Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have transformed the way we listen to music, offering instant access to millions of tracks at the touch of a button. This article will explore how streaming services have made music more accessible than ever before, allowing listeners to discover new artists and genres from around the world. However, it will also examine the flip side—how these platforms pay artists, the rise of playlist culture, and why many musicians, particularly smaller and independent artists, feel that streaming isn’t a sustainable way to make a living.