If musicians have taken something positive from the past few years, it’s that many have found ways to generate more revenue online when live shows and touring simply weren’t an option.
With live shows now back in most parts of the world after two years of lockdown, musicians are making their way to earn the tried and true revenue stream that comes with live performances .
Reading: How to create a music website and earn money
The beauty now is that there’s no reason why you can’t combine these online revenue streams generated during the pandemic with live shows and touring.
Here is a list of fourteen ways musicians can make money online from music:
1. Sell music through your website
If you don’t already have one, consider creating a website for your music. Not only does it give you a small piece of the internet that you own and control, but you can also sell music from your site directly to your fans (which is commission-free through Bandzoogle).
In addition, you will also own the data and emails you collect through your website. This is critical to the long-term success of your career. You can then use this information to inform your fans about new music releases, upcoming tours, crowdfunding campaigns and more.
Learn more:The Complete Guide to Selling Your music online
2. Sell digital downloads on Bandcamp, Amazon Music and Apple Music
While music fans may not buy as many digital downloads as they used to, digital music can still be a significant revenue stream for musicians. In 2021, music fans bought over 15 million digital albums and 7 million tracks through Bandcamp alone.
Distributing your music to major online retailers like Apple Music or Amazon Music can also provide a convenient way for your fans to support you if they already have accounts with those online retailers.
3. Make your music available for streaming
The vast majority of listening takes place on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. This means making your songs available on these platforms is important to reach your current fans and reach potential new fans.
While streaming revenue is typically measured in fractions of cents per stream , they can become a significant source of income over time. You also want to give your fans every opportunity to support your career, which includes making your music available to stream.
4. Sell Band Merch Through Your Website
In the last two years alone, Bandzoogle members have sold over $15 million worth of band merch through their websites directly to their fans, all commission-free. This includes CDs, vinyl, t-shirts and other wearables, as well as digital items like videos and sheet music.
If you’re looking to start selling band merch online but aren’t sure what items to offer fans can try selling merch through a print-on-demand service like Printful. This way there is no inventory to store and no upfront costs.
See also: 7 Best Google Sites Alternatives to Make a Website in 2023
In just a few clicks, create a professional website where you can sell music and merch commission-free! Sign up now and start selling music on Bandzoogle.
5. Sell Tickets for Live Stream Shows
Even with the return of in-person shows, live streaming should still be part of your strategy to engage with your fans and generate revenue online.
The reality is that many of your fans will not be able to see you at an in-person show and if these past few years have taught us anything it is that, if done right, tickets for sale Access to exclusive live streams of your performances can help you earn money and connect with your fans around the world.
More information: The Complete Guide to Live Streaming for Musicians
6. Offer free live streaming concerts with tips
If you don’t feel comfortable selling tickets for your live stream shows, hosting and setting up a virtual tip for free is a great option.
On Facebook Live and Instagram Live, this can be as simple as sharing your PayPal.Me link, Venmo username, or providing a website link with your viewers.
In 2020, when their album release tour was canceled due to the pandemic, Bandzoogle members Enter the Haggis streamed bi-weekly album listening parties on Facebook before their new album was released. They set up a landing page on their website for each live stream with the album for sale, related merchandise, and a tip jar, and they ended up generating over $16,000 from those live streams.
7. Collect Royalties for Live Stream Shows
During the global shutdowns, when artists had no choice but to perform live stream shows, performance rights organizations stepped into action to offer musicians a new revenue stream.
By partnering with YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, PROs enabled artists to earn royalties for their free live stream performances. These included ASCAP in the US, PRS For Music in the UK and SOCAN in Canada. So if you’re performing your original music on a live stream, be sure to check with your PRO to see if you can submit the show’s information to receive royalties.
8. Monetize Your YouTube Channel
The first step to monetizing your YouTube channel is to upload all your music to your channel. From there, you need to set up YouTube monetization in your account.
In addition, whenever music you own is used in a YouTube video, whether on your own channel or someone else’s, you are eligible to receive your share of any advertising revenue generated. A digital distribution company like CD Baby can help ensure you receive all the money that is due to you.
9. Crowdfund your next project
If you have a growing and supportive fan base, crowdfunding can be a great way to generate income to help cover the costs of your project.
The key to successful crowdfunding is getting your most dedicated fans excited by showing them what’s behind the scenes and inviting them into your creative process.
10. Offer fan subscriptions
See also: How Long Does It Take To Build A Website?
Fan subscriptions have become a reliable source of recurring online revenue. Subscriptions (sometimes referred to as memberships) give your most loyal fans access to exclusive recordings, performances, videos, merchandise and rewards for a small monthly fee.
It can take a lot of work and dedication to keep coming up with new content and post rewards. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s a great way to build deeper relationships with your fans while generating recurring revenue.
Learn more: How to sell fan subscriptions on your music website
11. Monetize your music on social media platforms
Another potential source of online revenue for musicians is to make money when your music is featured in videos on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok is used. Be sure to check with your digital distributor to see if they offer social video monetization.
12. License Your Music
Licensing your songs in movies, TV shows and commercials is easier said than done, but even getting placed could change your music career forever. Some musicians make most or all of their income through licensing alone.
Connecting with the right music supervisor at the right time with the right song certainly takes a bit of luck, but there are a few things that you can do to set it up Get ready for licensing success.
13. Remote session work
Despite lockdowns and studio closures in recent years, musicians have continued to record and produce new music. This placed an emphasis on online collaboration like never before, with artists hiring musicians from around the world to contribute to their latest tracks. This is likely to continue and may be another way to generate additional revenue.
14. Give Music Lessons Online
In recent years, many musicians have found an additional source of income by teaching their fans their instrument online.
Whether it’s via Zoom or recorded video lessons, taking music lessons can be a great way to generate extra income. You can even take it a step further and sell video courses, sheet music and more with fan subscriptions.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to rush to try everything once. Some of these ideas might be more attractive to you than others.
Try a few of these revenue streams first to see if you enjoy the process and if they resonate with your fans.
Learn more: 21 ways musicians can make money
Sell music, Merch and tickets, accept direct donations, crowdfunding pledges, and create monthly fan subscriptions from your site, all commission-free. Try Bandzoogle free for 30 days to create a website for your music.
See also: Free Platforms to Build Your Apps Without Coding [2023]
.
