How to Market and Sell Your Beats Online

In today’s digital era, independent music producers can sell beats online to a worldwide audience of artists and content creators. With the rise of specialized marketplaces and social media marketing, even bedroom producers are turning their instrumentals into income. In fact, one producer’s beat sold for just $30 ended up powering the record-breaking hit “Old Town Road,” and the platform it was sold on (BeatStars) has paid out over $50 million to producers to date​ (musicbusinessworldwide.com). This comprehensive guide will show you how to sell music beats online effectively – covering licensing options, royalty-free vs. royalty-based sales, the best websites to sell beats, and proven strategies for marketing and monetizing your beats.

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Beat Licensing

When you sell beats online, you typically do so under either an exclusive or non-exclusive license. It’s crucial to understand the difference:

• Non-Exclusive License (Leasing): Non-exclusive licensing (often called “leasing”) allows multiple artists to license the same beat. You, as the producer, retain ownership of the beat and can keep selling it to others. The artist gets rights to use the beat in their own song, but usually with certain limitations (e.g. capping the number of streams or sales, and a term length after which the license expires if not renewed). Leasing is popular because it’s affordable – an artist might pay $20–$50 for a basic lease – and it provides recurring income for producers since one beat can be sold over and over. The downside is that the beat isn’t exclusive to one buyer, so major artists or labels may be less interested in leased beats that lack uniqueness. However, leasing opens your music to a broader market of independent artists and beginners on a budget, and it can be very lucrative when you license the same beat many times.

• Exclusive License: An exclusive license means you sell the beat to one buyer for their exclusive use. Once a beat is sold exclusively, you generally stop selling or licensing it to anyone else. The buyer typically obtains extensive rights to use the beat in unlimited projects, distributions, and often in perpetuity. Because of these rights, exclusive licenses command a much higher price – often hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the producer’s reputation and the beat’s quality. Exclusive buyers (established artists, labels, sync agencies, etc.) pay a premium to ensure no one else will release a track with that same beat. For producers, an exclusive sale gives a big one-time payout, but you forego future leasing income from that beat. It’s wise to set a competitive exclusive price and only agree to it when it makes business sense (for example, if an artist offers a strong sum or you’ve already made money leasing the beat and are ready to move on).

Which should you choose? Many producers do both: they start by leasing beats non-exclusively to build income, and offer an option for artists to buy exclusive rights at a higher price. For example, you might lease a beat dozens of times for $30–$50 each, but still be open to selling exclusive rights for, say, $500. If you do sell it exclusively, you’d then pull it from your store. It’s important to clearly label your beats as exclusive or non-exclusive and use contracts for each scenario. Non-exclusive licensing is great for steady cash flow, while an exclusive sale is a bigger payday but ends that beat’s licensing cycle.

Royalty-Free vs. Royalty-Based Beat Sales

When discussing how to sell music beats, you’ll encounter the terms “royalty-free” and “royalty-based.” These refer to whether the producer (you) will earn ongoing royalties from the use of the beat or not:

• Royalty-Free Beats: In a royalty-free sale or license, the buyer pays a one-time fee to use your beat and does not owe you royalties or additional payments down the line. Most online beat leases are royalty-free for the artist – meaning once they’ve paid the license fee, they can monetize their song (up to the license’s limits) without paying the producer further royalties. You, as the producer, make your money solely from the upfront sale. For instance, if you lease a beat for $30 under a royalty-free license, the artist can release a song on streaming platforms and keep all their earnings (again, within any usage limits in the license). Royalty-free does not mean you lose your copyright – you still own the composition and can still collect writer’s share performance royalties if the song is played on radio or performed (unless explicitly waived). It simply refers to not charging the artist additional “per use” fees. Royalty-free beats are straightforward and attractive to indie artists because they know exactly what they pay upfront.

• Royalty-Based (or Royalty-Bearing) Beats: In a royalty-based arrangement, the producer will continue to earn royalties or a percentage from the resulting song. This is more common with exclusive deals or higher-end collaborations. For example, a producer might sell a beat exclusively to an artist but require a share of the song’s royalties (publishing and/or a percentage of sales/streams). In the traditional music industry, producers often get production points (a percentage of master royalties) or a split of the publishing for their work. Online, many beat sales remain royalty-free unless the song achieves major success. However, some platforms now include clauses to protect producers: one famous case is the beat for “Old Town Road” – the producer YoungKio sold it for $30 but the contract secured him 50% publishing on the song, ensuring he earned a substantial share of royalties once it went viral​ (abcnews.go.com). Royalty-based deals can also mean an arrangement like “free beat, but 50% of any revenue it generates goes to the producer.” These models are less common on marketplaces, but you can negotiate them in private deals.

  
  

In summary, royalty-free beat sales give the buyer full profit from their song (popular for online beat stores and YouTube “type beats”), whereas royalty-based deals tie the producer’s earnings to the song’s success (common in exclusive sales to bigger artists). If you’re just starting to sell beats, sticking to royalty-free leases keeps things simple. Just be sure to register your works with a PRO (Performing Rights Organization) in case the songs get radio play – you’ll want to collect your writer royalties if a leased beat unexpectedly blows up. For big exclusive deals, don’t be afraid to negotiate a royalty split or points, especially if you believe the track has hit potential.

Setting Up Your Online Beat Store (Step-by-Step)

Once your beats are ready to go, you need a place to showcase and sell them. Setting up a beat store is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose a Platform or Marketplace: First, decide where to host your beats. The two most popular platforms are BeatStars and Airbit, which are dedicated marketplaces for selling beats. There are also others like TrakTrain, Soundee, and Beatbrokerz, as well as options to create your own website (using services like Bandzoogle, Wix, or a plugin for WordPress). For beginners, a marketplace is the quickest route because they have a built-in audience of artists searching for beats. Evaluate which site is best for you – we’ll compare the best sites to sell beats in the next section. Many have free plans, so you can start with sell beats online free on a basic tier and upgrade as your business grows.

2. Sign Up and Set Up Your Profile: Create an account on the chosen site. Fill out your producer profile with a bit of branding – use a good producer name (and logo if you have one), write a bio, and link your social media. A complete, professional-looking profile can instill confidence in potential buyers.

3. Prepare Your Beats for Upload: Before uploading, make sure your tracks are high quality (both compositionally and in audio quality). It’s common to upload at least an MP3 version for preview/lease and have a WAV and track stems ready for higher-tier licenses or exclusive sales. Decide on the format for each license (MP3 only for basic leases, WAV for premium, tracked-out stems for the highest non-exclusive tier). Tip: Consider adding a voice tag (audio watermark) on your preview files to protect them from unauthorized use; the platforms usually let you upload a tagged preview separate from the actual file the customer downloads.

4. Upload and Organize Beats: Start uploading your beats to your store. Give each beat a clear, descriptive title. Many producers name beats with the style/artist in mind (e.g., "Drake Type Beat - Night Ride"), which can help in searches. Add relevant tags/keywords (genre, mood, artist type) so that potential buyers can find your music easily. Write a short description if needed, highlighting the vibe or recommended use (this can entice artists if done well).

5. Set Licensing Options and Prices: For each beat, configure the available licenses (for example: Basic MP3 Lease, WAV Lease, Trackout Lease, Exclusive) and set the price for each. Platforms like BeatStars and Airbit let you create license templates to apply across all beats for consistency. We’ll discuss pricing strategy in detail in the next section, but ensure your pricing is clearly listed and competitive. You might start with modest prices while you build your reputation. Also decide if you want to offer any free downloads (some producers allow non-profit use free downloads to build buzz – optional but worth considering).

6. Integrate Payment Methods: Make sure you link a payment account so you can get paid. Most sites will have you connect your PayPal, and some allow Stripe or other payment gateways. On marketplace platforms, transactions are often handled through the site’s system, but for your own website you might set up a PayPal button or e-commerce plugin. Test that the payment process works by maybe having a friend attempt a purchase.

7. Customize Your Store (if options available): Many beat-selling platforms allow you some customization. For example, BeatStars lets you design a personal Pro Page storefront, and Airbit offers an embeddable Infinity Store player for your website. Take advantage of this by matching the store design to your brand – choose a clean layout, set your logo, banner image, and color scheme. A professional storefront (even within a larger marketplace) helps establish your brand identity.

8. Upload Consistently: One key to success is treating your beat store as a living catalog. Continue to upload new beats regularly. Consistency keeps your profile active and gives returning customers more to choose from. Many top sellers upload new content weekly or even daily. Set a schedule that works for you (e.g., two new beats every week) and stick to it – consistent updates can also boost your visibility in marketplace search results.

9. Set Up Contracts & Customer Service: The major platforms will auto-generate license agreements for each sale, which covers the legal side. If you’re using your own site, consider providing a written license contract with each beat (you can find templates for beat licenses online). Also, be ready to answer customer questions – artists might message you asking for custom terms, bundle deals, or help with a purchase. Good customer service (fast, polite responses) can make the difference in closing a sale or building a long-term relationship with a buyer.

10. Promote Your Store: Simply setting up a beat store isn’t enough – you need to drive traffic to it (more on marketing in a later section). Use the link to your beat store in your social media bios, video descriptions, and posts so interested listeners know where to buy your music. Early on, most of your sales might come from you actively promoting rather than organic marketplace discovery, so make sure people can easily find your beats for sale.

Following these steps will launch your online beat store and set the stage for sales. Now, let’s examine the platforms you can use for selling beats and how they compare, so you can choose the best site to sell beats based on your needs.

Pricing Strategies for Selling Beats

Setting the right price for your beats can be tricky – price too high and you may scare off buyers; price too low and you undervalue your work or leave money on the table. Here are key pricing strategies and tips:

• Tiered Licensing Prices: Most producers use tiered pricing based on the license type. For example, a common structure is: Basic MP3 lease for around $20-30, a higher-quality WAV lease for $30-50, a tracked-out stems lease for $60-100, and exclusive rights often ranging anywhere from $100 up to $1000+ depending on your clout. The idea is to offer options for different budgets. Newer artists might opt for the cheapest lease, whereas more serious ones will pay more for better quality files or unlimited usage rights. Example: Superstar O (a well-known online producer) has mentioned pricing his basic mp3 leases around $30, and exclusive rights in the hundreds. Tip: Look at other producers with similar experience/skill and see their pricing to gauge the market rate.

• Don’t Undersell Exclusive Rights: If you allow exclusive purchases, price them high enough to make up for all the potential leases you’ll lose after. A simple method is to calculate what 10 typical lease sales would net you and use that as a minimum exclusive price. If you usually lease a beat for $30 and expect it could lease 10+ times over its life, then $300 might be a bare minimum for exclusive. Many producers set exclusive pricing $300-$1000. If you have a track record or the beat is exceptional, you can go much higher. Remember, exclusives also often involve the buyer negotiating some royalties or credit for you, so factor the career benefit too.

• Bundle Deals and Discounts: To incentivize sales, consider offering bundle deals like “Buy 2 get 1 free” or bulk discounts (many beat stores have this feature built-in). This can encourage artists to add more beats to their cart. For instance, you could price one beat at $30, but promote that if they buy 2, they get a third free – effectively making each ~$20. Bundles increase your volume of sales and clear more of your catalog. Just be careful to still price profitably and don’t give away too much for too little.

• Free Beats for Promotion: Paradoxically, giving away some beats for free can help you sell more in the long run. How? By building your reputation and drawing people in. Some producers upload “free for non-profit use” beats or tag certain beats as free downloads. Artists can use them in non-monetized projects (like free mixtapes or YouTube with no monetization) – but if they want to monetize or get untagged files, they must purchase a license. This strategy was famously used by producer CashMoneyAP, who allowed artists to use some beats for free which massively boosted his YouTube views and name recognition; when those artists wanted to officially release songs, many came back to buy licenses​ (pitchfork.com). Free beats act as marketing bait – just ensure you clarify the terms (require credit for the free use, non-commercial only, etc.). Over time, this can funnel serious clients to your paid offerings.

  
  

• Adjusting Prices Over Time: When you’re starting out, it’s often wise to set slightly lower prices to attract your first customers and build testimonials. As you gain sales and your brand strengthens, increase your prices gradually. If you suddenly see a surge in demand or a particular beat is selling a lot, that’s a sign you might even charge more for that hot beat (supply and demand!). Some top producers who began leasing at $20 now charge $50 or more for the same MP3 lease as their credibility grew. Don’t be afraid to experiment – you can do seasonal sales or limited-time offers to test what pricing the market comfortably accepts for your work.

• Consistency and Clarity: Whatever prices you set, be consistent and clear. Display them clearly in your beat store. If you offer custom deals (like a bigger artist inquires for an exclusive on a beat you’ve leased to many), handle those via direct communication, but keep your public storefront pricing structured so everyday customers aren’t confused. Consistency also prevents undercutting yourself – for example, if one beat is inexplicably half the price of similar ones, customers might wonder if something’s wrong with it. Aim for a logical pricing ladder across your catalog.

Ultimately, pricing has a psychological element. Some artists perceive higher-priced beats as higher quality. Others are strictly budget shoppers. By offering tiers and occasional promos, you can cater to both. Keep an eye on your sales – if beats are flying off the shelf, you might be priced too low; if you rarely get conversions, maybe consider a slight reduction or better marketing to demonstrate the value. With experience, you’ll find the sweet spot where you are fairly compensated and your customers feel they got a great beat for the price.

Marketing Your Beats Online

Quality beats and fair prices won’t get far if producers don’t market themselves. Marketing is absolutely critical to sell beats in volume, especially given the competition. Here are effective marketing approaches and channels to promote your beats:

• YouTube – Leverage “Type Beats”: YouTube has become one of the biggest drivers of beat sales. Producers upload videos (with just the beat audio and maybe a visual or waveform) titled as “Artist Type Beat – Beat Title.” For example, if you make a trap beat that sounds like something Lil Baby would rap on, you might title it “Lil Baby Type Beat 2025 – ‘Night Hustle’ | Trap Instrumental”. Artists around the world literally search YouTube for “[famous artist] type beat” to find instrumentals for their own songs. Optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords (include the bpm and key, mood tags like “sad piano type beat” etc.). Consistently uploading type beats can grow your channel subscribers. Producer CashMoneyAP famously grew his career by pumping out type beat videos on YouTube and even giving some away to build a following, which eventually led thousands of artists to his beat store​ (pitchfork.com). Remember to include a link to your beat store or licensing info in the video description and a visual tag in the video so viewers know where to buy the beat. YouTube also allows you to monetize via Content ID (to catch unauthorized use) and can indirectly lead big artists to discover you (several producers got placements after their type beats caught the attention of major artists or A&Rs).

  
  

• Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter): Establish a presence on platforms where artists hang out. Instagram is great for posting short beat snippets (use the Reels feature for broader reach), studio footage, or promotional graphics (“New Beat Uploaded – link in bio”). Use relevant hashtags like #beatmaker #sellbeats #rapbeats #producerlife and especially #typebeat plus artist/genre tags to get in front of the right audience. Engage with artists – comment on rapper/singer posts, participate in music discussions on Twitter, share useful content (e.g., tips for indie artists – building goodwill). TikTok is newer for beat selling but some producers post engaging videos (like making a beat in 60 seconds, or showcasing a beat with text “POV: You need a Drake-type beat for your next song”) which can go viral and attract artists. Consistency is key: post content daily or a few times a week to stay on people’s radars. Also, show personality – people are more likely to buy from someone they feel connected to, so occasional behind-the-scenes posts or humor can humanize your brand.

  
  

• Networking and Collaboration: Treat networking as a form of marketing. Connect with up-and-coming artists and offer them beats (either at a discount or even free for one song) to build relationships. If they gain traction, they’ll likely come back to you for more (as a paying customer) or spread the word about you to peers. Collaborate with other producers too – co-produce beats where each of you brings a unique audience, and cross-promote the final product. Sometimes two producers teaming up can double the marketing reach. Online forums and communities (Reddit’s r/makinghiphop or r/wearethemusicmakers, Facebook groups for rappers/producers) are also places to network. Don’t spam your links – instead, contribute value (feedback, advice) and subtly mention you have beats for sale when relevant or in your profile signature.

  
  

• Build an Email List: Email may sound old-school, but it’s still one of the most reliable marketing tools. Encourage visitors to your beat store or YouTube listeners to subscribe to your newsletter or mailing list for updates (you can entice them with a free beat or sample pack for signing up). With an email list, you have a direct line to potential customers. Whenever you drop new beats or have a sale, you can send out a blast to your subscribers. Services like Mailchimp or the built-in mailing list features on BeatStars/Airbit can help manage this. Keep your emails concise, showcase a few new beats with streaming links, and include a clear call-to-action to visit your store. Don’t overdo the frequency – perhaps a weekly or bi-weekly update is plenty. Over time, this list becomes a goldmine of repeat customers.

  
  

• Utilize the Marketplace Features: If you’re on dedicated beat platforms, make use of their internal features. For example, BeatStars has charts for trending beats – getting plays and likes on the platform can push you onto charts where thousands of artists browse. Encourage users to leave a like or comment on your beats on-platform. Some platforms also have promotional tools (BeatStars offers paid promo options, and contests). Airbit auto-generates YouTube and TikTok mini-videos for your beats – use those to your advantage by sharing them. If the platform has a community feed or allows you to message your followers, use it to announce new uploads or deals. The more you engage within the platform, the more the algorithm may favor your content.

  
  

• Paid Advertising: Once you have some profit to reinvest, consider paid ads. Facebook and Instagram ads allow very specific targeting – you could run ads targeting interests like “Unsigned rappers” or “Hip hop music” in specific regions, directing them to your beat store or a landing page with your beats. YouTube pre-roll ads (the ads that play before videos) can be used to play a 15-second snippet of your beat with text like “Download this beat at [your site]”. Even Google Ads can display your link when people search for things like “site to sell beats” or “buy rap beats”. Start small with budgets and test different ad creatives to see what yields clicks or sales. Always link to a relevant page (don’t just run an ad and send people to a blank homepage – send them directly to the beat or a curated playlist of your best beats). While paid ads can be hit or miss, they have the potential to quickly bring in new eyes to your catalog beyond your organic reach.

  
  

• Consistency and Branding: A general marketing principle – be consistent in branding across all channels. Use the same producer name, logo, and style in your visuals. Over time, this builds brand recognition. Also, be consistent in output (as mentioned in the upload section). Marketing isn’t a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing effort. Set aside time each day or week specifically for promotion, whether that’s scheduling social media posts, making a beat video, or reaching out to artists. It may feel like a grind, but this is what separates producers who make a few sales from those who build a sustainable business.

  
  

• Provide Value and Engage Audience: In the content marketing realm, consider creating content that provides value beyond just your beats. For example, start a YouTube series or TikTok tips where you share music production tips, or vlogs of your beat making process. This can draw in other producers and music fans, some of whom may turn into customers or collaborators. Hosting beat giveaways or remix contests can also stir up engagement (e.g., “Free beat contest – best song wins a free exclusive or spotlight”). The more you engage your audience and build a community around your brand, the more loyal your customer base will be.

Remember, successful beat sellers treat this like a business – which means marketing and networking are as important as the music itself. It might feel awkward to promote yourself at first, but as you see your audience grow and sales coming in, you’ll realize it’s just part of the game. Keep at it, refine your tactics based on what works (track where your sales are coming from – YouTube? Instagram? certain ads?), and over time you’ll develop a marketing machine that continually brings new buyers to your beats.

Success Stories of Selling Beats Online

To stay motivated, let’s look at a couple of producers who have achieved notable success by selling beats online – proving that with the right approach, selling beats can be highly rewarding:

Case Study 1: CashMoneyAP – From YouTube Beats to Billboard Hits – CashMoneyAP (Alex Petit) started out uploading type beats on YouTube and leasing them on marketplaces. By consistently feeding the “type beat” ecosystem and even allowing free usages, he built a huge following. Eventually, he was selling 500+ beats per month and making a high six-figure income from his online beat sales​ (pitchfork.com). CashMoneyAP’s online grind led to major opportunities – he began producing for industry artists like NBA YoungBoy and Lil Skies, and has earned multiple gold records. His story shows that treating beat selling seriously (as a daily hustle, optimizing YouTube SEO, and creating a brand) can elevate a bedroom producer to an in-demand hitmaker. The key takeaways from his journey: leverage YouTube heavily, don’t be afraid to give value (free beats) to get your name out, and scale up your pricing as your demand grows.

Case Study 2: YoungKio – $30 Beat Goes Platinum – YoungKio, a young producer from the Netherlands, was selling beats on BeatStars. In 2018, he sold a country-trap style beat for $30 on a non-exclusive license. That beat ended up in the hands of rapper Lil Nas X, who created Old Town Road. The song blew up globally in 2019, breaking chart records. Thanks to BeatStars’ contract, YoungKio retained his publishing rights and earned massive royalties, despite the beat’s low upfront price​ (abcnews.go.com). Once the song took off, they negotiated a new agreement, and YoungKio got credit and compensation commensurate with a chart-topping producer. This case study highlights two things: (1) the importance of proper contracts (so even a leased beat protects the producer’s rights in big scenarios), and (2) the power of online beat marketplaces in connecting creators – without BeatStars, a kid in the Netherlands would likely never have linked up with a rapper in Atlanta to make a record-breaking hit. Today, YoungKio has a deal with a major label and huge industry connections, all sparked by an online beat sale.

Other Notable Examples: Plenty of hits and successful careers have originated through selling beats online. Producer Menace sold the beat for Desiigner’s “Panda” via an online platform (for around $200) – that song hit #1 on Billboard. BeatStars alone has facilitated beats for tracks like Flipp Dinero’s double-platinum “Leave Me Alone” and Queen Naija’s platinum “Medicine,” both originally bought from producers through the site​ (musicbusinessworldwide.com). There are also thousands of producers making a comfortable living by consistently selling beats without necessarily having a big industry placement. Many report earning a few thousand dollars a month just from leasing instrumentals to independent artists – enough to go full-time with their music. These success stories show that whether your goal is to land the next big hit or simply to make a living doing what you love, marketing and selling beats online is a proven path.

Conclusion

Marketing and selling your beats online is a journey that combines musical skill with entrepreneurship. To recap, start by understanding your licensing models (offering leases vs. exclusives) and decide how you want to structure royalty arrangements. Set up your presence on the best site to sell beats that suits you, whether it’s a bustling marketplace like BeatStars/Airbit or your own website for more control. Pay close attention to your pricing strategy, using tiers and deals to maximize both accessibility and profit. Most importantly, hustle on the marketing front – use every tool at your disposal (YouTube, social media, networking, etc.) to drive artists to your beats. As the examples of successful online producers show, consistency and smart promotion can turn beat-selling into a serious income stream or even launch you into the mainstream music scene.

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge on how to sell beats online effectively, it’s time to take action. Build your catalog, carve out your brand, and put yourself out there. The world of online beat selling is competitive, but it’s also full of opportunity for those who are persistent and business-savvy. Your next instrumental could be the foundation of a hit song or the soundtrack for an influencer’s video – but only if you get it out there for people to find. Good luck, and happy beat selling!

Resources

• ABC News: Lil Nas X bought 'Old Town Road' beat for $30… (Deena Zaru) – ABC News, Aug 2, 2019.

  abcnews.go.com

• Pitchfork: How Selling and Leasing “Type Beats” Is Making Unknown Producers Rich (Alphonse Pierre) – Pitchfork, Sep 4, 2018.

  pitchfork.com

• Music Business Worldwide: Old Town Road originator BeatStars reaches $50m in royalties paid out to producers (Murray Stassen) – MusicBusinessWorldwide, June 12, 2019.

  musicbusinessworldwide.com

• Melodi Beats Blog: Airbit vs Beatstars: Which Beat Selling Platform is Better? (Brad McCollum) – MelodiBeats Blog, Mar 4, 2022.

  melodibeats.com