How to make (more) money from music

piSo, you’ve poured your heart, your skill (and also money) into making music – and now you’re wondering how to actually earn some money back from it. It’s a common challenge, especially for indie artists: you want your art to sustain itself (and maybe even pay some, if not all, of the related bills), but you don’t want to become a pushy salesperson for your music. The good news is you can make more money from your music while staying true to your art – the bad news is that it may not be enough, at least not for a long time.

In any case, it’s mostly about working smarter on the business side. This is how:

1. Don’t leave your royalties unclaimed

One of the most common ways musicians lose money is by failing to collect all the royalties they’re owed. It might not be rock ’n’ roll fun, but handling a bit of paperwork now can mean extra cash in your pocket later. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting all the money your music earns:

• Join a Performing Rights Organization (PRO): If you write songs, make sure you’re registered with a PRO (like ASCAP, BMI, SOCAN, PRS, etc., depending on your country and your personal preference). These organizations collect royalties whenever your music is played on the radio, TV, in venues, or streaming services and pay you for those public plays. It’s usually free or low-cost to sign up, and it’s the only way to really get your hands on all the songwriter royalties.

Here's a list of all of the Performing Rights Organization on Wikipedia. And yes, you can join almost any of them, even those not from the country you're based in.

• Register your songs for mechanical royalties: Streaming services also generate “mechanical” royalties for songwriters. In the U.S., for example, you need to register with the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) to collect these. As of 2021, the MLC had amassed over $423 million in unclaimed streaming royalties – money just sitting there because many songwriters hadn’t registered to collect it. Don’t let your share be part of that pile!

• Sign up for SoundExchange (for Digital Radio): If your music might get played on internet or satellite radio (Pandora, SiriusXM, etc.), SoundExchange is your friend. It’s the organization that collects royalties for the recording (the sound recording/master, not the composition) on non-interactive digital platforms. Even if you’re an independent artist with no label, you can register as both the artist and the rights holder.

True story: one indie artist only discovered he had $14,000 waiting for him from SoundExchange after finally registering – his songs had been playing on Pandora without him knowing! Imagine getting that kind of surprise payday, simply because you filled out a form.

• Use a Publishing Admin if needed: If all this talk of PROs, mechanicals, etc. sounds like a lot, you can use a publishing administration service (like Songtrust, CD Baby Pro, Tunecore Publishing, etc.). They’ll register your songs worldwide and collect these royalties for a percentage cut. It simplifies the process, especially if you have listeners overseas or multiple royalty sources to track.

A breakdown of royalties from the Songtrust blog.

Bottom line: Setting up all of this may take a couple of hours, but ultimately, your hard-earned royalties won’t vanish into some black hole. Properly registering for all the royalty streams (performance, mechanical, digital, etc.), you’re literally getting the most money out of your music that already gets played (also thanks to your hard work and promo, including SubmitHub). It might take an afternoon of sign-ups, but afterwards, you can earn money in your sleep whenever your music plays.

2. Release and distribute your music strategically

Making money from streaming platforms is often a volume game – you earn only fractions of a cent per stream, so you want to get your music heard as widely as possible, and remind of yourself as regularly as possible.

To do that, you need to be strategic about where and how you release your music:

• Get your music everywhere you can: Use a solid digital distributor to put your songs on all major streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon, Deezer, Tidal, etc.), plus any region-specific platforms (if you can). Every platform has listeners and potential income, and you don’t have to just focus on Spotify – Apple Music, for instance, generally pays higher rates per stream, and even smaller services or internet radio plays can add up. So, before picking your distributor, research where they deliver, and take that into account when deciding as well, as the broader your reach is, the more earning opportunities.

• YouTube Content ID + IG and TikTok can be helpful: If you can, make sure your distributor delivers your music to YouTube Content ID (so you earn ad revenue when people use your music in videos) and to social platforms like TikTok/Instagram’s music libraries. Even if you’re not big on YouTube yourself, user-generated videos with your music can generate some income via Content ID, and TikTok videos or IG reels featuring your track can translate to royalties too – maybe small, but still, you get them only if your music is available there.

• Time your releases and keep a schedule: Rather than dropping an album and going silent for a year, a strategy of regular releases (say singles or EPs every few months) is, money-wise, the better approach these days. Consistent release schedules keep your streaming momentum up, and each release triggers some extra Release Radar & Radio streams. Listeners have a shorter attention span these days, and regular new music feeds the algorithms, so... Frequent releases can lead to more streams as a whole, compared to the same music being released as an album = more streaming revenue over time.

• Encourage pre-saves and do (not only) editorial playlist pitches: Even if it won’t make a huge difference, before releasing, get your fans to pre-save on Spotify, and also, submit your song to Spotify’s own editorial playlist system (via Spotify for Artists dashboard) a few weeks in advance. A strong release day can trigger platform algorithms to recommend your track more. Landing on a good playlist – whether algorithmic or curated – can cause a spike in streams (and royalties), and trigger even more recommendations.

In short, set yourself up for streaming success. Use all available platforms, keep feeding your audience (and the algorithms) with new material, and optimize each release’s impact. Each stream might be a tiny paycheck, but they can snowball when your music is widely available and actively pushed.

3. Promote your music

“Build it and they will come” doesn’t quite work in music. You might have amazing songs on every platform, but to actually earn (any) money, people need to hear your music first. That’s where smart promotion comes in. The goal isn’t to be sales-y, and no, there is no quick revenue there – but you need to promote your music to connect your music with listeners who will love it. More genuine listeners = more streams, downloads, tickets, and support, especially over time, as some will return to your music again and again.

Check out our full article covering all the promo approaches and outlets you can explore.

The key is to promote in a genuine, engaging way. No one likes spammy “check out my song!” messages... But if you share your journey on socials, boost your streams with ads, and target the right curators and communities, you’ll organically grow a fanbase that naturally boosts your income. Think of promotion as making friends in the music world – the more friends (fans) you have, the more love (and money) your music will receive in the long run.

4. Sell your music (and merch) directly to fans

Streaming is awesome for reach, but the payout per play is tiny – the streaming world is more of a marketing tool (until you’re big, that is). If you want more immediate money for your music, look at direct-to-fan sales. Many listeners – especially true fans – are willing to pay for your music or buy stuff from you. Here are some ways to earn cash up front:

• Bandcamp and direct downloads: Bandcamp is a fantastic platform where fans can buy your digital music (and even donate above the minimum price if they want). Unlike streaming, a single album sale on Bandcamp might earn you as much as thousands of streams. And Bandcamp’s model is very artist-friendly – on average about 82% of the money goes to the artist (they take a small cut) + on “Bandcamp Fridays”, they waive their share entirely. So… Consider releasing special editions or bonus tracks on Bandcamp to give fans an extra reason to purchase. Even outside of Bandcamp, you can sell downloads on your own website. While downloads aren’t as popular as they once were, collectible items like high-quality WAV files, stems, or instrumental versions can tempt dedicated fans.

• Physical copies (CDs, Vinyl, etc.): Yes, it’s 2025 and people still buy CDs, vinyl, even cassettes! Physical media has become more of a merch item and collectible. If you already have an audience, and especially if they appreciate tangible music (or the nostalgia factor), selling signed CDs or limited-run vinyl can pull in good money. Be ready, however, that promoting that can be quite the effort by itself, so only go for physical copies if you feel like it, the music style works for it, and you already have at least some fan base.

• Band merchandise: Don’t just stop at the music – merch is often a major income stream for artists. T-shirts, hoodies, hats, posters, stickers, even quirky items (branded coffee mugs, anyone?). The key is to create designs that makes sense with your brand or lyrics, so fans want to wear/use them. You can use print-on-demand services to avoid upfront costs, or print a small batch to sell at shows. Many indie musicians find that a good merch line can bring in as much money as the gig itself on a good night. Plus, it’s free promotion when fans wear your shirt in public!

By selling music and merch directly, you’re cutting out the middleman and taking a much bigger slice of the revenue pie. It will take additional time and work, though, but, for example, selling a $10 digital album on Bandcamp (after their cut) might net you around $8 – and to earn $8 on Spotify, a listener would have to stream your songs well over 2,000 times.

5. Play live gigs (online and offline)

Nothing beats the thrill of performing live – and it can be a solid moneymaker too. Whether you’re playing to a packed club, busking on a sidewalk, or streaming a living-room concert online, live performances can put some cash in your pocket and grow your fanbase. The trick is to approach live opportunities creatively and diversify where you play. Let’s break down some options:

• Local venues and touring: Traditional gigs at venues (bars, clubs, festivals) pay in various ways – sometimes a guaranteed fee, sometimes a cut of ticket sales or the bar, sometimes just tips + merch sales. As an indie artist, start with local spots and build a reputation, and once you can draw a crowd and get some experiences, you can negotiate better pay or move up to larger venues. Even small gigs can be lucrative when you factor in merch sales you make on the side.

• Busking: It’s old-school, but busking (performing in public for tips) can surprisingly pad your income – and sharpen your performance skills. Find a busy, music-friendly spot (and don’t forget to check local rules/permits), put out your case or hat (with an IG handle or a QR code to your Patreon, perhaps), and play your heart out. You might make decent cash in tips from passersby who appreciate your tunes. Even better, you’ll often sell CDs or get people following you on Spotify after a great street set. Some famous artists (like Tash Sultana) built their initial fanbase busking. At the very least, it’s gas money and practice – at best, you could go viral or meet people who help your career.

Check out Andreas' busking video here :)

• Weddings, private events & odd gigs: Don’t overlook these, as private events often pay much more than bar shows, as they usually have a budget for music. You might have to learn some covers or play longer sets, but the payout can be worth it.

• Live streaming: In this digital age, performing live isn’t limited to physical venues. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook/Instagram Live let you put on a show for a global audience, right from home. And yes, you can make money doing this: viewers can send tips/donations, buy “virtual tickets” or subscriptions, or you can crowdfund during the stream (“$5 tip and I’ll play any song you request!”). Some artists run regular livestream shows and build a dedicated online fanbase that supports them (e.g. aeseaes / a_couple_streams). It’s especially great if traveling is tough or if you have fans in far-flung places. Just make sure to invest in decent audio quality for your stream – nobody enjoys a muffled gig.

Pro tip: announce your livestreams in advance and maybe give them a theme (acoustic night, new songs preview, etc.) to attract more viewers (and tips).

However you choose to perform, live music creates a personal connection that often translates into loyal fans (who stream your music more, buy merch, etc.). Try not to be shy about mentioning your tipping info or merch table at shows – kindly let people know how they can support you, as often, we don’t get what we don’t ask for (many, literally, don’t even realize that it’s an optopm). Many fans want to support indie artists, they just need a nudge on how.

6. Music licensing

Ever watch a movie or TV show and discover a cool song in the background? That would be so cool if that were your song! Sync licensing – placing your music in visual media (TV shows, films, commercials, video games, YouTube videos, etc.) – can be one of the most lucrative ways to make money from your music. Not an easy thing to get on in, and similar to bigger radios, most of your pitches will be ignored or declined.

Here’s how to go about it:

• Make your music “sync-ready”: To improve your chances, ensure you have high-quality recordings and that you own or can clear all the rights. If you wrote and recorded the song yourself, you’re in good shape. If you have co-writers or used samples, you’ll need to get those cleared or have agreements in place, because music supervisors (the people who pick songs for media) prefer one-stop, easy clearance. It also helps to have instrumental mixes available – sometimes a show loves your song but not the vocals (for a scene’s dialogue), so an instrumental version could still get placed. Tag your tracks with moods/keywords (e.g. “uplifting, dramatic, romantic”) because that’s how supervisors often search for music to fit a scene.

• Pitching your music: There are music licensing libraries and agencies that specialize in placing indie music. One way would be to create a huge sheet, research all the sync agencies you can, and slowly go through it, pitching through email or their forms. OR seek out sync agents who pitch songs to supervisors.

• Libraries often allow you to upload your tracks for users to license (sometimes these are non-exclusive, meaning you can put your songs in multiple libraries). Some options: AudioJungle, Pond5 for stock media, or higher-end ones like Musicbed, Artlist, etc. They typically pay you a portion when a license is sold. It’s a more passive approach – your song sits in their catalog waiting for someone to license it.

• Agents, on the other hand, are more proactive but selective – they might take on your song and shop it around for a 20-50% commission of any deals. Never pay upfront for a sync agent; legit agents work on commission from successful placements, not fees.

• Consider pitching to content creators, too: Not every use of music is a blockbuster movie or popular series. Content creators on YouTube, podcasts, apps, and small films need music too, often on smaller budgets but still willing to pay. Think of all those vlogs or indie game developers out there. If you have instrumental tracks or B-sides, you could even create a collection specifically for licensing (some artists do this under a different moniker).

Getting into sync licensing does take persistence – you might get 50, or even 200 rejections or no responses for every yes. But the payoff of that one yes can be huge for your bank account and for boosting your music’s profile. It’s like winning a small lottery for your song.

7. Turn fans into patrons (crowdfunding & membership)

Sometimes, the support of a small group of dedicated fans can mean more (financially) than thousands of casual listeners. Fan funding has become a powerful way for independent musicians to sustain their careers. This isn’t about a one-time sale or stream – it’s about loyal fans contributing directly to your music creation, either through one-off crowdfunding campaigns or ongoing membership platforms. It not only brings in money, but also strengthens your relationship with your most ardent supporters.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Crowdfunding = big projects: If you have a specific project (like recording an album, shooting a music video, or funding a tour), consider launching a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe. Fans essentially pre-order or pledge money to help you meet a funding goal, and in return, you offer them rewards. Those rewards can be as simple as a copy of the finished album, or as special as a private Zoom concert or their name in the album liner notes – get creative with tiers!

Crowdfunding taps into the idea that your community wants to see you succeed. Even people who don’t typically buy music might chip in $10-20 to help make an album happen, because they feel invested in you. Just be sure to plan your campaign, make a compelling pitch video, and budget for the rewards and fees. When successful, you not only get the money to create, but you’ve got a built-in group of supporters who will cheer on the project they helped fund.

• Patreon / membership models: Patreon has become a popular platform for musicians to earn a steady income. Think of it like a fan club with a subscription. Fans (patrons) commit to pay a certain amount per month (or per creation) to support you, and you give them exclusive content in return. For example, you might have $5/month tier for which patrons get a monthly behind-the-scenes vlog and early access to new songs and videos, and a $20 tier where they also get a free merch item every few months and their name in your credits. The beauty of Patreon is the reliable income – even 50 fans at $10 each is $500 every month, which can cover a lot of music expenses (or rent!). Plus, patrons often feel like they’re part of an inner circle, which deepens their loyalty.

The key is to consistently provide value to those super-fans, even if it’s informal: demos, livestream hangouts, music lessons, exclusive merch – whatever you can share that makes them feel special and appreciated.

• Host your own fan subscription: If you don’t want to use a third-party platform, you can DIY this. For instance, offer a yearly membership on your website – fans pay via PayPal, and you manually send them perks. This avoids platform fees, though it’s more work to manage. Alternatively, Bandcamp has a feature for artist subscriptions where fans can subscribe to get all your new releases and some extras. Explore what fits best for your audience.

• Don’t be shy to ask (politely): It can feel awkward to ask fans for money, but – you’re offering them something valuable: more of your music and art. True fans are often excited to support an artist they believe in. You can frame it like, “If you love what I do and want to help me keep creating, consider joining my Patreon for the price of a coffee a month.” Keep it friendly, no pressure. You’d be surprised how many people are happy to patronize the arts when given an easy opportunity.

Fan funding is not about charity; it’s about community. Patrons and backers feel a closer connection to your journey, and you get the financial breathing room to create without constantly hustling for pennies. Don’t overlook the power of a small crowd – a hundred true fans can literally fund your dream.

Keep the music first (money should be a bonus)

We’ve covered a lot of tips on making money, so by now, you’re hopefully able to see there are many ways to squeeze more income from your music (some require more work, some less, but all do require work). Let’s end with an important reminder: music is ultimately about you, and then, about art, connection, and joy. The money is there to help you continue creating and sharing that art, but should never replace the passion that got you into this in the first place. It’s totally okay (and smart!) to approach your music with a bit of an entrepreneurial mindset – after all, you deserve to be paid for your work, skill, and time, BUT… never lose sight of why you started to make music. Write songs that move you, put on shows that uplift you, engage with fans because you genuinely appreciate them – keep that authenticity, and don’t push yourself into doing things you don’t feel like doing, just for the sake of money.

The beautiful irony is that the more you prioritize the music and the fan connection, the more the money tends to follow naturally (listeners can tell when you’re genuine). And at the end of the day, a new song that you’re proud of, or a message from a fan saying your music changed their day, is worth more than any royalty check. So… music first, money second.