Apparently Rebecca Black Isn't a Millionaire From "Friday"

Yesterday I made a post about how Rebecca Black was already a millionaire from her song "Friday" based on a Forbes.com report. Forbes.com has recently corrected the article. Billboard posted a story today breaking down her earnings and although they aren't in the millions, she's apparently making about $25k per week which is basically like a million for a 13-year-old.

"So how many tracks is she selling? I'd estimate less than 40,000 in the U.S. last week and probably more this week. Here's why: On Tuesday morning, "Friday" ranged from #33 to #42 on iTunes and #95 at Amazon's MP3 store. For the sake of argument, let's say "Friday" is #42. In recent weeks, according to Nielsen SoundScan, the #42 overall track would have sold approximately 43,000 units. "Friday" was released on Tuesday, March 14.

Black appears to own the copyright to her sound recordings -- the label is listed as "2011 Rebecca Black" on iTunes and Amazon MP3 lists "2011 Rebecca Black" in the "copyright" field of the song page. And for distribution, it appears Black is using CD Baby, which takes a 9% commission. Finally, take out 9.1 cents per track for mechanical royalties to the music publisher ("Friday" was written by Ark Music Factory, according to media reports.).

Here's the math: 43,000 tracks at $0.70 cents to the artist minus a 9% distribution fee, minus 0.91 cents apiece for mechanical royalties equals $24,900.

She may be pulling in a bit more money from YouTube views if she had the foresight to set up a content partner agreement before she got 30 million views. If so, that could amount to $15,000 to $20,000 for her 33 million views."

In case you can't get enough of Rebecca Black and the company that made her song, Ark Music Factory, I present to you their next sensation - Alana Lee and her song "Butterflies".

It's amazing how many Grammys Ark Music Factory will be taking home next year.