It’s no secret that some of the biggest names in music today got their start on YouTube. However, being signed to a multi-million dollar record deal isn’t the only way to become a successful YouTube musician. In fact, you can turn your music channel into a lucrative career with a few clever strategies.
First, make sure your channel is eligible for monetization. Once you’ve reached the one thousand subscriber threshold, use these strategies to make more money from your music channel.
1. Upload and monetize videos that aren’t music-related.
If every video on your channel is eligible for monetization, make the most of it by uploading more frequently. Because the relationship you have with your audience is the foundation of your success online, upload non-music related videos to help them get to know you better.
For example, Dodie joined YouTube in order to launch her music career. Though she gets millions of views on her main music channel, she created a secondary channel to upload more casual videos to. Because both channels are monetized, Dodie is able to earn more money no matter what kind of content she’s uploading that week.
2. Accept sponsorships.
Another way Dodie increases her income through her YouTube videos is sponsorships. While she’s done a few sponsored non-music videos, her most successful sponsored videos have all incorporated music in some way.
Sponsorships aren’t just for vloggers who want to review products or interrupt their videos with an ad. For example, Dodie incorporated a sponsored try-on haul into a cover video.
3. Open a Patreon.
Many content creators use Patreon to support their channels. For a set amount each month, fans can gain access to exclusive content, shout-outs, and rewards.
You can engage with your most loyal fans while earning more money to support your content creation. The best part is that you get to decide what rewards to set.
4. Offer music lessons online.
If you have a webcam, then you can offer remote music lessons to your fans. Use Skype or FaceTime to connect with them from anywhere in the world. You can list prices by class length or frequency on your website or in your video descriptions. You may want to set up a separate email address for interested fans to contact you through as well.
Vocal coach Tristan Paredes offers remote music lessons through his Patreon.
5. Design and sell merch.
Many people have band t-shirts or concert posters, and music merch can be as simple or as high fashion as the creator wants. Design and sell your own line of merch featuring your album artwork, favorite lyrics, etc.
YouTube makes it easy to sell merch right from your channel. Use the Merch Shelf feature to list items from your Teespring store directly under your videos.
As a musician, you don’t have to stray far from YouTube to monetize your music. Use Patreon and the Merch Shelf feature to support yourself while you work on your next upcoming album.
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Kristen Harris enjoys listening to a wide range of music, from Taylor Swift to, on occasion, Celtic instrumental. She also spends her time writing, reading, and baking.
