Monetize Your AI Music

Introduction

This article stems from a frustration I’ve seen play out repeatedly on social media: people arguing that AI music cannot be monetized. Those anti-AI music voices claim that because AI-generated tracks lack the traditional elements of human composition, there’s no way for creators to make a living from them. They are flat-out wrong.

AI music is a new addition to the industry and brings with it unprecedented accessibility that will allow music to be used in ways we haven’t even imagined yet. Many of these opportunities could be available as early as next year. And the best part? We don’t have to wait. There are already numerous avenues available for AI music creators to monetize their work—whether your track is AI-generated in whole or in part.

AI music is poised to disrupt the traditional barriers to entry in the music industry, and those who recognize its potential can begin exploring these monetization methods today. Whether you have full copyright protection over your work or not, there are opportunities waiting for you. Let’s dive into how you can start monetizing your AI music now.

1. Methods Suitable for AI Music Creators with Limited Copyright Protections

These methods are ideal for AI music creators who may not have full copyright protection over their AI-generated music but still want to monetize through licensing, collaborations, or other accessible avenues.

A. Licensing for Non-Traditional Media

  • Podcasts
    Podcasters need background music for intros, outros, or transitions. AI music offers a cost-effective solution, where simple licenses can be used without needing full copyright ownership.

  • Video Games and Apps
    Indie developers often have limited budgets and don’t require fully copyrighted music. AI-generated soundtracks for games and apps are appealing due to affordability and flexibility.

  • Online Courses and E-Learning
    With the rise of online education, course creators require royalty-free background music for video lectures and presentations. AI music can provide calming or upbeat tracks suitable for educational content.

B. Custom Music for Brands

  • Small Business Marketing (Advertisements, Background Music)
    AI music can be used to create background tracks for small business ads or in-store music, where copyright isn’t a priority, and exclusivity isn’t required.

  • Corporate Events and Presentations
    Companies need music for training videos, corporate presentations, and promotional events. AI-generated music can be used as royalty-free tracks or custom compositions for these purposes without requiring full ownership.

  • Sonic Branding for Startups (Sonic Logos or Jingles)
    Startups often look for affordable ways to build a brand identity. AI music creators can offer short, catchy sound logos or jingles that help reinforce brand identity without the need for high-cost licensing.

C. Micro-Licensing for User-Generated Content (UGC)

  • YouTube Creators
    Content creators on YouTube need affordable music options for intros, background music, and transitions. AI music can be licensed non-exclusively, providing low-cost alternatives for UGC creators.

  • Social Media Influencers
    Influencers on Instagram and TikTok often require quick, royalty-free tracks for their content. AI music can be provided at low cost for one-time use, making it attractive for creators with smaller budgets.

  • Twitch Streamers and Gamers
    Live streamers on platforms like Twitch need royalty-free music to avoid copyright strikes. AI-generated music can offer them background tracks, helping streamers maintain engaging live sessions without worrying about complex licensing issues.

D. Creating Royalty-Free Music Libraries

  • Subscription Models for Content Creators
    AI music creators can build their own royalty-free libraries, offering access to content creators on a subscription basis. These libraries allow users to pay for ongoing access without copyright restrictions.

  • One-Time Licensing Fees for Royalty-Free Music
    Sell individual tracks or bundles under one-time licenses, where customers purchase royalty-free rights. This is suitable for creators who don’t require ownership but need access to a track for specific projects.

E. AI Music for Wellness and Therapy

  • Meditation and Mindfulness Apps
    AI-generated ambient music can be licensed to meditation and mindfulness platforms, providing calming soundscapes for users. Full copyright isn’t typically needed here, as the focus is on mood and functionality.

  • Therapeutic Use in Healthcare Settings
    Music therapy programs in healthcare often seek non-lyrical, soothing music for patient care environments. AI music creators can offer functional, mood-enhancing tracks without requiring high production standards or full copyright.

2. Methods That Benefit from Copyrightable or Enhanced AI Music

For AI music creators who incorporate additional elements like lyrics, mastering, or sound design, these methods focus on more exclusive, high-quality opportunities that often require copyright protection and higher production standards.

A. Custom Commissions for Independent Artists and Filmmakers

  • Indie Film Soundtracks
    Independent filmmakers often need original scores but have limited budgets. AI music creators can offer custom soundtracks, provided they enhance the AI-generated music with additional elements like mastering or composition.

  • Artists Seeking Instrumentals
    Independent artists frequently look for instrumentals to write lyrics over. High-quality AI-generated music that has been mastered or customized can be licensed exclusively, giving artists an original base to build on.

B. Stock Music for Corporate and Commercial Use

  • Commercials and Ads
    Corporations and ad agencies need high-quality, mastered tracks for professional commercials. AI music creators offering copyrightable music with enhanced production can list their work on stock platforms where businesses source their music.

  • Corporate Videos and Trainings
    Corporate clients producing training videos or promotional materials expect fully copyrightable, high-quality music that’s free from legal complications. AI music with additional mastering can be licensed to fulfill these needs.

C. Exclusive Sound Design for NFTs and Digital Collectibles

  • NFT Collaborations
    NFT artists often require exclusive soundtracks for their digital art. AI music creators who enhance their work with custom sound design or unique compositions can collaborate with NFT artists to offer one-of-a-kind soundtracks.

  • Minting AI-Generated Music as NFTs
    AI music creators can mint their own tracks as NFTs, offering exclusive, one-of-a-kind music pieces for collectors. By incorporating original sound elements or variations, AI-generated music can become a unique digital asset.

D. Music for Digital and Interactive Art Installations

  • Art Exhibitions
    Digital artists often need immersive soundscapes for exhibitions. AI music creators can provide dynamic tracks that interact with visual installations. These soundscapes may require more refinement and custom sound design.

  • Museums and Immersive Installations
    Museums and immersive spaces increasingly use sound to create multi-sensory experiences. AI music that evolves dynamically or integrates interactive elements can be an innovative solution for this market, provided it’s customized and of high quality.

E. White Label Music Services

  • Music Libraries for Agencies
    Agencies often need to provide custom music for their clients without revealing the source. AI music creators can offer white-label services, allowing agencies to brand the music as their own. These projects often require copyrightable, high-quality music.

  • White-Label Music for Businesses
    Businesses needing branded music for their apps, websites, or marketing materials can benefit from AI music creators offering white-label music. In these cases, copyright ownership and quality production are key to providing value.

3. Monetization Through Education and Teaching

For AI music creators who want to share their knowledge rather than selling tracks, educational opportunities provide an avenue for income that doesn’t require copyrightable music.

A. Educational Content and Tutorials

  • AI Music Tutorials (Video tutorials, e-books, online courses)
    AI music creators can monetize their expertise by teaching others how to use platforms like Suno AI. Video tutorials, e-books, or online courses can guide beginners in the basics of AI music creation.

  • Workshops and Webinars (Live sessions teaching AI music creation)
    Live webinars and workshops offer a way to teach AI music creation in real-time. Whether it’s a one-time class or a full workshop series, AI music creators can share techniques and strategies, even without needing copyrighted music.

4. Hybrid Opportunities for Both Copyrightable and Non-Copyrightable Music

These opportunities can fit either non-copyrightable AI music or copyrightable, enhanced tracks, depending on the client's needs and the specific project.

A. Sonic Branding for Startups and Entrepreneurs

  • Custom Jingles
    AI-generated jingles don’t always need to be copyrightable, but higher-value clients may prefer exclusive rights to the music. Offering a range of options allows you to meet different client needs, whether it’s a royalty-free jingle or one with full ownership.

  • Product Launch Soundtracks
    For startups or product launches, AI music can create soundtracks that reflect the brand’s identity. While some clients may not need exclusive rights, larger companies may expect a copyrightable, high-quality track.

B. AI Music in Digital Marketing Campaigns

  • Background Music for Ads
    Low-budget digital ads might only need royalty-free AI music, but high-profile campaigns often require original, professionally produced tracks. Offering both options can cater to a broader range of clients.

  • Music for Influencer Collaborations
    Influencers need custom music for their sponsored content, and AI music can fill this need. For more significant collaborations or high-value campaigns, influencers may prefer to have exclusive rights to the track, meaning copyrightable music is essential.

Summary

AI music creators have a broad range of monetization opportunities available, depending on the level of customization and copyright protection their tracks have.

  • For creators with limited copyright protection, focus on licensing your tracks to non-traditional media, UGC creators, and wellness platforms, or consider building a royalty-free music library.

  • For those producing high-quality, copyrightable tracks, explore markets such as indie film commissions, NFTs, stock music for corporate clients, or sonic branding for businesses.

By recognizing the right fit for your capabilities and level of music production, you can tap into unique markets where AI music creation can truly shine.