Quick verdict
Royalty Exchange runs an auction-style marketplace where investors bid on your royalties; its commission is set before listing and collected after the auction ends. SPACE buys catalogs directly with no auction, listing fee or commission, and reviews catalogs including ambient, lo-fi, and wellness music. Choose Royalty Exchange if you want competitive bidding; choose SPACE for a direct offer on ambient, meditation or other music.
SPACE
SPACE (spacemusic.io) is a music rights buyer that reviews catalogs including ambient, lo-fi, meditation, and wellness music. Rather than listing your catalog on a marketplace, SPACE reviews your catalog and makes a direct offer. An initial offer typically follows 5-7 business days after the relevant catalog information is received; payment is by bank transfer after the agreement is complete and the rights transfer requirements are met. SPACE also supports partial sales, such as 50% or 75% of defined catalog rights, so creators keep the share they do not sell.
Strengths
- +Direct offers with no auction uncertainty
- +No commission or listing fees
- +Reviews ambient, lo-fi, and wellness catalogs individually
- +Partial rights sales available — sell a percentage without giving up full ownership
- +Initial offer typically 5-7 business days after catalog information is received
- +Retained rights are defined in the agreement
Limitations
- −Individual review; not every catalog receives an offer
- −Smaller operation compared to large-scale marketplace platforms
- −Offer price is fixed rather than determined by competitive bidding
Royalty Exchange
Royalty Exchange is an online marketplace where music creators list their royalty streams for auction. Investors browse available listings and place competitive bids; its seller guide states that the winning bid is a binding contract. According to its website, the platform has completed more than 2,500 deals. Royalty Exchange's FAQ states there is no charge to list and that it collects a commission after the auction ends, at a rate set before listing.
Strengths
- +Established marketplace with a large pool of active investors
- +Competitive bidding can drive up the final sale price
- +Accepts all genres and royalty types (publishing, master, sync, etc.)
- +Transparent auction process with visible bid history
- +Long operating track record as a royalty marketplace
Limitations
- −A commission, set before listing, reduces the seller's net proceeds
- −Auction outcomes are uncertain — listings may not attract sufficient bids
- −Listing preparation and post-auction transfer add time beyond the auction itself
- −Price depends on investor demand for each listing
- −Requires sellers to provide detailed financial documentation upfront
Feature comparison
| Feature | SPACE | Royalty Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Deal type | Direct purchase — fixed offer | Auction marketplace — investor bidding |
| Genre focus | Ambient, lo-fi, meditation, wellness | All genres and royalty types |
| Commission / fees | No commission or listing fees | Commission after the auction, rate set before listing |
| Payout speed | After the agreement is complete and rights transfer requirements are met | Most auctions run under a week; escrow and transfer follow |
| Partial rights sales | Yes — sell a percentage of your royalties | Depends on the listing; a share of royalty income can be offered |
| Minimum catalog size | No fixed earnings floor in SPACE's offer policy; individual review | Listings generally need consistent royalty income to attract bidders |
| Creative control | Defined in the agreement | Varies by deal structure |
| Process complexity | Simple: submit, receive offer, accept or decline | More involved: documentation, listing setup, auction management |
| Valuation approach | Individual review of documented income and rights | Market-driven pricing through investor bids |
| Track record | Newer entrant focused on niche market | 2,500+ deals completed, per its website |
Our verdict
Both platforms serve real needs, but they're built for different situations. Royalty Exchange is a strong choice if you have a catalog with broad appeal and consistent earnings. Competitive bidding from multiple investors can lift the sale price, and you pay a commission on a completed sale. SPACE fits if you want a direct offer with no listing fee or commission, including for ambient, lo-fi, or wellness music. The direct-offer model removes auction uncertainty, and SPACE's policy allows partial sales of defined catalog rights. Neither is objectively "better" — it depends on your genre, catalog size, and how much control and speed matter to you.
Common questions
Ready to sell your catalog?
Get a free valuation from SPACE. No obligation.