7 Strategies to Make Money Online Listening to Music: Step by Step Guide

The idea of earning money while listening to your favorite tunes might sound too good to be true. However, with the rise of digital platforms, there are legitimate ways to monetize your love for music. While this won’t replace a full-time income, it can provide a flexible side hustle for music enthusiasts. Below, we break down actionable steps to turn your listening habits into cash, using ethical and verified methods.

1. Get Paid to Review Music

How It Works:
Companies and artists often need feedback on their tracks to improve or market their music. Platforms connect listeners with unreleased songs, paying you to share your opinions.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Sign Up on Music Review Platforms:

   • Slice the Pie: A popular site where you review songs, albums, or fashion. Payments range from 0.05to0.05to0.20 per review.

   • Music Xray: Focuses on emerging artists. Earn by providing detailed feedback.

   • PlaylistPush: Curators can earn 20–20–50 per song review if their playlists have a large following.

2. Complete Your Profile:
   Share your musical preferences to receive relevant tracks.

3. Listen and Review Thoughtfully:
   Provide constructive feedback on elements like lyrics, rhythm, and production quality. Longer, detailed reviews often pay more.

4. Cash Out:
   Most platforms pay via PayPal once you reach a threshold (e.g., $10 on Slice the Pie).

Tips:

• Be honest but respectful in critiques.

• Consistency boosts earnings—review daily.

2. Earn Through Music Streaming Platforms

How It Works:
Some apps reward users for streaming music, and sharing revenue from ads or subscriptions.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Use Reward-Based Streaming Apps:

   • Current Rewards: This app pays in “Points” for listening to radio stations. Points convert to gift cards (e.g., $10 Amazon gift card for 10,000 points).

   • Rocket Money (formerly Truebill): While primarily a budgeting app, it offers cashback for linking streaming services like Spotify.

2. Sign Up and Link Accounts:
   Connect your existing music streaming subscriptions (Spotify, Apple Music) to earn micro-rewards.

3. Stream as Usual:
   No extra effort is needed—just play music through the app.

Limitations:

• Earnings are small (e.g., 1–1–5/month).

• Combine with other methods for better results.

3. Participate in Music Surveys and Market Research

How It Works:
Companies like Nielsen and record labels pay for consumer insights on music trends.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Join Survey Platforms:

   • Swagbucks: Complete surveys about music preferences. Earn points redeemable for cash or gift cards.

   • Pinecone Research: Exclusive invites for high-paying surveys.

2. Set Up Notifications:
   Opt-in for music-related surveys to get targeted opportunities.

3. Answer Honestly:
   Share your listening habits, favorite genres, and feedback on new releases.

Earnings:

• Surveys typically pay 0.50–0.50–5 each.

4. Become a Playlist Curator

How It Works:
Artists and labels pay curators to feature their songs on popular Spotify or Apple Music playlists.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Build a Niche Playlist:
   Focus on a genre (e.g., indie rock, lo-fi study beats) and grow followers organically.

2. Monetize via Platforms:

   • SubmitHub: Curators earn 1–1–3 per song review.

   • PlaylistPush: Requires 1,000+ followers. Earn 20–20–50 per placement.

3. Promote Your Playlist:
   Share on social media or forums like Reddit’s r/SpotifyPlaylists.

Tips:

• Maintain authenticity—don’t overload with paid tracks.

• Engage with followers to boost retention.

5. Use Cashback and Reward Apps

How It Works:
Earn passive income by linking music subscriptions to cashback apps.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Download Apps:

   • Rakuten: Offers cashback for Spotify Premium sign-ups.

   • Honey: Occasionally has deals for Apple Music.

2. Activate Offers:
   Click through the app before purchasing a subscription.

3. Redeem Earnings:
   Cash-out via PayPal or check.

Earnings:

• Typically 5–5–20 per referral or sign-up.

6. Start a Music Blog or YouTube Channel

How It Works:
Monetize your music expertise through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Choose a Platform:

   • Blog (WordPress, Medium) or YouTube.

2. Create Content:

   • Review albums.

   • Analyze lyrics.

   • Share “study playlists” or “workout mixes.”

3. Monetize:

   • Enable Google AdSense on YouTube or your blog.

   • Partner with brands via affiliate links (e.g., Amazon Music).

Tips:

• Consistency is key—post weekly.

• Use SEO keywords like “best indie albums 2024.”

7. Test Music Apps and Websites

How It Works:
Companies pay users to test beta versions of music apps.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Sign Up on Testing Platforms:

   • UserTesting: Pays 10–10–30 for 20-minute tests.

   • Enroll: Check sites like Beta Testing for music app opportunities.

2. Complete Tasks:
   Test features, report bugs, and suggest improvements.

Earnings:

• 10–10–50 per test.

Avoiding Scams

• Red Flags:

  • Upfront payment requirements.

  • Promises of unrealistic earnings (e.g., “$500/hour”).

• Stick to Verified Platforms:
  Research sites on Trustpilot or Reddit before joining.

Final Tips for Maximizing Earnings

• Combine Methods: Increase income by using 2–3 strategies (e.g., reviews + surveys).

• Track Your Time: Focus on high-paying tasks first.

• Stay Updated: Follow r/beermoney or SideHustleNation for new opportunities.

Conclusion
While making money by listening to music won’t make you wealthy, it’s a fun way to earn extra cash. You can monetize your passion without scams by leveraging reviews, playlists, surveys, and content creation. Stay patient, diversify your efforts, and enjoy the ride—after all, you’re getting paid to do what you love!