How to Make Money Listening to Music: A Fun and Simple Guide

Apps that let you make money listening to music

Do you love listening to music? What if I told you that you could make money listening to music that you already enjoy? Listening to your favourite tunes? It’s true! There are several ways to make money by simply listening to music. Whether you want to make some extra cash in your free time or turn this into a steady income stream, you’re in the right place.

It shows someone happily listening to music, with various music apps on the laptop screen and a jar of earnings on the desk, representing the concept of making money while enjoying music
Earn money listening to music

Let’s dive into a few simple, easy-to-understand ways to turn your love of music into money!

Ways to Earn Money by Listening to Music

There are lots of platforms and methods that allow you to earn cash or rewards for listening to music. Below is a breakdown of some of the best options.


PlatformHow You Make MoneyPotential EarningsHow It Works
Playlist PushReview songs from new artistsUp to $15 per songListen to a song, give feedback, and get paid for each review. Artists use this feedback to promote their music.
RadioEarnListen to internet radioPoints converted to cash/rewardsEarn points for every 15 minutes you listen, and then trade those points for cash or rewards.
SlicethepieWrite reviews for tracks$0.03 – $0.15 per reviewListen to at least 90 seconds of a track and then write a review to earn money.
CurrentStream music on the appPoints redeemed for cash/giftsEarn points for streaming music, which can be exchanged for cash or gift cards.
SoundCampaignReview songs on SpotifyUp to $14 per song reviewReview songs and, if you like them, add them to your playlist to earn money.
CashStarListen to music on platforms like Spotify$10 – $15 per songJoin a waiting list to get paid for listening to and reviewing music on various platforms.
Music XrayReview tracks submitted by independent musician$0.10 per song reviewed, with a minimum payout threshold of $20.Review tracks submitted by independent musicians and earn money for each review
YouTube ChannelReview music videos or songs on YouTubeVaries based on views/sponsorsCreate a YouTube channel, review songs, and make money through ads and sponsorships.
PodcastingDiscuss music trends or review albumsVaries based on monetizationStart a podcast to discuss your favorite music and monetize through sponsorships or listener support.
Transcribing LyricsTranscribe song lyricsVariesGet paid to transcribe lyrics for songs and submit them to lyric websites.

How to Get Started

1. Playlist Push


If you love discovering new music, Playlist Push is perfect for you! The idea is simple—you review songs from up-and-coming artists and get paid for each review. You could make up to $15 per song! But there’s a catch: you need to have a popular playlist on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music to participate.

How it works:

  • Sign up as a curator.
  • Listen to new songs.
  • Give your feedback in a review.
  • Earn cash for each song reviewed.

Tip: Keep your playlists fresh and interesting. The more followers you have, the better your chances of earning higher payouts.


2. RadioEarn


With RadioEarn, you can make money just by listening to internet radio. For every 15 minutes of listening, you earn points, which can be converted into cash or gift cards.

How it works:

  • Create an account on RadioEarn.
  • Listen to their internet radio stations.
  • Accumulate points for each minute you listen.
  • Convert points into cash, gift cards, or rewards.

Tip: Leave the radio playing in the background while you work or study to earn even more!


3. Slicethepie


Slicethepie pays you to write reviews for songs. You’ll need to listen to at least 90 seconds of a track and then write a short review based on your thoughts. Reviews don’t need to be long, but the more detailed and thoughtful, the better your payout!

How it works:

  • Sign up for free.
  • Listen to music tracks for at least 90 seconds.
  • Write a review.
  • Earn between $0.03 and $0.15 per review.

Tip: Be honest and descriptive in your reviews to increase your rating on the platform, which can lead to better payouts.


4. Current App


The Current app allows you to stream music and earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. You get paid based on the time you spend listening to music, so the more you listen, the more you earn!

How it works:

  • Download the Current app.
  • Stream music from thousands of available stations.
  • Earn points based on the time spent listening.
  • Redeem points for cash, gift cards, or other rewards.

Tip: You can increase your earnings by engaging with other features on the app, like watching videos or completing surveys.


5. SoundCampaign


If you have a playlist on Spotify with lots of followers, you can make up to $14 for every song you review through SoundCampaign. This platform connects artists with playlist curators, who can review and even add songs to their playlists.

How it works:

  • Create a free account.
  • Review songs sent to you based on your playlist’s style.
  • Earn money for each song you review, and more if you add it to your playlist.

Tip: Build a playlist around a specific genre or theme to attract followers and stand out to artists.


6. CashStar


CashStar is another platform that pays you to listen to music, but it works a little differently. You can earn between $10 and $15 per song, but you’ll need to join a waiting list to get started.

How it works:

  • Join the waiting list on the platform.
  • Once selected, start reviewing songs.
  • Get paid for each song review.

Tip: Keep an eye out for an invite—it might take some time, but the payout is worth it!


7. Music Xray

How It Works:

Review tracks submitted by independent musicians. You can earn money for each review.

Earnings Potential: You can earn about $0.10 per song reviewed, with a minimum payout threshold of $20.


8. Start a YouTube Channel


If you love sharing your opinions on music, why not create a YouTube channel like theneedledrop? You can review new songs, talk about music trends, or even react to music videos. As your audience grows, you can start earning money from ads and sponsorships.

How it works:

  • Create a YouTube channel around your favourite music.
  • Post reviews, reactions, or discussions about new songs or artists.
  • Grow your audience and monetise your videos with ads and sponsorships.

Tip: Be consistent and creative with your content. The more engaging your videos, the more views and subscribers you’ll get!


9. Start a Music Podcast


Podcasts are a fantastic way to share your passion for music. For example, Songexploder is a music podcast where musicians tear apart their songs. Whether you want to review albums, discuss the latest music trends, or interview artists, podcasting allows you to connect with other music lovers. Once you have a following, you can monetise through sponsorships or listener support.

How it works:

  • Choose a niche within music (like album reviews or artist interviews).
  • Record and publish episodes.
  • Grow your audience and earn money through sponsorships or listener donations.

Tip: Use platforms like Patreon to allow your fans to support your podcast financially.


10. Transcribing Lyrics


Another unique way to make money while enjoying music is by transcribing song lyrics. Some websites pay you to listen to songs and write down the lyrics. This job requires attention to detail, but it’s a great way to earn while listening to music.

How it works:

  • Sign up for a site that pays for lyric transcriptions.
  • Listen to songs and accurately transcribe the lyrics.
  • Submit your transcription for payment.

Tip: Practice makes perfect! The faster and more accurate your transcriptions, the more you can earn.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much money can I realistically earn listening to music?
The amount you can earn varies depending on the platform. For example, Slicethepie pays between $0.03 and $0.15 per review, while Playlist Push can pay up to $15 per song review. Focus groups or YouTube channels offer the potential to earn even more, with focus groups paying up to $200 per session!

2. Do I need to have any special skills to start?
Not really! Most platforms require you to listen to music and give your honest opinion. However, platforms like Playlist Push may require you to have a popular playlist, and YouTube or podcasting may require creativity and effort to build an audience.

3. Can I listen to any type of music?
It depends on the platform. Some platforms, like Slicethepie and RadioEarn, offer a variety of genres to listen to. Others, like Playlist Push, match you with songs based on your playlist’s genre.

4. How do I get paid?
Most platforms offer multiple payment methods, including PayPal, bank transfers, or gift cards. Some may also pay in points that can be converted into cash or rewards.

5. Is this something I can do on the side, or can it become a full-time income?
It’s best to think of these options as side gigs. However, with effort and consistency, you could turn platforms like YouTube, podcasting, or even playlist curation into a steady stream of income.

6. How much can I earn from reviewing music?

Platforms like Playlist Push offer up to $15 per song review, while others, like Slicethepie, pay between $0.03 and $0.15 per review. Higher payouts are possible with consistent effort and specialised platforms.

7. What are the best apps to earn money listening to music?

Top apps include Current, Playlist Push, Music Xray, and RadioEarn. Each platform offers unique ways to earn through reviews, streaming, or playlist curation.

8. Can I use Spotify to make money?

Yes, platforms like Playlist Push and SoundCampaign reward you for curating popular playlists and reviewing songs.

9. How do you make money on YouTube by listening to music?

Start a music review channel, analyse trending tracks, or react to music videos. Market with ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.

10. Is it possible to earn passive income by listening to music?

Platforms like RadioEarn and Current App allow you to earn passively by streaming music in the background.

11. How do I get started with song reviews for money?

Register on platforms like Slicethepie or Playlist Push, complete your profile, and start reviewing. Focus on providing detailed and honest feedback to increase payouts


Conclusion

Making money by listening to music is not only possible—it’s easy and fun! Whether you’re reviewing songs, listening to internet radio, or starting your own YouTube channel, there are many ways to turn your love for music into a steady income stream.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a platform that fits your style, start listening, and get paid for doing something you already love! You’ve got this!

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