As a producer, you know how tough it can be to make a living from your music. But in 2023, there are several ways to monetize your skills and talents. From selling beats online to offering production services and creating sample packs, there are many potential revenue streams available. Collaborating with other artists and working with music licensing agencies are also great options to explore.
Building a following through platforms like YouTube and offering free content to hook customers can help establish a strong brand and fanbase, which can lead to future opportunities and revenue streams. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to make money as a hip hop music producer in 2023, along with tips on how to build your fan base and grow your business. We’ve listed out the top ways to make money as a producer:
- Sell beats online
- Offer production services
- Create and sell sample packs
- Collaborate with other artists
- Work with music licensing agencies
- Create and sell merchandise
- Offer music production courses
- Build a following by creating a YouTube channel
- Give content away for free
- Message rappers and artists on Instagram
1. Sell beats online to make money as a producer
Selling beats online is one of the most popular and effective ways to make money as a producer. There are several online marketplaces that allow producers to sell beats, such as Beatstars, Airbit, and Traktrain. These platforms provide a way for producers to upload their beats, set prices, and receive payments from customers.
Beatstars is particularly popular among producers, with over 3 million users and a wide range of features such as music promotion, collaboration tools, and access to industry opportunities. Airbit also has a large user base and offers features like customizable beat stores, advanced analytics, and social media integration. Traktrain focuses more on exclusive beats and has a curated selection of producers, making it a good option for those looking to establish themselves in the industry.
Overall, selling beats online is a great way for producers to generate income and gain exposure, and there are several platforms available to help them do so.
2. Offer production services
Another way to make money as a producer is by offering production services. This can include anything from mixing and mastering to creating custom beats or full production for other artists. There are several platforms that allow producers to offer their services online, such as Fiverr, Upwork, and SoundBetter. Fiverr and Upwork are general freelance marketplaces that allow producers to create profiles, set their rates, and bid on projects.
SoundBetter is specifically designed for music production services and has a large user base of both producers and artists. It offers features like project management tools, secure payments, and access to industry professionals.
By offering production services online, producers can reach a wider audience and generate income from a variety of projects.
3. Create and sell sample packs and loops to make money as a producer
Creating and selling sample packs and loops is another way for producers to make money. You can earn passive income and establish yourself as a source of high-quality sounds. Some popular platforms for selling sample packs include Splice, Loopmasters or Beatstars.
Splice offers a subscription-based model where users can access a wide variety of sounds and samples, and producers can earn royalties based on usage. Loopmasters is a more traditional marketplace that allows producers to sell their own sample packs directly to customers. Beatstars allows producers to upload their own sample packs and sell direct to customers.
All platforms offer a way for producers to earn income from their sample-making skills and can help establish a brand as a go-to source for high-quality sounds. Alternatively you could send a zip file of melodies to other more popular producers in the hopes they use one of your loops and you get a placement.
4. Collaborate with other artists
Collaborating with other artists is a great way to make money as a producer and to gain exposure and build their brand. By working with other artists, you can showcase your production skills and potentially reach new audiences. Platforms like SoundBetter and Vocalizr allow producers to connect with artists looking for production services, and social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter can be used to network and build relationships with other artists.
Collaborations can also lead to future revenue opportunities, such as production placements and royalties.
5. Work with music licensing agencies to make money as a producer
Licensing your music for use in TV shows, films, commercials, and video games is another potential revenue stream. Platforms like Musicbed, Artlist, and AudioJungle allow producers to upload their music and receive payments when it’s licensed for use. You can also pitch your music directly to music supervisors and production companies in the entertainment industry.
While licensing can be a competitive field, it offers the potential for high payouts and exposure to a wider audience.
6. Create and sell merchandise
You can generate income by creating and selling merchandise like t-shirts, hats, and other branded items. By leveraging your brand and fanbase, producers can create a new revenue stream and strengthen their connection with fans. Platforms like Teespring and Printful allow producers to design and sell merchandise without needing to invest in inventory or fulfilment.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter can be used to promote the merchandise and engage with fans. By creating a range of branded merchandise, you can expand their brand and generate income outside of music production.
7. Offer music production courses
Offering online courses can be a way to make money as a producer and to monetize your knowledge and skills. Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare allow producers to create and sell courses on topics like beatmaking, mixing and mastering, and music theory.
By sharing your expertise with others, you can generate income and establish yourself as an authority in the field.
8. Build a following by creating a YouTube channel
Creating a YouTube channel is a great way to build a following and showcase your skills. By creating content like beatmaking tutorials, studio vlogs, and behind-the-scenes footage, you can engage with your audience and potentially reach new fans. YouTube also offers revenue opportunities through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
By building a strong brand and fanbase on YouTube, you can open up future opportunities like music licensing and collaborations.
9. Give content away for free
While it may seem counterintuitive, giving away content for free can be an effective way for you to build their brand and gain exposure. By offering free beats, sample packs, or other content, you can hook customers with a sample of their work and potentially turn them into paying customers in the future. Platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp allow you to upload and share your music for free, and social media platforms can be used to promote the content and engage with fans.
By using free content as a marketing tool, you can build a fanbase and generate income from other sources like selling beats and offering production services.
10. Message rappers and artists on Instagram
You can also reach out to rappers and artists on Instagram to potentially collaborate and sell beats. By searching for artists who match their style of beats and sending them a direct message, producers can introduce themselves and offer their services and it’s a great way to consistently make money as a producer. The key is to start by showing interest in the artist’s work and complimenting their style. From there, producers can send a sample of their beats and try to sell them on some premium beats that match the artist’s style.
While it can be difficult to get noticed among the flood of messages that artists receive on Instagram, taking a personalized approach can increase the chances of getting a response. By building relationships with artists on Instagram, producers can potentially land collaborations and future revenue opportunities. However, it’s important to be respectful of the artist’s time and boundaries, and not come across as too pushy or desperate.
How to make money as a producer over $10,000
| Task | Price | Total |
| 50 beat leases | $30 | $1,500 |
| 10 premium beat leases | $100 | $1,000 |
| 2 exclusive beat | $500 | $1,000 |
| Collab with 5 producers (50% rev share or royalties) | $400 | $2,000 |
| 20 sample pack sales | $20 | $400 |
| Mix & Master 3 tracks | $100 | $300 |
| 1 commercial license | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| 10 merch sales | $20 | $200 |
| 5 course sales | $197 | $985 |
| YouTube ad revenue (500,000 views) | $5CPM | $2,500 |
| TOTAL | – | $10,885 |
Ultimately it doesn’t matter how you cut your earning or what you go after first. Find one or two methods that work well for you initially and as they become more passive branch out into other areas as you build your reputation but be careful not to spread yourself too thin.
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