YouTube now has an algorithm that can detect the song uploaded in videos. If it finds it matches third-party content, the original content publisher earns revenue from the advertisements at the beginning of the video.

With regard to streaming, there are many companies that now pay out a small fee to artists or composers from live streaming. If you have a hit song, it can obviously add up to substantial earnings. Digital satellite radio broadcasters and streaming music may also be paying SoundExchange, who will then pay your artist royalty, as discussed previously. C.D. Baby has many programs that distribute your work and collect on your behalf. If you are a record label, publisher, artist, or composer, you can license your songs to be used in apps. The same goes for ad agencies that produce video promos for large companies such as Apple or Toyota. Many companies have more video promos online than they do on TV commercials. Many movie trailers are now streamed online, so being a composer for them can be lucrative.

If you have a YouTube channel with original music of any sort, or you are a teacher of how-to videos, you can earn your own revenue through Google Advertising. Streaming media is currently evolving quicker than the courts and legal system can handle it. The music industry is jumping forward with new changes at a rapid rate.