potential, blockchain implementation in the music industry is not without limitations: Scalability Issues: Many blockchain networks struggle with transaction volume and cost (gas fees), which can hinder realtime microtransactions needed in music streaming [14]. Data Privacy: Storing sensitive data (e.g., contractual terms or royalties) on a public ledger raises GDPR and privacy concerns [21]. Legal Uncertainty: Smart contracts are not universally recognised in courts, and translating complex licensing terms into executable code remains challenging [6]. Adoption Resistance: Existing stakeholders, such as huge record labels, may resist blockchain implementation due to the potential disruption of traditional revenue streams and centralised control [1]. F. Hybrid Implementation Models Recent literature suggests hybrid models may be the most feasible approach. [13]. These models combine on-chain transparency for ownership and storage, while facilitating offchain payments by calling the bank's API. [23]. Fig 2. Flow of Data and Revenue G. Strategic Implications for Record Labels The reviewed literature indicates that blockchain will likely reshape the role of record labels. [1]. Instead of functioning primarily as gatekeepers and royalty processors, labels may evolve into service-oriented entities focusing on artist branding, marketing, and global coordination. [13]. Smart contracts could replace traditional licensing deals with dynamic, transparent, and enforceable agreements. [22]. It could open up new revenue models, such as fractional ownership and NFT-based licensing. [4]. V. CONCLUSION This study explored the transformative potential of blockchain technology—brilliant contracts—in addressing the longstanding issues of transparency, efficiency, and trust in royalty distribution within the music industry. A systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework identified clear evidence that blockchain can significantly reduce administrative overhead, minimise payment delays, and increase transparency for all stakeholders in the royalty chain. [1]. The findings indicate that smart contracts can automate royalty distribution precisely, eliminating human error and reducing reliance on intermediaries. Blockchain's transparent and immutable ledger fosters trust between artists, record labels, and distributors, allowing real-time tracking of royalty flows. Additionally, several blockchain-based platforms and pilot projects have demonstrated tangible benefits, such as payment speed improvements and operational cost savings of up to 40% [5]. However, widespread adoption is not without challenges. Issues surrounding scalability, legal enforceability of smart contracts, and data privacy remain critical barriers. Furthermore, the industry's resistance to change, particularly from large intermediaries with vested interests, may hinder the adoption of new technologies. [7]. To bridge the gap between current systems and blockchain-enabled futures, we recommend a hybrid model that combines on-chain automation for critical transactions with off-chain processes for payments and compliance. In conclusion, while blockchain does not solve it all, its thoughtful integration into record label infrastructure offers a promising path toward a more transparent, fair, and efficient music industry. VI. FUTURE RESEARCH While this study focuses on a hybrid implementation of blockchain technology for improving royalty transparency on streaming platforms, future research can explore more comprehensive and technically advanced applications. One potential direction is the full integration of cryptocurrencybased royalty payments, where artists, rights holders, and labels are compensated directly through digital tokens or stablecoins. It would allow instant, borderless transactions and reduce reliance on traditional banking systems and fiat currency exchange processes. Another critical area for future investigation is the technical optimisation of blockchain infrastructure for scalability, speed, and cost-efficiency. For instance, researchers could analyse the viability of using Layer 2 solutions such as the Polygon PoS (Proof of Stake) chain, Authorized licensed use limited to: Hohai University Library. Downloaded on September 30,2025 at 03:43:42 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply. which offers faster transaction speeds and lower gas fees than Ethereum's main net. Moreover, future research could also assess the legal and regulatory implications of implementing decentralised royalty systems across multiple jurisdictions or states. It includes examining compliance with intellectual property laws, data privacy, and financial regulations. By addressing these areas, future studies can build upon the foundational concepts of this research and contribute to the development of a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive music industry ecosystem. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The author would like to express his deepest gratitude to Bina Nusantara University, especially the School of Information Systems, which has provided the knowledge, resources, and academic environment that have enabled him to conduct this research. Thank the thesis supervisor, Drajad Wiryawan, for his guidance, support, and constructive input while developing this research. 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