Websites to Make Music: The Ultimate Guide for Creators
In today's digital age, making music is more accessible than ever. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting your musical journey, there are countless websites to make music that cater to all skill levels and needs. From browser-based beat makers to professional digital audio workstations (DAWs), the online music production landscape offers something for everyone.
This comprehensive guide will explore the best websites to create, produce, and share your musical creations. We'll cover free options for beginners, professional-grade tools for serious musicians, and everything in between. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which platforms best suit your creative process.
Browser-Based Music Production Platforms
Let's start with the most accessible option: browser-based music production websites. These platforms allow you to create music directly in your web browser without downloading or installing any software.
Soundtrap
Soundtrap is a collaborative, cloud-based music studio that works directly in your browser. Acquired by Spotify, this platform offers a user-friendly interface ideal for beginners while still providing enough features to satisfy more experienced producers.
Key features:
Collaborative real-time editing with friends
Over 4,000 loops and presets
Built-in auto-tune capabilities
Direct publishing to Spotify (via Soundtrap for Storytellers)
Cross-platform functionality
Soundtrap offers a free plan with limited features, while paid plans start at $7.99/month for more extensive capabilities.
BandLab
BandLab is a free, cloud-based music creation platform that has gained tremendous popularity. With over 40 million users worldwide, it offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating, sharing, and collaborating on music projects.
Key features:
Completely free with unlimited projects
Over 15,000 loops and samples
200+ virtual instruments
Mastering tools powered by AI
Social network for musicians
iOS and Android mobile apps
BandLab is a standout option for beginners due to its zero-cost entry point and robust feature set.
Soundation
Soundation is another browser-based DAW that enables music creation through an intuitive interface. It offers a balance between simplicity and professional features.
Key features:
Over 700 free sounds and effects
Virtual instruments and synthesizers
Automation capabilities
Studio quality effects
Cloud-based storage
Soundation offers both free and premium plans, with the latter starting at $6.99/month.
Loop-Based Music Creation Websites
If you're looking to create music by arranging pre-made loops and samples, these websites offer specialized tools for this approach.
Splice
Splice has revolutionized the way producers access samples and plugins. While not a complete DAW, Splice offers a massive library of royalty-free samples that can be downloaded and used in your music projects.
Key features:
Millions of high-quality samples
Rent-to-own payment plans for expensive plugins
Splice Originals (exclusive sample packs)
Project backup and collaboration tools
Integration with popular DAWs
Subscription plans start at $7.99/month, giving you access to a certain number of sample downloads each month.
Loopcloud
Loopcloud by Loopmasters is a sample management platform and marketplace that helps you discover, edit, and use samples in your music production workflow.
Key features:
Over 8 million samples available
Powerful sample editing capabilities
Pitch and tempo matching
Tag-based search system
Plugin that integrates with most DAWs
Subscription plans range from $7.99 to $21.99 per month, with each tier offering different numbers of monthly sample credits.
Hookpad by Hooktheory
Hookpad takes a unique approach to music creation by focusing on music theory. This platform helps you compose melodies and chord progressions even if you don't have traditional music theory knowledge.
Key features:
Theory-guided chord and melody creation
Instant feedback on what notes will sound good
Export to MIDI for use in other DAWs
Library of popular songs analyzed with music theory
Helps develop understanding of music composition
Hookpad offers a free version with basic features, with premium access starting at $5.99/month.
AI-Powered Music Creation
Artificial intelligence is transforming music production, offering tools that can generate musical ideas, complete arrangements, and even master your tracks.
AIVA
AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) uses deep learning algorithms to compose original music. It's particularly useful for creating background music for videos, games, or other media projects.
Key features:
AI-generated compositions in various styles
Customization options for generated music
MIDI export capabilities
Royalty-free licensing for premium users
Simple user interface
AIVA offers a free plan with basic features, while premium plans start at $19/month.
Soundraw
Soundraw is an AI music generator that creates original, royalty-free tracks based on your specifications. It's perfect for content creators who need custom music quickly.
Key features:
Genre, mood, and length customization
Individual track stems availability
High-quality exports
Unique compositions each time
Commercial use license
Pricing starts at $16.99/month for the basic plan.
Amper Music (now Shutterstock Music)
Amper Music, now part of Shutterstock, uses AI to create custom music tracks. While the original Amper platform has changed, Shutterstock Music continues to offer AI-assisted music creation tools.
Key features:
Professional-quality tracks
Customization by mood, genre, and length
Commercial licensing included
Integration with video editing platforms
Vast library of styles
Access to Shutterstock Music is available through various subscription plans on the Shutterstock platform.
Professional DAW Alternatives Online
For those seeking more robust music production capabilities, these online alternatives to traditional desktop DAWs offer advanced features without requiring powerful hardware.
Soundbridge
Soundbridge is a powerful, cloud-based DAW that offers professional-grade features while maintaining the accessibility of browser-based platforms.
Key features:
Advanced mixing and editing capabilities
VST plugin support
Real-time collaboration
Cloud storage for projects
Cross-platform compatibility
Soundbridge offers various subscription tiers, with the basic plan starting at around $9.99/month.
Audiotool
Audiotool is a free browser-based music production studio that emulates hardware synthesizers and drum machines. Its unique visual approach to connecting virtual devices makes it both powerful and intuitive.
Key features:
Visual patching system
Emulations of classic hardware
Active community for collaboration
Completely free to use
Public project sharing
Audiotool is entirely free, making it an excellent option for producers on a budget.
Amped Studio
Amped Studio is a powerful browser-based DAW that offers many of the features found in traditional desktop software.
Key features:
Support for VST plugins
Virtual instruments and effects
Audio and MIDI recording
Pattern editor for beats
Cloud storage for projects
Amped Studio offers both free and premium plans, with the latter starting at $4.99/month.
Music Collaboration Platforms
For musicians looking to connect and collaborate with others, these platforms offer specialized tools for remote musical partnerships.
Kompoz
Kompoz is a global community where musicians collaborate to create songs remotely. It's ideal for finding bandmates or session musicians for your projects.
Key features:
Large community of musicians across instruments
Project management tools
Copyright protection options
Public and private collaboration options
Feedback and commenting system
Kompoz offers free basic membership, with premium plans starting at around $5/month.
Drooble
Drooble is a social network for musicians that facilitates collaboration and music sharing while offering promotional tools.
Key features:
Profile pages for musicians and bands
Collaboration opportunities
Feedback exchange system
Music promotion tools
Community challenges and contests
Drooble offers free basic access with premium options available.
Vampr
Vampr is often described as "Tinder for musicians" - a mobile-focused platform for discovering collaborators based on your musical preferences and needs.
Key features:
Swipe-based matching with potential collaborators
In-app messaging
Integration with streaming platforms
Professional opportunity listings
Digital distribution options
Vampr offers free basic access with premium subscription options available.
Music Distribution and Promotion Websites
Once you've created your music, these platforms help you share it with the world and potentially monetize your creativity.
DistroKid
DistroKid is one of the most popular music distribution services, allowing independent artists to get their music on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Key features:
Unlimited uploads for a flat annual fee
Keep 100% of your royalties
Fast track distribution (often within 24-48 hours)
Split payments with collaborators
Sync licensing opportunities
DistroKid's basic plan starts at $19.99/year.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud remains one of the most important platforms for independent musicians to share and promote their work. It serves as both a distribution platform and a community.
Key features:
Direct upload and sharing
Community engagement through comments and likes
Detailed analytics
SoundCloud Premier for monetization
Playlist placement opportunities
SoundCloud offers free basic access, with premium plans starting at $5/month.
Bandcamp
Bandcamp is a platform that focuses on direct artist support, allowing musicians to sell their music and merchandise directly to fans.
Key features:
Customizable artist pages
Direct sales of digital and physical products
Name-your-price option
Low commission rates compared to other platforms
Fan collection features
Bandcamp is free to join, with the platform taking a percentage of sales (15% for digital, 10% for merchandise).
Music Website Builders for Artists
Having a professional website is crucial for musicians looking to build their brand. These platforms make it easy to create a web presence without coding knowledge.
Bandzoogle
Bandzoogle is a website builder specifically designed for musicians and bands. It offers music-oriented features that general website builders might lack.
Key features:
Music player integration
Commission-free sales of music and merchandise
EPK (Electronic Press Kit) templates
Tour date management
Fan mailing list tools
Pricing starts at $8.29/month (billed annually).
Wix Music
Wix Music combines the general website building capabilities of Wix with specific features for musicians, making it a versatile choice for artist websites.
Key features:
Customizable music player
Music sales capabilities
Event promotion tools
Blog functionality
Email marketing integration
Wix offers a free plan with basic features, while premium plans for musicians start at around $14/month.
Free Musician Website Platforms
For those just starting out, free musician website platforms offer accessible options to establish your online presence without initial investment. These platforms provide essential features to showcase your music while letting you focus on creating rather than web development.
Music Education and Learning Websites
Improving your musical skills is essential for creating better music. These websites offer resources for learning and development.
Teoria
Teoria is a free resource for music theory education, offering exercises and tutorials to strengthen your understanding of musical concepts.
Key features:
Interactive music theory exercises
Ear training tools
Rhythm exercises
Musical analysis resources
Reference materials
Teoria is completely free to use, making it accessible to all music creators.
Coursera Music Production Courses
Coursera offers numerous courses from top universities and institutions covering various aspects of music production, theory, and business.
Key features:
University-level instruction
Structured learning paths
Certificates upon completion
Peer-reviewed assignments
Forums for student interaction
Many courses are available for free audit access, with certificates and additional features requiring payment.
YouTube
While not exclusively a music website, YouTube hosts countless channels dedicated to music production tutorials, making it one of the largest repositories of free music education.
Popular music production channels include:
Mobile Apps for Music Creation
Creating on the go has become increasingly popular. These mobile platforms offer powerful music-making capabilities for smartphones and tablets.
GarageBand (iOS)
GarageBand for iOS is Apple's entry-level music production app that offers surprising depth and quality in a mobile package.
Key features:
Virtual instruments with realistic sounds
Smart instruments for beginners
Live loops feature
Multi-track recording
Seamless integration with GarageBand and Logic on Mac
GarageBand is free for iOS users.
FL Studio Mobile
FL Studio Mobile brings the popular desktop DAW experience to mobile devices, offering a comprehensive music production environment.
Key features:
Step sequencer and piano roll
High-quality synthesizers and samples
Audio recording capabilities
Automation features
Project transfer with FL Studio desktop
FL Studio Mobile is available for a one-time purchase of around $14.99.
Bandlab Mobile
The mobile version of BandLab brings many of the browser-based platform's features to smartphones and tablets, enabling music creation anywhere.
Key features:
Multi-track recording
Loops and samples library
Virtual instruments
Social sharing features
Sync with BandLab web platform
BandLab Mobile is free to download and use on both iOS and Android devices.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Music-Making Website
With the vast array of websites to make music available today, there's never been a better time to be a music creator. From browser-based platforms that require no downloads to professional-grade online DAWs, mobile apps, and AI-assisted tools, the options are virtually limitless.
When choosing the right platform for your music-making journey, consider your experience level, specific needs, and budget. Beginners might start with free options like BandLab or Soundtrap, while more experienced producers might benefit from the advanced features of Soundbridge or Amped Studio.
Remember that many of these platforms offer free trials or basic free versions, allowing you to experiment before committing. It's also worth using a combination of different tools - perhaps creating initial ideas in a loop-based platform, developing them in a full-featured DAW, and then distributing and promoting your finished work through dedicated channels.
The most important thing is to find the tools that inspire your creativity and help you bring your musical ideas to life. With the websites covered in this guide, you're well-equipped to start or continue your music production journey, regardless of your starting point or ultimate goals.
What's your favorite website to make music? Have you tried any of the platforms mentioned in this article? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!