Want to release music but have a limited budget? 🤔
One of the smartest strategies for independent artists is starting with a Non-Exclusive License and upgrading to Exclusive Rights once their song gains traction.
For many upcoming artists, budget is tight—but that shouldn’t stop you from recording, releasing, and monetizing your music. In this guide, we’ll show you how you can:
✅ Get started with an affordable Standard (Non-Exclusive) License.
✅ Build momentum and test your song’s success.
✅ Upgrade to an Exclusive License when the time is right.
✅ Maximize your earnings while minimizing financial risk.
If you’re an artist who likes to record a lot of music or wants to experiment before committing to a major purchase, this roadmap is for you.
Step 1: Purchase a Standard (Non-Exclusive) License to Get Started 🎶
The biggest hurdle for many artists is budget. Exclusive beats can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, which isn’t always realistic for someone still building their fanbase.
A Standard License (Non-Exclusive) is the perfect entry point.
Why Choose a Standard License First?
✔️ Affordable – Non-exclusive beats are much cheaper than exclusive ones.
✔️ Low-risk investment – You don’t have to spend big money upfront.
✔️ Allows you to record and release music – Get your music out there without delay.
✔️ Test your audience’s reaction – See if your song gains traction before upgrading.
What You Can Do with a Standard License
With a Standard License, you can:
🎧 Record vocals and release a new song.
📢 Distribute and promote your song on streaming platforms.
📈 Earn money from streams and sales (within the license’s limits).
🎬 Use the song in a music video (limited monetization).
🎤 Perform it live at shows, clubs, or radio stations (within limits).
💡 Tip: Standard licenses have limits on sales, streams, and monetized plays (e.g., 50,000 streams or 100,000 downloads). Keep track of your numbers so you know when it’s time to upgrade!
Step 2: Promote & Track Your Song’s Performance 📊🔥
Once your song is released, your goal is to make it grow—because the bigger it gets, the more you’ll need exclusive rights.
How to Get More Streams & Listeners
📌 Social Media Marketing – Share clips of your song on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts to get attention.
📌 Playlist Submissions – Submit your track to Spotify playlists, YouTube channels, and blogs to increase exposure.
📌 Music Videos – Even a simple visualizer can boost engagement and increase views on YouTube.
📌 Live Performances & Open Mics – Perform your song anywhere you can to build a real-world audience.
📌 Engage Your Fans – Encourage fans to create remixes, dance challenges, or covers to spread your track.
💡 The Goal? Once your song reaches the streaming or sales limits in your Standard License, you’ll need to upgrade to an Exclusive License so you can keep profiting without restrictions.
Step 3: Upgrade to Exclusive Rights When Your Song Gains Traction 🚀
If your song is getting real traction, it’s time to secure your investment before someone else buys the exclusive rights to your beat.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade to Exclusive Rights
✅ Your streams are hitting the Standard License limits (e.g., 100,000+ streams).
✅ Your song is going viral (on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube).
✅ You’re getting airplay on bigger radio stations.
✅ You’re booking more paid shows and live performances.
✅ You want full control over the song’s future.
Why You Need to Upgrade
🔒 Secure exclusive ownership – No one else can buy the beat once you upgrade.
💰 Unlimited earnings potential – No limits on sales, streams, or monetization.
📀 Register your song with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) and collect full royalties.
🎥 Use the song in sync deals, films, commercials, and major projects.
💡 Tip: If you wait too long, another artist could buy the Exclusive License first—which means your song could get removed from stores and streaming services if you don’t have the rights!
Step 4: Maximize Your Investment & Scale Your Music Career 📈
Now that you own the beat exclusively, your focus should be on scaling up and maximizing profits.
How to Maximize Your Song’s Success
🎯 Monetize everything – Register with a PRO, YouTube Content ID, and digital distributors to get every royalty possible.
🎯 Pitch your song for sync licensing – Secure TV, film, and ad placements for extra revenue.
🎯 Push it on radio & press – Secure radio interviews, blog placements, and music press features to increase visibility.
🎯 Leverage your success for future music – Use profits from your first song to reinvest in better production, marketing, and bigger opportunities.
🎧💰 The goal? Turn one song into a long-term income stream while building your brand as an artist.
Final Thoughts: Why This Strategy Works for Independent Artists 🎤💡
If you’re an upcoming artist on a budget, the smartest way to navigate beat licensing is:
1️⃣ Start with a Standard License – Get your song out without spending too much.
2️⃣ Promote & track your success – Watch your streams and audience growth.
3️⃣ Upgrade to Exclusive Rights when needed – Lock in ownership before another artist does.
4️⃣ Scale your music career – Monetize, market, and reinvest your earnings.
This step-by-step approach lets new artists experiment, release more music, and scale their careers gradually—without making risky upfront investments.
🔑 Want to start your journey? Browse beats and secure your Standard License today! 🎶🔥
