In this article, we will explore the top 5 music libraries for producers and musicians looking to license their music in 2022. These platforms offer great opportunities for musicians to earn money with production music, instrumentals, and full-length tracks through music publishing.
1. Pond5
Pond5 is one of the most popular and versatile platforms for music licensing, known for offering a wide range of media including video clips, sound effects, and music tracks. It has a large user base, making it a great option for musicians and producers looking to reach a broader audience.
Why Pond5?
- Flexible Pricing: You have the ability to set your own prices for your music, which gives you control over how much you earn per placement.
- Non-Exclusive Deals: Pond5 allows non-exclusive deals, meaning you can upload the same tracks to multiple libraries and maximize your revenue streams.
- Large Marketplace: With millions of users browsing Pond5, there’s a higher chance of your music being discovered and licensed.
How to Get Started: Create a free account, upload your music, and tag it with relevant keywords to make it easier for potential clients to find your tracks.
2. AudioJungle
AudioJungle is part of the Envato Market, a popular marketplace for digital products. It’s known for its extensive collection of royalty-free music and sound effects. AudioJungle offers musicians a platform to sell their music to content creators, advertisers, and filmmakers.
Why AudioJungle?
- Massive Exposure: Being part of Envato Market gives your music a chance to be seen by a large, global audience.
- Quality Control: AudioJungle has a strong vetting process, which ensures that your music stands out in a high-quality catalog.
- Royalty-Based Earnings: You earn royalties each time your music is licensed by a buyer, with the potential for consistent income as your catalog grows.
How to Get Started: Sign up for an account and submit your music. Be prepared for an initial review process to ensure that your tracks meet their quality standards.
3. Motion Array
Motion Array is a subscription-based media platform that allows users to license music, video templates, sound effects, and stock footage. It has gained popularity due to its simple licensing process and wide range of creative assets.
Why Motion Array?
- High-Quality Submissions: Motion Array has a selective process for onboarding music producers, which means that accepted tracks are part of a premium catalog.
- Monthly Payouts: You earn a share of the revenue generated from subscribers each month, creating a regular stream of income.
- Content Creators: Motion Array is popular among YouTubers, filmmakers, and digital marketers, making it an ideal platform for getting your music placed in media projects.
How to Get Started: Submit an application with samples of your music. Once accepted, you can start uploading and tagging your tracks for potential clients.
4. Melody Loops
Melody Loops is a music library specializing in looped music, which makes it perfect for producers creating tracks for apps, background music, and presentations. It’s a niche platform that focuses on short, loopable tracks, making it unique among the larger libraries.
Why Melody Loops?
- Specialized Focus: If you create loop-based music, Melody Loops is a great platform to find clients who specifically need background and looping tracks.
- Non-Exclusive Licensing: Similar to Pond5, Melody Loops allows you to retain the rights to your music and license it through multiple platforms.
- Clear Pricing: Melody Loops has set prices for different usage scenarios, so you know exactly how much you’ll earn per sale.
How to Get Started: Create an account, upload your music, and select the appropriate licensing options for different types of media usage.
5. Mibe Music
Mibe Music is a smaller but highly respected music library that focuses on providing high-quality music for film, TV, and commercials. Although not as large as other platforms, Mibe Music offers a more curated experience for both producers and clients, which can result in higher-value placements.
Why Mibe Music?
- Exclusive Library: Mibe Music is more selective with its music submissions, which can lead to higher payouts per placement.
- Sync Placements: The platform has strong relationships with TV and film producers, making it a great option if you're looking to get sync placements for your music.
- Curated Catalog: Since the library is smaller and more curated, your music has less competition and a higher chance of being placed.
How to Get Started: You’ll need to submit an application with your best tracks, and if accepted, you can start uploading your music for sync opportunities.
Bonus Resource: Music Library Report
If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource to evaluate various music libraries, Music Library Report is a user-generated review platform that provides insights into different music licensing platforms. It’s a great place to read reviews, compare royalties, and learn from other producers’ experiences before committing to a music library.
Why Use Music Library Report?
- Transparent Feedback: Real user reviews help you make informed decisions about which music libraries are worth your time.
- Track Record of Success: You can see how other producers are earning money and which libraries are delivering consistent placements.
How to Get Started: Visit Music Library Report to read reviews and ratings for various music libraries, helping you decide which ones to pursue.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Music Library for Your Needs
Licensing your music through music libraries can open up new revenue streams and help you gain exposure in various media industries. Each library mentioned here—Pond5, AudioJungle, Motion Array, Melody Loops, and Mibe Music—offers different advantages, from flexible pricing to curated catalogs and subscription models. Depending on your style and goals, you can choose one or several of these platforms to start monetizing your music.
By exploring these options and optimizing your catalog, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful career in music publishing and licensing in 2022.