Shawn Folk

The Ultimate Guide to Music Monetization

A Practical Breakdown of How Artists Earn in the Modern Music Industry

In today’s music industry, making great music isn’t enough—understanding how money is made is just as essential. The Ultimate Guide to Music Monetization is a practical, research-driven resource created to help artists, managers, and independent creatives make sense of the evolving monetization landscape.

This guide breaks down the many different ways artists can earn income, not to promise riches, but to help you understand how each model actually works, where its limitations lie, and how artists are using them today.

Inside, you'll find:

 • Clear explanations of streaming, licensing, NFTs, catalog advances, social tokens, direct sales, subscriptions, and more
 • Analysis of the platforms and companies leading each monetization model
 • Insights into the incentives behind industry messaging—from distributors to marketers to creators
 • Real-world pros and cons of each path, so you can make informed decisions based on your goals and circumstances

Written by Gif of Payusnomind, an artist, marketer, and founder of the first YouTube channel offering comparative analysis of music distribution platforms, this guide offers an unbiased look at the business side of music, free from hype, and focused on helping you understand the options available.

If you're trying to find the right path, build sustainable systems, or just want to know what’s behind the curtain, this book is a valuable starting point.

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