How to Make Money as an Upcoming Artist: Top 5 Ways

As an upcoming artist, making money through your music can be a challenge. However, there are several ways you can earn a living as a musician. The top 5 ways to make money as an artist include getting featured by fellow musicians, using streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, performing at live concerts, selling albums, and getting endorsements. Jay-Z, the richest rapper alive, used these methods, along with other business ventures, to amass a net worth of $2 billion.

One of the easiest ways for an aspiring musician to start earning money is by using YouTube. If you haven’t been signed by a record label, you can still earn revenue through YouTube by building a following and meeting YouTube’s watch hour requirements. However, not all musicians make their money solely through music. Take 50 Cent, for example, who has not released new music in a while but still makes money through TV shows, cryptocurrencies, and other ventures.

Although album sales are a popular way for established artists to earn money, it may take some time for upcoming artists to reach that level of success. Instead, focus on building your brand and exploring different revenue streams to establish yourself as a successful artist.

To learn more about how to make money as an upcoming artist, check out this list of the richest rappers and these YouTube requirements for monetization.