PRS For Music have published figures to show that for the first time ever, the amount made from royalties for digital music has surpassed that made from radio.

Digital royalties come from streaming services such as Spotify and legal purchasing sites such as iTunes.

As well as overtaking radio, digital revenue is an area that is growing faster than any other, showing a growth of 32.2%.

The figures also show that singer-songwriters in the UK are now earning a higher income from the sales of digital music than from playing at live events.

CEO of PRS for Music Robert Ashcroft said: "Copyright remains fundamental to the continued success of our members both at home and abroad, while the ever-increasing importance of licensed online services such as iTunes and Spotify underlines the value of music to the internet economy."

Due to the Olympics last year, revenue from live events was down though there is likely to be an increase especially as Glastonbury is once again taking place after a hiatus last year.

One revenue stream that many people will be glad to see declining is that of mobile phone ringtones. Five years ago, revenue was at £5.7m but has now fallen to £900,000.

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