Beyond Streaming Platforms. 9 Ways to Make Money with Music.

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Nowadays streaming revenue from platforms like Spotify is quite limited unless you have massive numbers. But there are plenty of other ways to make music production a profitable online business. Here are some strong alternatives:

1. Sell Beats, Instrumentals, and Licenses

• Platforms: BeatStars, Airbit, TrakTrain, Soundee
• Strategy: Offer both exclusive and non-exclusive licenses for your beats. Non-exclusive licenses allow multiple sales, creating passive income.
• Upsell options: Charge extra for trackouts (stems) and custom productions.

2. Sync Licensing (TV, Film, Video Games, Ads, YouTube)

• Platforms: AudioJungle, Pond5, Artlist, Musicbed, PremiumBeat
• Strategy: Submit your music to sync libraries, pitch directly to brands, or work with a sync agent. The right placement can be much more lucrative than streaming revenue.

3. Create Sample Packs & Sound Kits

• Platforms: Splice, ADSR Sounds, Loopmasters, Bandcamp
• Strategy: Create high-quality drum kits, loops, and MIDI packs for producers. Many successful producers make solid income just by selling these.

4. Offer Mixing & Mastering Services

• Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, SoundBetter, Landr
• Strategy: Target indie artists, rappers, and small labels who need professional mixing. Showcase before/after examples and offer different service tiers.

5. Start a YouTube Channel or Patreon for Education & Content

• Content Ideas:
  • Tutorials (Beat making, mixing, production techniques)
  • Behind-the-scenes content
  • Reviews of gear/software
  • Challenges & entertainment (e.g., “Making a beat with only one synth”)
• Monetization:
  • YouTube Ad Revenue
  • Patreon (exclusive content, feedback sessions, private lessons)
  • Affiliate marketing (promote gear/software and earn commissions)

6. Private Lessons, Coaching & Mentorship

• Platforms: Teachable, Gumroad, Zoom, Discord
• Strategy: Offer beginner-to-advanced production lessons, critique sessions, or production mentorships.

7. Sell Full Songs or Custom Compositions for Artists

• Platforms: BeatStars, SoundBetter, Instagram, Direct outreach
• Strategy: Offer full, ready-to-use songs or work directly with independent artists who need custom instrumentals and full productions.

8. Crowdfunding & Fan Support

• Platforms: Patreon, Ko-fi, Kickstarter, Indiegogo
• Strategy: Offer exclusive music, private live streams, or early access to projects in exchange for ongoing fan support.

9. NFT & Web3 Music Opportunities

• Platforms: Sound.xyz, Audius, Catalog, Zora
• Strategy: Sell limited-edition digital assets or token-gated music experiences. Web3 is still developing, but it offers high-earning potential.

You can then refine your strategy based on your skills and audience.

Feel free to showcase some of your music on our web radio.