How Music Producers Make Money: My Experience & What Works

Being a music producer today is about more than just making great tracks - it’s about building a creative life that sustains itself. That means tapping into multiple income streams. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, here are 11 proven ways producers are earning today - with practical tips to help you find what fits your path.

1. Selling Beats & Instrumentals

Platforms like BeatStars, Airbit, and others have made it easier than ever to sell beats and instrumentals online. This model works especially well if you’re focused on hip-hop, trap, R&B, or pop instrumentals - and you’re comfortable building an online presence.

Note: This isn’t something I’ve personally explored in depth, but many producers have built real momentum through beat licensing.

2. Mixing and Mastering Services

Offering mixing and mastering services is one of the most direct ways to earn from your technical skills. Many producers start by helping friends or local artists, and over time, grow a client base through reputation and results.

In my case, this has been a key part of my income for years. Most of my clients come through referrals and it’s a steady foundation that keeps things flowing between creative projects.

✅ Tip: Build trust. Clear communication, consistent quality and a few great testimonials can lead to steady word-of-mouth work.

3. Royalties (Streaming & Sales)

Royalties from streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music), download sales (like Bandcamp) and rights organisations (PRS, MCPS, PPL, ASCAP, BMI) can become a reliable long-term source of income - especially once your catalogue grows.

For me, royalties have varied over the years depending on what’s out and how it’s being received. But when managed well, they create a nice flow of income that grows with your body of work.

✅ Tip: Register your tracks properly. Accurate metadata and publishing info make sure you get paid from every territory your music plays in.

4. Sync Licensing

Sync licensing - placing your music in visual media - is one of the most exciting and potentially lucrative income streams for producers. Music used in film, TV, commercials, video games, or online content often pays well and can lead to long-term residuals.

I’ve landed a few sync placements over the years, but I haven’t fully leaned into this space yet. It’s something I need to explore more.

✅ Tip: Write the track first. Make something that feels right - then find a home for it. Sync thrives on music with real vibe and emotion. It doesn’t always have to be written to brief.

5. Sample Packs & Sound Design

Creating and selling sample packs, loops, or synth presets can generate passive income once the work is done. If you’ve built your own libraries or developed a sound that others look for, this is worth considering.

I’ve created a sample pack and some presets and they still bring in a small flow of income today. The upfront work pays off if the content is solid and relevant.

✅ Tip: Quality packs can sell for years. Sites like Splice, Loopmasters, and ADSR are good starting points, but personal websites like Samples from Mars and Goldbaby work well too - especially if you’ve got an audience.

6. Educational Content

Offering courses, tutorials, and mentoring can become a really fulfilling stream…

This is something I’m really enjoying. After years in the studio, I’ve started sharing what I’ve learned through this blog. I’ve always passed things on to other producers - this is just a way to get it all down in one place.

Tip: Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy or Patreon are perfect for building community and monetising your expertise.

7. Ghost Production

Ghost production - creating tracks anonymously for other artists - can be controversial but also very lucrative.

This has been a good income source over the past decade. I see ghost production similar to the traditional studio producer’s role - guiding the vision of a track.

Tip: Maintain professionalism and discretion. Trust leads to repeat clients.

8. YouTube Monetisation & Content Creation

Monetising content via YouTube or Twitch through ad revenue, brand sponsorships and affiliate marketing can be highly rewarding but tough to crack.

I’ve been working at this for years through Deli Records and it’s still evolving. It’s a long game, but the potential for sustained income is there.

Tip: Stay consistent and build quality content to grow loyal subscribers.

9. Merchandising & Physical Products

Creating merchandise - clothing, vinyl, or gear - strengthens your brand identity and provides additional income.

Personally, I love merch. I’ve made tees and caps several times and really enjoy being able to create my own clothes. So far, it’s just been for personal wear - but I’d love to develop some full lines in the future.

Tip: Limited-edition or seasonal releases help drive demand and value.

10. Live Performances & DJing

Performing live or DJing is one of the most direct ways producers earn - especially if your music is built for dance floors or festivals. It also builds your profile and connects you directly with an audience.

For the first two decades of my career, I was always behind the decks. More recently, I’ve focused on the studio - but the energy of playing live still shapes how I write and mix today.

Tip: Play often - and make it count. All the local gigs, all the warm-ups - they’re building you up. Each one’s a bit more experience, a bit more ready.

11. Remixing

Creating remixes for other artists can be a lucrative and creatively rewarding income stream. Labels often commission producers to reinterpret tracks, which helps expand your audience while bringing in upfront payments and royalty shares.

Remixing was a big part of my income at one point. Some brought in solid returns, others led to future collaborations. They keep things creatively fresh and are great to do.

Tip: Approach labels and artists whose sound fits your own. A significant remix portfolio opens doors, especially if it shows range.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single formula for making money as a producer - but the truth is, diversity matters. Most working producers rely on a mix of income streams, built gradually over time.

You don’t have to master all of them,

just the ones that work for you.

Try, test, refine. And remember: even small streams add up.

🎛️ Just getting into production? I’ve put together a guide to the gear that actually matters when you’re starting out. electronic music production gear