How to make money online as a music producer in 2024

Making Money as a Music Producer in 2023: Beyond Beat Sales

While creating and selling beats is a classic method for music producers, there's a whole world of income opportunities waiting to be explored. This guide dives into various strategies to diversify your income and build a sustainable career in music production.

Building Your Audience: The Foundation of Success

Many of these methods rely heavily on your online presence. So, the first step is to establish yourself and connect with a dedicated audience. Social media platforms like YouTube are a great place to start.

• Content Creation is King:

Creating informative and engaging content around music production is a fantastic way to attract viewers and establish yourself as an expert. Tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and showcasing your work are all great options.

• Monetization through YouTube:

Once your channel reaches 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within a year, you can enable monetization through Youtube AdSense. Your earnings depend on your channel's RPM (revenue per mille) which varies based on your niche and content. The average RPM for music production channels is around $2, translating to roughly $200 per 100,000 views.

• Exclusive Content via Subscriptions:

Offer premium content to loyal viewers through platforms like YouTube memberships or Patreon. This could include session files from your videos, exclusive content polls, or monthly loop packs. Tailor your offerings to provide value and incentivize subscriptions.

Leveraging Your Audience for Brand Deals and Partnerships:

As your audience grows, brands may reach out for collaborations and product placements in your content. Here are two ways you can get compensated:

• Upfront Fees vs. Performance-Based Deals:

Some brands offer a one-time upfront fee to feature their product, while others may offer an ongoing revenue based on video views (RPM structure). The fee you can command typically increases with your channel size and viewership.

• Affiliate Marketing:

Include affiliate links in your video descriptions for products you use and recommend. You earn a commission on every sale generated through your unique link. Popular music production affiliate programs include Loot Masters, Plugin Boutique, iZotope, and Sweetwater.

Monetizing Your Production Skills:

Beyond audience-based methods, here are some ways to directly profit from your production skills:

• Selling Sample Packs and Drum Kits:

If you excel at sound design, create and sell sample packs or drum kits that other producers can incorporate into their music. The quality of your product is key, and having a marketing strategy to promote it is essential.

• Become a Producer Artist:

Certain genres, like Lo-Fi and EDM, have a thriving audience on streaming platforms. Consider uploading your own instrumental music (without vocals) to platforms like Spotify and collect streaming royalties. Distribution services like DistroKid allow you to upload music to various platforms for a fee.

• Songwriting & Royalties:

If songwriting is your forte, offer co-writing or ghostwriting services for other artists. This allows you to share publishing royalties whenever the song is played.

Advanced Techniques for Seasoned Producers:

• One-on-One Consultations:

Producers with a wealth of experience can offer personalized consultations to other producers on specific production topics. Charge an hourly rate based on your expertise and the value you provide.

• Sync Licensing:

Sync licensing involves licensing your music for use in commercials, TV shows, and other media. This typically includes an upfront fee and performance royalties based on usage. You'll need to be signed up with a publishing rights organization (ASCAP/PRS) to collect these royalties.

The Final Note

This list provides a roadmap for music producers to explore various income streams beyond just beat sales. Remember, consistency and audience engagement are crucial for success. So keep creating, keep learning, and keep exploring the ever-evolving landscape of music production!