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How to Sell Music in 2024: 8 Tips for Emerging Producers
Making money with the music you produce isn’t as difficult as you might think. With a bit of creativity and a passion for creating good tunes, you really can sell music online.
Whether you’re selling digital music over the internet or physical merch in person, there’s likely several opportunities you may be overlooking if you want to sell music in 2024.
In this article, we’ll look at eight totally unique ways of selling music that you can easily take advantage of.
Let’s dive into all the ways producers will sell music in 2024!
1. Get your music on streaming services
If you want to make money with your music, you probably want to put your music on streaming services.
Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal are not just for listener convenience—they are powerful tools for artists that can generate revenue and offer wider audiences to artists.
That’s why getting your music on these platforms is essential.
To get your music on streaming services you need to work with music distribution service.
LANDR Distribution, for example, will format your tracks properly and send to them to every music streaming platform around the world.
With LANDR Distribution you also get a ton of data and insights about all your streams, so you’ll know where your fans are listening to your music and how popular each track is.
Hot tip:
Get LANDR Distribution and everything else LANDR has to offer with LANDR Studio. You get distribution plus over 30 pro-grade plugins, LANDR’s legendary online mastering service, royalty-free samples and more!
2. Set up your own website
In an era where personal branding is key, having your own website is crucial.
It’s not just a sales platform—it’s your digital portfolio, showcasing your music, biography, tour dates, merch shop and more.
Use it to create an aesthetic and user experience that tells your story, connects with fans, and sells your music directly.
Tools like Shopify or BigCartel can help you create an online store where fans can purchase your music, merchandise, or tickets to your shows.
You can even start building an email list by asking visitors to register for your artist newsletter.
3. Make physical merchandise
Despite the digital trend, physical merchandise will always have unique appeal with your fans.
It’s tangible, collectible, and offers a personal touch.
CDs, vinyls and cassettes are good, but consider designing unique items like limited edition posters, custom-designed apparel, or even signature music hardware.
These items can become collector’s pieces, adding value beyond the music itself.
4. Set up a Bandcamp page
Bandcamp has become a vital platform for independent artists. It’s more than just a music store—it’s a community.
On Bandcamp, you can sell music, merchandise, and even offer tiered pricing for merch and digital album bundles.
Take advantage of its ‘name your price’ feature for digital tracks, which can sometimes lead to fans paying more than the set price out of support for your work.
5. Start an artist newsletter
An artist newsletter is a direct line to your most dedicated fans.
It’s a space where you can share updates, exclusive content, and personal stories, creating a deeper connection.
Use your newsletter to announce new releases, merchandise, or upcoming shows.
Give subscribers something special, like early access to tickets or exclusive tracks and make them feel like they’re part of an exclusive club.
6. Land a sync or licensing placement
Sync placements in TV, films, advertisements, and video games are easily the most lucrative opportunities when it comes to selling music.
They not only provide direct income but also expose your music to wider audiences.
Licensing your music for use in other media can be complex, so consider working with a music licensing company or a sync agent who can help navigate these opportunities and negotiate deals on your behalf.
7. Get YouTube Content ID
YouTube remains a major player in the music industry.
By getting YouTube Content ID for your tracks, you can monetize your music across the platform.
Whenever your music is used in videos by creators, you earn royalties.
This not only includes official music videos but also user-generated content.
Familiarize yourself with YouTube’s policies and ensure your content is properly registered to make the most out of this revenue stream.
Hot tip:
LANDR Distribution subscriptions come with YouTube Content ID, so you’re guaranteed to get paid whenever your music is used by a creator on the platform.
8. Sell beats on a beat marketplace
If you’re skilled in creating beats, consider selling them on dedicated beat marketplaces like BeatStars or Airbit.
These platforms connect you with artists, rappers, producers and anyone else looking for high-quality beats, opening up an additional revenue stream.
It’s not just about uploading beats, it’s about understanding what type-beats are hot, pricing your beats appropriately, and marketing yourself to stand out in a crowded space.
Get money, get paid
As a producer in 2024, your success in selling music will depend on your ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape, leverage multiple platforms, and connect genuinely with your audience.
Each of these strategies offers a unique way to engage with fans and monetize your music.
With dedication, innovation, and a bit of business savvy, you can turn your passion for music production into a thriving career.
Alex Lavoie works as a staff writer at LANDR by day and writes indie post-punk tunes in his band UTILS while moonlighting as drummer for folk-rock outfit The Painters.
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