Are you an artist in search of high-quality beats? Chances are, you've encountered numerous producers selling beats online. However, understanding the process can often be confusing and overwhelming. This guide is here to simplify the process and help you navigate the world of purchasing beats online with ease.

This article simplifies the process by explaining the ins and outs of buying beats online and providing insights into industry norms. You'll learn about the various types of licenses, what to know about free beats and more.

This guide is perfect for you if:

• You're just starting in music and want to take it seriously.

• You've been doing music for a while and are ready to step up your game.

• You're tired of using tagged free beats and want to explore other options.

• Or maybe you've reached a point where licensing beats seems like the next logical step.

If this sounds like you, you're in the right place. This guide will give you all the info you need to go from using free beats to buying beats online.

Using Free Beats

First, let’s talk about free beats.

You can recognize a free beat by the producer tags you hear every 30 seconds. When you buy a license for a beat, these tags are removed.

If you have beats without a license from the producer, those are also considered free beats. Without a license, you can't use the beat for commercial purposes.

For years, artists and producers have debated this issue. Producers generally dislike it when artists ask for free beats, but it still happens a lot.

“Can I get this beat for free, I’ll give you credit”

This is so accurate! 👌🏽😂

In defense of the artists, the hypocrisy is real! When you search for beats on YouTube, many titles say “(FREE) BEAT” or “FREE DL.” Producers offer free beats but then complain when artists use them for free. How is that not confusing? 😅

Producers use “FREE DL” in their titles as a marketing strategy to rank higher on YouTube. In simple terms: it’s just clickbait.

On the other hand, producers put a lot of dedication and hard work into their craft, and it often gets taken advantage of. Their beats are ripped from YouTube and used without a license, and without understanding how the beat-selling industry works. This can cause a lot of problems for the producers.

What can you do with a free beat?

Not much, especially nothing commercial or profitable.

Uploading on Facebook? Yes, that's considered commercial use nowadays.

The same goes for YouTube and SoundCloud since both are streaming services where you can monetize your music.

Producers offer free beats so artists can:

• Try them out before buying.

• Record vocals to see if they match the beat's key.

• Record a demo and get feedback before purchasing a license.

• Make sure the beat is worth the investment.

Do not mess with free beats!

There’s no such thing as a truly ‘free beat’.

If you want something for free, ask for a ‘free license’.

If you use a beat without a written license agreement from the producer, you’re not authorized to use it and could face serious trouble.

Buying beats online – How does it work?

When you buy a beat online, you're purchasing audio files that are copyrighted by the producer. Your payment gives you specific rights to use the beat, which is outlined in a License Agreement.

This is what we call the License Agreement.

There are two main types of licenses:

1. Non-Exclusive licenses

2. Exclusive licenses

A non-exclusive license can be sold to multiple artists, while an exclusive license is sold to only one artist.

This article will focus on non-exclusive licenses.

I wrote an entire guide about the difference between Non-Exclusive and Exclusive Licenses. Click the button below if you’re interested in learning more about this. 👇🏽

Different licensing options – Which one to choose?

Online producers offer different licensing options. Most producers offer 4 options.

• MP3

• Standard

• Premium

• Unlimited

Example of licensing options. The more expensive the license, the more user rights are granted.

These options may have different names, like MP3 Lease or WAV Lease, but they all work similarly.

Generally, the more expensive the license, the more rights and better quality audio files you get.

What is the best license to buy?

Most people opt for cheaper licenses, which offer fewer user rights and lower quality audio files.

However, if you're serious about making high-quality music, consider getting a license that includes Tracked Out files. These files are crucial for creating professional-sounding tracks.

The best option is to go for a license that comes with Tracked Out Files.

Don’t know what Tracked Out Files are? I’ve written an article about tracked-out files and why you need them. 👇🏽

If I buy a beat with a Basic License – Can I upgrade my license later?

If you start with a Basic License, upgrading to a higher-tier license later might not always be possible. If it is, you usually only pay the difference between the standard prices of the licenses.

To find out if an upgrade option is available, contact the producer directly.

Once I buy a beat – Do I own any copyright?

When you buy a beat and add your lyrics, you own the copyright to your lyrics only. The resulting song, known as a "Derivative Work," is shared between you and the producer.

You control 50% of the "Writer's Share," and the producer controls the other 50%. The producer remains the sole owner of the beat itself.

Again, more about this is in The Ultimate Guide To Beat Licensing.

What happens to my song when someone else buys the exclusive rights for the beat I’ve licensed non-exclusively?

Your non-exclusive license remains valid even if someone else buys the exclusive rights to the beat. However, some licenses now come with expiration dates, typically between 2-6 years.

After your term expires, you won't be able to renew your license if someone has purchased the exclusive rights during your term. Always check the license terms for expiration dates and other conditions before buying.

An example of an expiration term that could be found in a license agreement.

Can Producers End Your License Early?

Some producers include an exit clause in their agreements, allowing them to terminate your license early. If this happens, they usually pay you double or triple what you originally paid for the beat.

That does not have to be a problem for you, but whether it is, depends entirely on the success of your song.

Always read the license agreement thoroughly to understand all terms.

What If Your Song Becomes a Hit?

If your song becomes popular, the terms of your non-exclusive license still apply. For more details on this scenario, click the link below. 👇🏽

Insert link to the article

Is it safe to buy Beats online?

Most producers use trusted platforms to sell their beats online. The most popular ones are:

• Beatstars.com

• Airbit.com

• Soundee.com 

These platforms have good reputations for representing producers and their music. Many producers use them, so you’ll often see similar websites and music players.

These platforms offer 'instant delivery.' After you pay, you can immediately download the beat from a secure area. You’ll also get an email confirmation of your order.

To ensure safety, check if the producer is listed on these platforms. If they are, you can buy directly from the platform. If not, contact the producer with any questions. They’ll likely respond, especially if you’ve checked their website’s FAQ section first.

Remember, producers on platforms like BeatStars, Airbit, or Soundee create their own license agreements. Always read the full license terms before buying, as pricing tables might not show all details. 😉

Here are some tips for buying beats online:

• Pay with PayPal or Stripe (they have buyer protection)

• Check if the producer sells through a BeatStars, Airbit, or Soundee player

• Read the License Agreements (!)

• Reach out to the producer with your concerns