Best Platforms to Sell Music Online in 2024: A Complete Guide for Independent Artists
In today's digital landscape, musicians have more opportunities than ever to share and monetize their music without relying on traditional record labels. Finding the best platform to sell music can be the difference between struggling in obscurity and building a sustainable career as an independent artist.
This comprehensive guide examines the top music selling platforms, their unique features, commission structures, and which might be best suited for different types of musicians. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your digital presence, we'll help you navigate the complex world of online music sales.
What to Look for in a Platform to Sell Music
Before diving into the specific platforms, it's important to understand what factors you should consider when choosing where to sell your music:
Reach and audience size: How many potential listeners can you access?
Revenue model: How will you make money (sales, streams, subscriptions)?
Commission structure: What percentage does the platform take?
File format options: Do they support high-quality audio formats?
Marketing and promotion tools: Do they help you reach new fans?
Analytics: Do they provide useful data about your listeners?
Integration with other platforms: Can you easily connect with your other online presences?
User experience: Is it easy for fans to discover and purchase your music?
Top Music Selling Platforms for Independent Artists
Let's explore the platforms that can help you get your music into listeners' ears while putting money in your pocket.
Bandcamp: The Independent Artist's Champion
Bandcamp has earned a reputation as a haven for independent musicians, with a model that prioritizes fair compensation and artistic control.
Key Features:
Direct sales model where fans purchase music directly
Artists keep 85-90% of revenue (Bandcamp takes 10-15%)
Support for multiple file formats (MP3, FLAC, WAV, etc.)
Flexible pricing, including "pay what you want" options
Merchandising capabilities for physical products
Bandcamp Fridays where the platform waives its revenue share
Best For: Independent artists with dedicated fan bases who value ownership of music and higher per-sale revenue. Particularly strong for niche genres with devoted followings.
Drawbacks: Lacks the massive audience of major streaming services, requiring more self-promotion.
DistroKid: Streamlined Distribution to All Major Platforms
While not a direct selling platform itself, DistroKid deserves mention as it enables artists to distribute their music to all major streaming and selling platforms through a single service.
Key Features:
Unlimited music distribution for an annual fee (starting around $19.99/year)
Distribution to 150+ platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.)
Artists keep 100% of their royalties
Fast distribution (usually within 24-48 hours)
Split payments for collaborations
Automatic registration with collection societies
Best For: Artists who want broad distribution across all major platforms without dealing with multiple accounts and submissions.
Drawbacks: Annual subscription required, additional fees for some features like YouTube Content ID.
Spotify: The Streaming Giant
While primarily a streaming service rather than a direct sales platform, Spotify's massive user base makes it essential for most musicians.
Key Features:
Over 500 million active users worldwide
Algorithmic playlists that can introduce your music to new listeners
Spotify for Artists dashboard with detailed analytics
Integration with merchandise and concert ticketing
Canvas feature for adding visual elements to tracks
Direct upload for podcasts (music requires a distributor like DistroKid)
Best For: Building a wide audience and generating consistent, though modest, streaming revenue.
Drawbacks: Low per-stream payouts (typically $0.003-$0.005 per stream), requires a distributor to upload music.
Apple Music/iTunes: The Premium Audience
Apple's ecosystem remains a significant player in the music industry, especially for actual sales rather than just streams.
Key Features:
Higher average revenue per user than most platforms
Both streaming (Apple Music) and purchase options (iTunes)
Editorial playlists with human curation
Apple Music for Artists analytics dashboard
Integration within the broader Apple ecosystem
Best For: Artists targeting an audience willing to pay a premium for music, especially in markets where Apple has strong penetration.
Drawbacks: Requires a distributor, less algorithmic discovery than Spotify.
SoundCloud: Community and Discovery
SoundCloud bridges the gap between streaming platform and social network with its focus on community interaction and artist discovery.
Key Features:
Direct upload capability without a distributor
SoundCloud Premier monetization for eligible artists
Community features like comments, reposts, and direct messaging
Free basic plan with upgrade options for more upload time and features
SoundCloud Go+ revenue sharing for subscribed listeners
Best For: New artists looking for community feedback, electronic music producers, artists who release frequent content like remixes or works-in-progress.
Drawbacks: Lower monetization potential compared to other platforms, primarily streaming rather than sales.
Beatport: Electronic Music Marketplace
For electronic music producers and DJs, Beatport provides a specialized marketplace focused on the dance music ecosystem.
Key Features:
Genre-specific focus on electronic music
Higher price points than general platforms (typically $1.29-$2.99 per track)
DJ-friendly file formats and information
Genre-specific charts for visibility
Integration with DJ software and hardware
Best For: Electronic music producers creating music for DJ use.
Drawbacks: Requires a distributor for most artists, genre-limited audience.
CD Baby: Full-Service Independent Distribution
One of the original independent distribution services, CD Baby offers comprehensive services including physical manufacturing.
Key Features:
Distribution to 150+ digital platforms
Physical CD and vinyl manufacturing services
Publishing administration services
One-time fee per release (rather than subscription)
Sync licensing opportunities
Best For: Artists who want both digital and physical distribution with a single service, especially those who release infrequently.
Drawbacks: Higher per-release fees than subscription services, takes a small percentage of royalties (9%).
Patreon: Subscription-Based Artist Support
Though not exclusively a music platform, Patreon has become a popular way for musicians to generate recurring income through subscriber support.
Key Features:
Recurring subscription model from supporters
Multiple tier options with different rewards
Direct connection with your most dedicated fans
Ability to offer exclusive content and experiences
Integration with Discord for community building
Best For: Artists with smaller but highly engaged fanbases who release content regularly.
Drawbacks: Requires regular content creation to maintain subscribers, platform fee of 5-12% depending on plan.
YouTube Music: Monetizing Video and Audio
Google's music service leverages the power of the world's largest video platform for both audio streams and music videos.
Key Features:
Integration with YouTube's massive audience
Monetization through ads and YouTube Premium subscriptions
Opportunity for additional revenue through video content
YouTube Content ID to claim user-generated content using your music
Analytics through YouTube Studio
Best For: Artists who create visual content alongside their music, particularly those who can produce regular video content.
Drawbacks: Requires a distributor for music uploads, relatively low per-stream rates compared to sales.
Amazon Music: The E-Commerce Giant's Music Platform
Amazon brings its retail dominance to the music space with both streaming and digital purchases.
Key Features:
Both streaming and digital purchase options
Integration with Echo devices and Alexa
Hi-resolution audio with Amazon Music HD
Potential for physical sales through Amazon's marketplace
Best For: Artists targeting an older demographic and those offering high-quality audio formats.
Drawbacks: Less artist-focused features, requires a distributor.
Direct-to-Fan Platforms and Website Solutions
Beyond the major streaming and distribution platforms, many artists find success with direct-to-fan models that give them more control and better economics.
Building Your Own Website
Creating your own musician website with e-commerce capabilities gives you maximum control over your brand and fan relationships.
Key Options:
WordPress with WooCommerce: Highly customizable but requires some technical knowledge
Shopify: Robust e-commerce platform with simple setup but higher monthly costs
Squarespace: Beautiful templates with integrated selling features
Bandzoogle: Purpose-built for musicians with music-specific features
Best For: Artists who want to own the entire customer relationship and build a comprehensive online presence.
Drawbacks: Requires more setup and maintenance, need to drive your own traffic.
Gumroad: Simple Direct Sales
Gumroad offers a streamlined way to sell digital products directly to consumers without building a full website.
Key Features:
Simple setup with minimal technical requirements
Low fees (5% + $0.30 per transaction)
Support for all digital file types
Customizable pricing, including pay-what-you-want
Email marketing tools
Best For: Artists looking for a simple direct sales solution without building a full website.
Drawbacks: Less discovery potential than music-specific platforms.
Comparing Revenue Models Across Platforms
Understanding how you'll get paid is crucial when choosing where to sell your music. Here's a comparison of the common revenue models:
Direct Sales vs. Streaming
Direct Sales (Bandcamp, iTunes, own website)
Higher per-unit revenue (typically $0.70-$9.00 per album or track)
One-time payment rather than ongoing revenue
Customers actually own the music they purchase
Better economics for artists with smaller but dedicated fanbases
Streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music)
Lower per-stream revenue ($0.003-$0.008 typically)
Potential for passive, ongoing income
Greater discovery potential through playlists and algorithms
Better economics for artists with very large audiences
Subscription Models
Platforms like Patreon and fan subscription tools offer a middle ground:
Recurring revenue provides financial stability
Direct relationship with most engaged fans
Opportunity to provide exclusive content and experiences
Typically higher average revenue per fan than streaming
Hybrid Approaches
Many successful independent artists use multiple models simultaneously:
Streaming services for discovery and passive income
Direct sales for dedicated fans and better economics
Subscription for super-fans and consistent income
Physical products and merchandise for additional revenue
Distribution Strategy: DIY vs. Aggregators
When it comes to getting your music onto multiple platforms, you have two primary approaches:
Direct Upload to Each Platform
Pros:
No intermediary taking a cut
Direct relationship with each platform
Ability to customize approach for each service
Cons:
Time-consuming to manage multiple accounts
Many major platforms don't allow direct uploads
Different reporting systems to track
Using Distribution Services
Services like DistroKid, CD Baby, and TuneCore handle distribution to multiple platforms.
Pros:
Single upload reaches dozens of platforms
Consolidated analytics and payments
Access to platforms that don't accept direct uploads
Additional services like publishing administration
Cons:
Fees either per release or as annual subscriptions
Less direct control over platform presence
Potential delays in payments and reporting
Maximizing Sales Across Platforms
Simply uploading your music isn't enough—you need a strategy to maximize your success:
Platform-Specific Optimization
Each platform has its own best practices:
Spotify: Focus on playlisting, create engaging artist profiles, use Canvas videos
Bandcamp: Build comprehensive album pages, use artist-direct messaging
Apple Music: Optimize for search, submit for editorial playlists
YouTube: Create visuals for all tracks, optimize descriptions for SEO
Cross-Platform Promotion
Use each platform to strengthen your presence on others:
Use Spotify's "Artist Pick" to highlight Bandcamp releases
Embed players from streaming platforms on your website
Create platform-specific links for different marketing channels
Use services like Linktree or Toneden to create centralized music link hubs
Release Strategies
Timing and exclusivity can boost your impact:
Consider platform exclusives for initial releases
Use pre-saves and pre-orders to build momentum
Time releases for maximum impact (typically Fridays)
Create platform-specific bonus content
Beyond Music Sales: Expanding Revenue Streams
While this guide focuses on the best platforms to sell music, successful artists typically diversify their income:
Merchandise Integration
Many music platforms now support merchandise sales:
Bandcamp's integrated merchandise tools
Spotify's merchandise integration with Merchbar
YouTube channel merchandise shelves
Direct sales through your own website
Sync Licensing
Getting your music in films, TV, games, and commercials can be lucrative:
Platforms like Songtradr and Music Gateway
CD Baby's sync licensing program
Publishing administration services
Direct relationships with music supervisors
Live Streaming and Virtual Events
Digital performances create additional revenue opportunities:
Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live
Ticketed virtual events through platforms like Moment House or StageIt
Interactive fan experiences with tools like Maestro or Veeps
The Future of Music Selling Platforms
As you develop your strategy, keep an eye on these emerging trends in music sales:
NFTs and Blockchain Technology
Non-fungible tokens are creating new opportunities for music monetization:
Platforms like Catalog, Sound.xyz, and Royal
Smart contracts for automated royalty splits
Fan ownership of limited-edition digital assets
Community tokens and artist DAOs
AI-Powered Personalization
Artificial intelligence is changing how fans discover and consume music:
More sophisticated recommendation algorithms
AI-generated remixes and alternate versions
Personalized listening experiences
Dynamic pricing based on listener behavior
Immersive and Interactive Experiences
The line between music product and experience continues to blur:
Virtual reality concerts and listening sessions
Interactive albums and musical experiences
Spatial audio and 3D sound environments
Metaverse presence and virtual merchandise
Conclusion: Creating Your Optimal Music Sales Strategy
The best platform to sell music ultimately depends on your specific goals, audience, and music style. Most successful independent artists use a combination of platforms to maximize both reach and revenue.
Consider starting with a core strategy of:
A distribution service like DistroKid to reach all major streaming platforms
Bandcamp for direct sales with favorable economics
Your own website as your central hub and for exclusive offerings
A subscription component for your most dedicated fans
Remember that the landscape continues to evolve rapidly, so staying flexible and experimenting with new platforms as they emerge is key to long-term success in music sales.
By thoughtfully selecting the right mix of platforms and consistently engaging with your audience, you can build a sustainable career as an independent musician in today's digital economy.
The power has shifted from gatekeepers to creators—with the right strategy for selling your music online, you can take full advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to connect directly with listeners worldwide.