How to make money with music

Learn all the ways you can make money with music and how LANDR can help.

1. Get your music on streaming platforms and music stores



The best way to start making money with your music is by distributing your music to streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and 150+ others using LANDR Distribution.

These platforms both generate income through song streams and boost merchandise sales and concert ticket purchases.

LANDR will distribute your music to all of the top platforms so that you can sell your music on platforms like Apple Music and get paid for streams on Spotify and other platforms.


2. Sell your services on LANDR Network



Make money with your music creation skills, create a profile on LANDR network and promote your skills as freelance services.

LANDR Network makes it easy to create a portfolio that showcases your best work, past experiences and share audio examples. You get everything you need to manage freelance gigs, take payments and communicate with clients.

Whether you’re a vocalist, instrumentalist, mixing and mastering engineer, or a music industry expert—you can earn money for your services on LANDR. 


3. Get paid when your music is used on social media



Just like Spotify and Apple Music, TikTok and Instagram pay streaming royalties every time your music is used and streamed on their platforms.

To monetize your music on TikTok and Instagram all you have to do is work with a music distribution service that delivers your music to social media platforms.

LANDR Distribution delivers to every social media platform and we'll make sure you get 100% of all royalties any time your music is used on these platforms.


4. Opt-in to LANDR’s Fair-Trade AI Program



Here’s a creative and relatively new way to make money with your music: consider participating in programs that compensate you for your contributions to AI training.

LANDR’s new Fair Trade AI Program allows artists to opt-in to have their music used for AI training. In return, they receive a percentage of future sales from any AI tools that were trained on their music.

At LANDR, We are developing innovative AI-powered tools designed to enhance creativity and streamline workflows, supporting rather than replacing artists. By joining the Fair Trade AI Program, you can earn additional income while contributing to the development of these tools.


5. Monetize your music on YouTube with Content ID



To make money with your music on YouTube, utilize Content ID to monetize your content. Content ID is a system that helps you manage and monetize your music when others use it in their videos.

Start by uploading your music to YouTube and registering it with Content ID through a distribution service. This enables YouTube to automatically detect when your music is used in any video on the platform.

Whenever your music is identified in the video, your music will be monetized, earning revenue from ads placed on them.

You will also earn revenue whenever any creator uses your music in their videos.

If you’d like to monetize your content on YouTube, LANDR Distribution is one of the only distribution services that offers YouTube Content ID for free with it’s base distribution plan.


6. Get creative with your brand and sell merch

To make money with your music, get creative with your brand and sell merchandise. Developing a unique and recognizable brand identity can enhance your connection with fans and open up additional revenue streams.

Design and produce merchandise that reflects your style and resonates with your audience, such as T-shirts, hoodies, hats, or other accessories. Online platforms like Bandcamp, BigCartel, Spotify and your own website all have options to sell merch.

Engage with your audience on social media and at live events to promote your merch. Limited edition items and exclusive drops can create excitement and drive sales, helping you monetize your brand all the more.

If you need help with developing your brand identity or with producing designs for your merch, check the branding and design services on LANDR Network.








7. Perform live



Speaking of performing live, there are many ways to earn money with music when you factor in live performances.

Whether its playing a regular gig at local bar, DJing at clubs, busking in touristy areas or going on tour—live performance can be a great way to reliably make money with music.

Of course, you'll have to work hard to develop a strong live show, especially if you play with a band. But if you develop your stage presence and find good collaborators, you certainly can make money with music.


Get music promotion services and connect with pros on LANDR Network

8. Sell your beats and samples



Selling your beats and samples can be a lucrative avenue for producers looking to monetize their creations.

Begin by crafting high-quality beats and samples that showcase your unique style and creativity. Create a diverse catalog to cater to various genres and tastes.

Use online platforms like LANDR Network or LANDR Samples, and your own website to market and sell your audio products.

Promote your beats and samples through social media, YouTube, and music production forums to reach potential buyers. Consider offering free samples or discounts to attract new customers and build a loyal client base. 

9. Crowdfund or start a subscription



Crowdfunding or starting a subscription service is another way to generate income directly from your fans.

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo enable you to raise funds for specific projects, such as recording an album or producing a music video. In exchange, artists usually offer exclusive rewards to backers, such as signed merchandise, private performances, or early access to new releases.

Alternatively, you could start a subscription service on platforms like Patreon or Bandcamp. This allows fans to support you on a regular basis in exchange for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and other creative perks. 

Crowdfunding and subscriptions engage your audience and create a sense of community, while generating ongoing support and financial stability for your music career.

10. Earn sync licensing and publishing revenue

Sync licensing and publishing allow you to earn revenue by having your music used in various media.

Sync licensing involves placing your music in TV shows, movies, commercials, video games, and other media. To get started, submit your music to music libraries, performing rights organizations, or directly to music supervisors. When your music is chosen for a project, you receive a licensing fee and, in some cases, additional royalties.

Publishing revenue comes from the rights to your compositions. By working with a music publisher, you can ensure that your music is properly registered and monetized. Publishers help you collect royalties from performances, mechanical reproductions, and other uses of your music worldwide.

Both sync licensing and publishing offer significant income potential and can help you reach new audiences by having your music featured in various media platforms.





Start earning money with your music



There’s many ways to earn money with your music, your brand and your skills. All you have to do is get creative, pick a few strategies and stick to what works.

Whether its passive income like royalties, syncs or AI training revenue or more direct money makers like live performance or skill sharing—with the right cocktail, you can make money with music.

So now that you know how to make money with music, get started!

Start making money with LANDR

Release your music to streaming platforms, get music promotion services and more.


Discover LANDR