Let’s be real: streaming is the headline act in today’s music business, but it’s not the whole show. “Streaming platforms dominate music consumption, but royalties remain complex,” notes CEO Today, highlighting that even with billions in payouts, “payments depend on factors like total platform revenue, user subscriptions, and the artist's share of streams”. For most artists, those fractions of a penny per play aren’t enough to keep the lights on. As Taylor Swift herself put it, “I’m sick and tired of having to pretend like I don’t mastermind my own business”. If you want a sustainable career, you need to diversify your revenue streams—or risk getting left behind.
Here are seven proven ways to make money from your music beyond streaming, each as vital as a killer chorus.
1. Merchandise Sales
Selling merch is the classic side hustle that’s become a main event. Think T-shirts, hoodies, hats, vinyl, and even lyric sheets—anything that lets fans wear their allegiance on their sleeve (literally). Unique or limited-edition items often perform best, and print-on-demand services mean you don’t need to front a ton of cash for inventory. In 2023, vinyl sales saw their 17th consecutive year of growth, proving that physical merch is far from dead.
“Merchandise allows fans to support you beyond buying music. It allows them to feel a more profound association with your brand.” — HyperTribe
How to Get Started:
- Print-on-Demand: Use platforms like Printful or Printify to design and sell custom shirts, hoodies, hats, or even lyric books with zero upfront inventory costs. This is especially great when you’re just starting out and want to test which designs resonate with fans.
- Build Your Store: Set up a Shopify store or use platforms like Artist Shops, Hello Merch, or even Bandcamp. Link your merch store to your social media and Spotify profile for maximum visibility.
- At Shows: For live gigs, consider buying in bulk from a local print shop to maximize profit margins, and always have physical copies of your music on hand—fans are more likely to buy at the moment.
2. Live Performances and Touring
Live shows remain one of the most lucrative avenues for musicians. Whether you’re playing clubs, theaters, festivals, or even intimate house concerts, ticket sales and performance fees can be a major income source. Plus, gigs are prime opportunities to sell merch directly to fans. According to Two Story Melody, musicians who reported live performances as their top income stream earned an average of $44,550 from playing live in 2022.
How to Get Started:
- Start Local: Build your following with local gigs and open mics. Don’t overextend—prove you can fill venues close to home before booking a tour.
- Gig Swaps: Trade opening slots with bands in other cities. This classic move helps you break into new markets without starting from scratch.
- House Concerts & Residencies: Play intimate house shows or secure a residency at a local venue for consistent income and exposure.
- Professionalism Counts: Always connect with venue staff and other acts, and collect fan emails at every show for future marketing.
3. Music Licensing and Sync Deals
Getting your music placed in TV shows, films, commercials, or video games—known as “sync licensing”—can be both creatively satisfying and financially rewarding. These deals often pay upfront fees plus royalties, and can expose your music to entirely new audiences. Building relationships with music supervisors and registering with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) are key steps to landing sync placements.
How to Get Started:
- Sign Up With a Sync Platform: Platforms like UnitedMasters SELECT make it easy for independent artists to submit tracks for sync opportunities in TV, film, ads, and games.
- Register Your Music: Make sure your songs are registered with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS to collect royalties.
- Submit and Wait: Upload your music, browse available sync opportunities, and submit your tracks. If selected, the platform handles licensing and payment.
- Keep Your Rights Clear: Only submit music you fully own (no uncleared samples).
4. Crowdfunding and Fan Subscriptions
Platforms like Patreon, Kickstarter, and Coda let your most passionate fans support you directly, whether it’s funding a new album or subscribing for exclusive content. Patreon, for example, enables artists to offer behind-the-scenes videos, early access to music, or private livestreams in exchange for monthly support. And with Coda, you can tap into the long term value of your art by sharing future royalties with fans, turning them into a global marketing machine. This “1,000 True Fans” model—where a core of superfans sustains your career—has never been more relevant.
How to Get Started:
- Choose Your Platform: For project-based campaigns (albums, videos), use Kickstarter or Indiegogo. For ongoing support and exclusive content, set up a Patreon or Coda account.
- Set Realistic Goals: Factor in all costs and offer enticing rewards—think exclusive tracks, merch, or private livestreams.
- Promote Everywhere: Use your email list and social media to drive fans to your campaign, and keep supporters updated throughout.
5. Teaching and Workshops
If you can play, you can teach. Offering music lessons, workshops, or masterclasses—either in person or online—can provide steady income and help build your reputation as an expert. With platforms like Zoom, Teachable, or even YouTube, you can reach students worldwide. Many artists supplement their income by teaching their instrument, songwriting, or production skills.
How to Get Started:
- Offer Lessons Online or In-Person: Use platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Teachable to offer private or group lessons in your instrument, voice, songwriting, or production.
- Advertise Your Services: Promote on your website, social media, and music forums. Consider joining online teaching marketplaces.
- Workshops and Masterclasses: Host special events or workshops for groups, either locally or via livestream.
- Stay Organized: Keep notes on students’ progress and tailor lessons to their goals.
6. Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
Brands are always looking for artists to help them reach new audiences. Collaborations can range from sponsored social posts to co-branded merchandise or exclusive performances. These partnerships can be lucrative and offer valuable exposure—just make sure the brand aligns with your image and values for authenticity.
How to Get Started:
- Build Your Brand: Develop a strong, unique artist identity and grow your following, especially on social media.
- Identify Potential Sponsors: Look for brands that align with your style and audience. Don’t just target big names—smaller, niche brands are often more accessible.
- Create a Sponsorship Proposal: Prepare a professional one-sheet with your bio, audience stats, music links, and what you can offer in return (e.g., social posts, event appearances).
- Reach Out: Personalize your pitch and be persistent. Highlight what makes you unique and how you can help the brand reach new fans.
7. Digital and Physical Sales
While streaming has taken over, selling digital downloads (via Bandcamp, your website, or iTunes) and physical products like CDs and vinyl still brings in real money—especially from superfans. In 2023, Bandzoogle members sold over $1.7 million in digital albums and singles direct-to-fan. Physical sales at shows or online remain a strong revenue stream, especially as vinyl continues its renaissance.
How to Get Started:
- Sell Direct: Use Bandcamp or your own website to sell digital downloads and physical products like CDs and vinyl. Offer exclusive content or pay-what-you-want pricing to engage superfans.
- Bundle Offers: Combine music with merch or special experiences for higher-value packages.
- Promote on All Channels: Link your store in bios, emails, and at shows for maximum reach.
Bonus Revenue Streams
Revenue Stream
How to Get Started
YouTube Ads
Register your tracks with YouTube Content ID via your distributor. Build a channel and upload original content (music videos, behind-the-scenes, live streams). Monetize through ads, Super Chats, and memberships once you meet subscriber and watch-hour thresholds.
Live Streaming
Use Twitch, YouTube, or Instagram Live to perform, host Q&As, or teach. Monetize with tips, subscriptions, or platform ad revenue.
Session Work & Beats
Offer your skills on platforms like Fiverr, AirGigs, or SoundBetter. Sell beats or custom tracks on BeatStars or TrakTrain.
Licensing Stems/Samples
Package your song stems or loops and license them royalty-free to video editors and content creators. Watermark samples for protection.
VIP Experiences
Offer private concerts, meet-and-greets, or personalized messages for a premium.
DJing/Private Events
Book gigs at weddings, corporate events, and parties for high-paying, low-pressure performance opportunities.
Royalty Sharing
License or sell future royalty streams for high-paying financing through a platform like Coda to fund a new release or tour.
The Takeaway: Diversify or Die
The modern music landscape is a mosaic of opportunities, not a one-way street. As Rolling Stone puts it, “The key to thriving financially in the music industry? It’s all about diversification and collaboration”. Build relationships with your fans, experiment with new platforms, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed merch drop or a killer live show. The future belongs to artists who treat their music as both an art and a business.
As you plot your next move, remember: streaming is just the opening act. The real show happens when you take control of your career and tap into every revenue stream the modern industry has to offer. If you want to find out more about how Coda is helping artists like you tap into new revenue streams and take their careers to the next level, sign up here.
