Make Money Writing Songs and Lyrics: 6 Websites that Pay

Do you have what it takes to be a professional songwriter? There are a number of online platforms where you can make money writing songs and lyrics. Even if you’re a newbie, you can learn a lot from these platforms and enhance your writing skills.

Some people are natural at songwriting. All they need is an idea or inspiration to produce magical words and music. Most people don’t even know they have this amazing ability until someone else acknowledges it. If you think you could be one of those newborn artists then you should definitely tap that potential.

How to Become a Paid Songwriter?

First, you need to learn some things about professional songwriting before you can jump in as a full-time writer. Even if you are great at writing lyrics, you still have to master the art of creating songs that instantly captivate the listeners.

There are some great courses and certification tracks that you can pursue to acquire all the necessary skills. One such program is NSAI certification track. However, they require you to become a member before you can participate.

Websites where you Get Paid to Write Song Lyrics:

Here’s a list of websites and online platforms that you can join to make money with your songwriting skills:

1. Nashville Song Writers

   Nashville Songwriters Association is a Tennessee based non-profit organization. Their aim is to protect the rights of songwriters by providing them an all-in-one platform for writing and publishing their songs.

   

   They have 3 types of royalty streams through which songwriters can make money:

   Mechanical Royalty: Mechanical royalty allows you to earn a royalty for each sale of a song or album or a legal audio download. The current royalty rate is 9.1 cents which is split between writers and publishers.
   Performance Royalty: As a writer, you will receive royalty whenever the song is performed on a Broadcast radio. It can be both a live performance venue or an online streaming service.
   Synch Fees: You will receive a Synch fee whenever you song is used to synchronize with a video. This type of royalty is negotiated freely and normally its a 50 – 50 split between artist and writer.

   To submit your songs, NSAI provides an Online Pitch service that allows you to pitch your song to an industry representative. If the representative selects your song, NSAI gives them an mp3 copy with your contact information. If you have any questions you can ask on their official email address: ryan@nashvillesongwriters.com. Join NashVille Songwriters Association

2. TuneCore

   TuneCore is a great platform that encourages users to sell music online and make profits. They also allow you to earn royalties from the songs that you write. The company ensures that your songs and lyrics are registered globally and all the income comes directly to you.

   

   Here are some of the potential revenue options royalties Tunecore offers:

   – Physical products and consistent digital downloads
   – Interactive streaming and ring tones (Apply Music, Spotify, Youtube etc.)
   – When someone records a cover for your songs
   – When someone makes a karaoke out of your songs
   – Radio Broadcasts (AM / FM)
   – Internet and Satellite Radio
   – Digital and Physical sheet music
   – Lyric reprints
   – Sync deals with TV shows, commercials, movies, video games, and apps

   And the list goes on.. Just imagine your earnings coming in from all these different sources. All you need to do is create compelling lyrics. Join TuneCore

3. SongBay

   SongBay is an online Lyrics marketplace. Here you can sell your song lyrics to potential buyers all over the world. They are always looking for talented Lyricists and Poets to join their workforce.

   Bear in mind that they do not accept all kinds of uploads. Your lyrics have to have the spark that compels people to listen to them. You can use devices like metaphor, alliteration, and personification.

   The best thing about Songbay is the freedom of earning limits. You can set your own sale price and you keep 100% of the earnings to yourself. SongBay does not charge any commission or fees from your earnings.

   You can choose between a variety of selling options including Licensing and copyright sales. To top it off, they also share your listings on their social media channels. To put it simply, there is nothing to lose. Join SongBay

4. SoundBetter

   SoundBetter is a platform for all kinds of artists including singers, songwriters, producers, and studio musicians. The purpose of this platform is to find and list the best talent to get hired by clients.

   

   As songwriter, you can join this platform and potentially get hired by businesses and customers from all parts of the world. To compete and succeed on SoundBetter, try to get as many positive reviews as possible. You will have a greater chance of getting hired if your profile has good reviews.

   Joining and creating a listing on SoundBetter is completely free. All you need to do is fill the signup application form and list your offering. Join SoundBetter

5. AirGigs

   AirGigs is another freelance gig-based website where you can offer your songwriting services and get hired by potential clients. One unique feature of this platform is the option to select genre for your lyrics. There’s a large list of genres you can select including R&B, Folk, EDM, Ambient, Jazz, Classical, and many more.

   

   You have the option to specify the price for your gig. If you’re new then you should start with less. Increase the price slightly as you keep getting good feedback from customers.

   When the customer makes an order for your gig, AirGigs hold it until the gig is complete. As soon as you complete the gig, they release the payment and deduct a 10% commission. They pay lyricists though Paypal. Join AirGigs

6. Twine

   Twine.fm is a popular online platform that connects creative freelancers in music and film industry. Twine ensures that businesses and customers get the topmost talent for their projects. They even allow you to work and collaborate on side projects.

   

   As a creative freelancer, you can showcase your work to the client by creating a portfolio. Clients can hire you directly via the “Hire Me” button on your portfolio. You can also work on hourly and day rate projects. However, you will need to submit a timesheet to receive payments. Join Twine

These websites can turn out to be a gold mine for you if you’re talented enough. Do share your experiences with us if you have any. Meanwhile, here’s a list of 9 Websites where you can make money listening to music.