BeatStars vs Airbit: Best Platforms to Sell Beats Online
Why Start Selling Beats Now?
The beatmaking lease business is experiencing an big boom. Every day, thousands of aspiring artists hunt for unique beats, creating a massive opportunity for talented producers. With platforms like YouTube generating thousands of "type beat" searches hourly and marketplaces like BeatStars or Airbits having distributed over $200 million to producers, the beat-selling landscape has never been more promising.
The challengers
BeatStars: The Industry Leader
Founded in 2008, BeatStars has become the most used beat marketplace, boasting over 500,000 music producers and generating millions in annual beat sales. The platform's success stems from its comprehensive approach to connecting producers with artists across multiple genres.
Airbit: The Integrated Solution
Developed by BandLab Technologies, Airbit presents a streamlined approach to beat selling. The platform prioritizes user experience, offering an intuitive interface that simplifies online beat distribution.
Feature comparison
BeatStars makes itself unique through robust features designed to make beat selling easy for music producers. Its customizable beat stores allow creators to build personalized storefronts that reflect their unique brand identity. The platform offers diverse licensing options, from basic leases to exclusive rights, catering to different artist needs and budget ranges.
The platform's ecosystem goes beyond simple beat sales. Producers can access advanced tools like:
- Detailed sales tracking
- Social networking capabilities
- Marketing integration
- Comprehensive licensing management
Airbit's integration with BandLab's production ecosystem provides a seamless workflow for producers. Built-in contracts and licensing options eliminate much of the legal complexity typically associated with beat sales. The platform stands out with its comprehensive analytics, giving producers deep insights into their sales performance.
Pricing comparison
BeatStars
Free Plan
- Limited features.
- Cap of 10 beat uploads.
- 30% commission charged on sales.
Marketplace Plan ($9.99/month or $7.99/month annually):
- Unlimited beat uploads.
- Sell services like mixing, sample packs, etc.
- Premium statistics and analytics.
- A 12% service fee applies on marketplace sales (paid by either seller or buyer).
Pro Page Plan ($19.99/month or $14.99/month annually):
- Includes all Marketplace features.
- Custom website for beat sales with no service fee.
- Unlimited licenses and private messages.
BeatStars charges no commission for sellers using the Pro Page but takes 12% on marketplace sales unless transactions occur off-site.
Airbit
Free Plan
- Limited to 10 beat uploads.
- No commission on sales from personal websites, but 20% on non-exclusive licenses and 10% on exclusive licenses sold via the Airbit marketplace.
Creator Plan ($7.99/month)
- Unlimited beat uploads.
- Custom licenses and e-signed contracts.
- Accept payments via PayPal and credit cards.
Professional Plan ($14.99/month)
- Includes all Creator Plan features.
- Pre-built customizable website for beat sales with 100% revenue retention outside the marketplace.
Airbit charges 10-20% commission on marketplace sales but none for personal website transactions.
Winner?
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BeatStars offers a more expensive Pro Page plan but provides a marketplace-oriented approach. Choose BeatStars if you value advanced marketing tools, their community, external analytics integration, and a customizable Pro Page for direct sales.
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Airbit’s pricing is simpler, with its Professional Plan being cheaper and including 100% revenue retention outside its marketplace. Opt for Airbit if you want lower overall costs, simpler licensing management, and a focus on maximizing personal website sales. If you are a user of Bandlab, airbit can be the must have for an optimised workflow.
Verdict
Choose BeatStars If:
- Community engagement is crucial
- You seek maximum exposure
- Networking is a primary objective
- You want extensive customization options
Choose Airbit If:
- You prefer a streamlined interface
- Analytics-driven decision-making matters
- Seamless production tool integration is important
- You want simplified licensing processes
- If you are a user of Bandlab
Why not both?
Many successful producers no longer rely on a single platform. By leveraging both BeatStars and Airbit, creators can:
- Maximize audience reach
- Diversify income streams
- Explore different marketing strategies
- Mitigate platform-specific limitations
Final Insights
Success in the digital beat marketplace requires more than technical skill. It demands:
- Understanding market dynamics
- Building a distinct brand
- Consistently delivering exceptional musical content
- Continuous learning and adaptation
Whether you choose BeatStars, Airbit, or both, approach beat selling as a strategic, professional endeavor. Invest in your craft, understand your audience, and remain committed to continuous improvement.
The digital music landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for talented producers. With the right approach, strategic platform selection, and unwavering dedication to your art, you can transform your beat-making passion into a thriving online business.