How to Monetize Your Music in 2024 Beyond Spotify and Streaming

As an independent artist, relying solely on streaming platforms like Spotify isn't enough to generate a sustainable income. While streaming revenue is helpful, it can take time to grow. The good news is, there are several other creative ways to monetize your music in 2024. 

Here are some strategies you can explore:

Sync placements refer to getting your music featured in TV shows, movies, video games, commercials, trailers, and more. Every time your song is synced with a visual project, you’re paid for it. These deals are typically split into two "sides" – the master side (the recording) and the publishing side (the composition).

For example, if your song is placed in a movie trailer and the sync fee is $10,000, $5,000 goes to those who own the master rights, and $5,000 goes to the publishing rights holders. This can be a substantial way to monetize your music, especially if your music resonates with a wide range of visual media.

How to get started:

• Build relationships with music supervisors who select tracks for visual projects.
• Join music libraries or sync agencies that specialize in licensing songs to media companies.

In 2024, music producers can also earn by creating and selling music-making tools like sample packs, loops, and sound packs. Websites like Splice, LoopCloud, and ADSR allow you to sell your sounds to other producers and artists who want unique elements for their projects.

How to get started:

• Start small by curating high-quality samples and loops.
• Build a social media presence showcasing how these tools can be used in creative ways.
• You can also create your own online storefront for a more direct connection with buyers.

Artists like Big Z , Demotapes , and Make Pop Music are great examples of producers who have successfully monetized their sound packs by building a dedicated fanbase on social media.

Subscription services like Patreon allow artists to build a dedicated fanbase and offer exclusive content in exchange for monthly payments. You can provide your subscribers with behind-the-scenes videos, project file breakdowns, unreleased tracks, or feedback on their work.

The key here is consistency. Regular content keeps subscribers engaged and willing to support your creative journey. Plus, this fosters stronger relationships with your most loyal fans, who often become your biggest advocates.

Ideas for subscription content:

• Exclusive music releases or early access to your songs.
• Tutorials or live breakdowns of your production process.
• Personalized feedback or Q&A sessions with fans.

It takes a team to make great music, and not every artist can handle all aspects of production on their own. That’s where work-for-hire services come in. If you excel in areas like mixing and mastering, producing, songwriting, or playing instruments, you can offer your skills to other artists and clients.

This not only helps diversify your income but also lets you expand your network within the music industry.

Work-for-hire ideas:

• Mixing and mastering services for fellow musicians.
• Session work for vocals or instruments.
• Co-writing or producing for other artists.

Monetizing your music in 2024 is all about diversifying your income streams. By exploring sync placements, creating music-making products, launching subscription services, and offering work-for-hire skills, you can maximize your earning potential. Remember, each of these strategies requires time and effort, but with consistency and persistence, you can turn your passion for music into a sustainable income.

Of course, social media plays a crucial role in monetizing your music. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube can help you reach a massive audience quickly.

TikTok, in particular, has become a powerful tool for making songs go viral. With its short-form video content and music-driven trends, a single viral video can lead to millions of streams and new fans overnight.

If you need help taking your TikTok strategy to the next level, platforms like Pitch-Us can help make your sound viral. We specialize in helping artists connect with influencers to boost visibility, ensuring your music gets in front of the right audiences.