Can one make money on YouTube with music playlists? Yes, it is possible to make money on YouTube with music playlists, but there are several factors to consider regarding monetization and copyright compliance.
Ways To Make Money with YouTube with Music Playlists
Here’s how you can potentially generate income through music playlists on YouTube:
1. Creating Original Music Playlists
- Original Content: If you create playlists featuring your original music or compositions, you can monetize them through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
- Ad Revenue: Once you meet the eligibility requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours), you can earn ad revenue from viewers who listen to your playlists.
2. Curated Playlists with Copyrighted Music
- Curation of Copyrighted Music: You can create playlists featuring popular songs by other artists, but you must have the proper rights or licenses to use that music.
- Challenges: Most popular music is copyrighted, and using it without permission could result in your videos being demonetized or removed. YouTube’s Content ID system automatically detects copyrighted music, which can lead to strikes against your channel.
- Alternatives: Instead of using copyrighted music, consider using royalty-free music or music that is available under Creative Commons licenses, which can be used legally with proper attribution.
3. Affiliate Marketing
- Promoting Music Services: You can create playlists that promote specific music platforms, services, or products (like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) and include affiliate links in your video descriptions. You earn a commission when viewers sign up or make a purchase through your link.
4. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
- Partnering with Brands: If your channel grows, you might attract sponsorships from music-related brands or services. This could involve creating playlists that feature their products or services.
- Earnings Potential: Sponsored content can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your channel size and engagement.
5. YouTube Premium Revenue
- YouTube Premium Subscribers: If YouTube Premium subscribers listen to your playlists, you earn a share of their subscription fee. While this income can be more unpredictable, it can still contribute to your overall revenue.
While it is possible to make money on YouTube with music playlists, the key to success lies in creating original content or using copyright-compliant music. Building a loyal audience, exploring sponsorship opportunities, and leveraging affiliate marketing can further enhance your revenue potential. Always ensure compliance with copyright laws to avoid issues that could jeopardize your channel.
YouTube Channels that Make Money on YouTube with Music Playlists
Here are some popular creators and channels that make money on YouTube with music playlists:
1. Chillhop Music
- Content: Chillhop Music is known for its lo-fi hip-hop playlists that provide a relaxing backdrop for studying, working, or relaxing. They curate a wide range of instrumental tracks from various artists.
- Monetization: They earn money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and promoting music services on their channel.
2. Lofi Girl
- Content: Formerly known as Chillhop Music’s “lofi hip hop radio,” Lofi Girl streams 24/7 lo-fi hip-hop beats. The channel has gained immense popularity for its laid-back vibe and iconic animated character.
- Monetization: The channel makes money through ad revenue, donations from live streams, and merchandise sales.
3. Trap Nation
- Content: Trap Nation features playlists of trap and bass music, showcasing both popular tracks and emerging artists. They create and curate playlists that resonate with fans of electronic music.
- Monetization: They monetize their channel through ads, brand partnerships, and sponsorships.
4. MrSuicideSheep
- Content: MrSuicideSheep curates a mix of electronic music genres, including future bass, chill, and deep house. The channel highlights up-and-coming artists and established producers.
- Monetization: They generate revenue through YouTube ads, sponsored content, and merchandise.
5. Majestic Casual
- Content: Majestic Casual focuses on a mix of electronic, chill, and indie music. The channel is known for its aesthetic visuals and curated playlists that attract a diverse audience.
- Monetization: They make money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and partnerships with music labels and brands.
6. NCS (NoCopyrightSounds)
- Content: NCS provides royalty-free music primarily for creators, allowing them to use tracks without worrying about copyright issues. Their playlists cover various genres and are popular among gamers and content creators.
- Monetization: They earn revenue through YouTube ads and partnerships with other platforms promoting their music.
7. Selected
- Overview: Selected curates playlists that feature electronic and deep house music, showcasing a mix of mainstream hits and lesser-known artists. The channel has gained a strong following for its quality selections.
- Monetization: The channel monetizes through ad revenue and sponsorships, benefiting from its dedicated listener community.
8. The Bootleg Boy
- Overview: The Bootleg Boy focuses on chill and lo-fi music, creating playlists that resonate with fans looking for relaxing and ambient tracks. Their content often encourages creativity and tranquility.
- Monetization: This channel generates income through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, appealing to its growing audience.
9. Epidemic Sound
- Overview: Epidemic Sound features a library of royalty-free music tailored for content creators, offering playlists across various genres, from pop to ambient music.
- Monetization: The channel makes money through subscription models and partnerships, providing a valuable resource for creators in need of licensed music.
10. Study Music Project
- Overview: Specializing in calming music playlists, Study Music Project focuses on enhancing focus and productivity, making it ideal for studying or working.
- Monetization: The channel generates revenue through YouTube ads and possibly sponsorships, catering to students and professionals seeking effective study music.
These creators have successfully monetized their YouTube channels by curating music playlists, utilizing various revenue streams such as ad revenue, sponsorships, and brand partnerships. By focusing on specific genres and building dedicated audiences, they have established significant platforms in the music community on YouTube.