So, you’ve made a killer beat, a catchy hook, or even a full album. You upload it to YouTube, watch the views roll in, and then you wonder…
“Can I actually get paid for this?”
Yes, you absolutely can. Welcome to the 2025 guide on how to get paid for your music on YouTube!
TL;DR Summary:
You can earn money from your music on YouTube through ad revenue, Content ID, licensing, and donations. Joining a distributor or rights management service will help you track and monetize your music. Enable monetization features in YouTube Studio to collect payouts. Oh, and never upload copyrighted music you don’t own!
Step 1: Own or Have the Rights to Your Music
This is step one and it’s super important. If you want to earn money from your music on YouTube, you must either:
- Own 100% of the music and lyrics
- Have official permission (license) for beats, samples, or vocals you use
Posting music you don’t own? That could lead to takedowns or demonetization. So make sure your music is really your music.
Step 2: Join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
This is where the magic begins. If you want to earn ad revenue from your channel, you’ll need to get into the YouTube Partner Program. To be eligible, you need to hit:
- 500 subscribers
- 3 public uploads in the last 90 days
- 3,000 watch hours in the past year or 3 million Shorts views in 90 days
Once you meet these goals, you can apply in YouTube Studio under the Monetization tab.
Step 3: Monetize with Ad Revenue
If your channel is approved for monetization, YouTube places ads on your videos. You get a cut of that revenue!
The formula is pretty simple:
- More views = more ads
- More ads = more $$$
Just remember, the type of content matters. If you’re doing music, make sure your videos are original and follow community guidelines.
Step 4: Register Your Music with a Distributor
This part is huge. Even if you get ad revenue, it’s not the only way to make money on YouTube. A music distributor can register your music for
- YouTube Content ID — this tracks your song across YouTube
- Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
Some popular distributors include:
- DistroKid
- Tunecore
- CD Baby
- Amuse (they even have a free tier!)
They help you earn when others use your music too, not just on your own channel!
Step 5: Use YouTube Content ID
YouTube Content ID is a huge deal for musicians.
Once your song is registered, YouTube scans every upload to find videos using your sound. If you allow it, ads will appear on those videos, and you get paid.
Content ID works 24/7, even while you sleep.
Again, most distributors handle this for you. Just make sure to enable Content ID when uploading your music to them!
Step 6: Claim Publishing Royalties
Another revenue stream? Heck yes.
Besides YouTube’s monetization, you can also collect performance royalties and mechanical royalties when your song is played on YouTube (or anywhere else).
To do this, register with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like:
- ASCAP
- BMI
- SESAC (invite only)
And don’t forget about mechanical royalties! Services like SoundExchange or Songtrust can help you collect those.
Step 7: Boost Earnings with Channel Memberships, Super Thanks & Merch
YouTube isn’t just about ads. There are more ways to make cash on the platform in 2025:
- Channel Memberships — fans pay monthly to unlock exclusive content
- Super Thanks (aka Thanks button) — viewers tip you on individual videos
- Merch Shelf — sell t-shirts, music, or other cool stuff below your videos
These extras work great if you have a loyal fanbase. Engaging with your audience will help grow this too!
Step 8: License Your Music for Use by Other Creators
This one’s clever. Let other YouTubers and filmmakers use your music — for a fee!
You can license your tracks through platforms like:
- AudioJungle
- Pond5
- Artlist
- Musicbed
Or even set up your own licensing terms on your website.
Just make sure you retain your rights or have flexible licensing terms.
Step 9: Promote Your Music
No views? No money.
So promote your music like your career depends on it (because it kinda does). Here are simple ideas:
- Share on social media
- Use relevant keywords and tags
- Send your video to blogs or music influencers
- Collaborate with other YouTubers
- Place links in your video descriptions
Your music could be fire, but it still needs a spark!
Step 10: Stay Consistent and Keep Learning
You won’t become a YouTube millionaire overnight (probably). But the creators who keep learning, adjusting, and uploading? They usually win long-term.
In 2025, YouTube is evolving fast. Here’s how to stay sharp:
- Follow YouTube Creator updates
- Watch YouTube creator tips channels
- Join music creator Facebook groups or Discords
- Keep experimenting and improving your content
Bonus Tips for Maximum Monetization
Want to take your earnings to the next level? Try this:
- Upload lyric videos, visualizers, and remixes to maximize one track
- Create behind-the-scenes content to grow your brand
- Use Shorts to go viral and funnel traffic to your main songs
- Encourage fans to create user-generated content (UGC) using your music
Final Thoughts
Getting paid for your music on YouTube is totally possible in 2025. It just takes a plan, a little patience, and some smart tools. If you follow the steps above, you’re not just sharing your music — you’re turning your passion into a paycheck.
Your voice = value. Don’t leave it on the table.
Now go on, upload your next masterpiece — and make sure it gets you paid!
