22 Best Sites To Sell Song Lyrics Online (2024)
Do you have a passion for writing songs? Why not sell song lyrics online and use that passion to earn some extra cash?
Breaking into the music industry and getting discovered by record labels as a lyricist or artist can be tough. But thanks to the internet, it’s now easier than ever to list your lyrics for sale and make a profit—no record label required.
In this article, we’ll be looking at 22 of the best sites to sell song lyrics online. We’ll provide a brief overview of each option to make it easy for you to choose the right site for your needs.
#1 – Your own website
The best way to sell song lyrics online is to create your own website and list your lyrics for sale there. Sellfy will help you to create an online storefront in just a few clicks. You can then use the site to sell digital products like lyrics, demos, and even your own songs.
The good thing about selling lyrics on Sellfy over another music platform is that you have complete control over what you sell and how much you sell it for.
You can also edit and customize your store to match it to your brand and use marketing tools to grow a following, connect with your audience and build an email list.
Not only does building your own site make good sense from a branding perspective, but it also makes financial sense too. Selling on marketplaces and platforms can be costly, and you’ll often be charged hefty fees on sales, or monthly subscription fees.
With Sellfy, it’s much cheaper to host your site, and you’ll keep 100% of your profits.
If you’re an artist or lyricist looking to grow a following and break into the industry, then creating a website of your own is also a good idea as potential clients and business connections can use it to find out more about you and the services you offer.
Overall, there are tons of perks to having your own site for selling lyrics, which is why it’s our top recommendation.
#2 – Songbay
Songbay is a platform for buying and selling your lyrics online. It’s one of the most reputable platforms on the market and has a huge user base.
When listing your lyrics on Songbay, you have the freedom to set your own pricing, and they throw in copyright protection and registration when you submit your lyrics for sale on the site.
The fee structure on Songbay is also super simple. Instead of taking a fee from each sale, Songbay charges sellers a monthly subscription fee, which starts at around $2.50/month and sellers then keep 100% of the profits they make from sales.
Each plan includes a limited amount of uploads per month, with the cheapest plan including just 1 upload per month. So if you want to sell lyrics online at scale, you might need to opt for one of the higher-priced plans.
Overall, it’s a simple and affordable way to get started selling song lyrics online.
#3 – AirGigs
AirGigs is an online platform aimed at freelancers in the music industry. Lyricists can use it to connect with artists, producers, and publishers that are looking to find musical professionals for projects.
Unlike the first two options in this list, AirGigs is more suitable for finding paid lyric writing gigs than it is for selling lyrics that you’ve already written for people to download.
What’s great about AirGigs is that you don’t have to pay anything to get started. Simply sign up as a seller and you can post your profile for other professionals to see. You can also search for relevant gigs in the Artists Wanted section.
Once you complete a gig, AirGigs will take 8-15% of the total amount you’re paid and then pay you the rest.
#4 – Upwork
Upwork is a large online marketplace that can be used to find gig work of all types, including lyric writing. Unlike Airgigs, Upwork is not specifically aimed at music creators, but you can still use it to find work writing songs, lyrics, jingles, and more.
To get started with Upwork, you’ll need to create a professional profile and submit it. Once you’re accepted onto the platform, you can then search the job boards and submit proposals to gigs that you like the look of.
Upwork provides creators with Connects which are basically tokens you can use to apply for jobs. You’ll get 10 Connects free every month, and will have to pay for any additional Connect you use. You’ll also be charged a 10% fee on all earnings.
The benefit of using Upwork is that it is a reputable and widely used platform, so it’s a good place to find well-paid gigs. It also has a good structure in place to ensure that all projects are paid for in full and on time.
However, the fees are quite high, so some other platforms may offer better profit margins.
#5 – Twine
Twine is another freelancer marketplace where you can find work across a number of creative industries including music production and songwriting. Twine is used by some big-name clients including Amazon and Netflix and it’s a great place to find high-paying music production gigs.
To get started with Twine, you’ll need to create a freelance resume and portfolio of your song lyrics. Then you can search and send pitches for jobs that you’re interested in.
You can make up to 15 pitches per month for free. Also, you can pay for a Pro subscription to increase your profile’s visibility to clients and get extra feedback and promotions.
One of the biggest perks of using Twine is that there are no fees for creators to sign up or pitch for a job. You’ll only pay transaction fees to have your earnings paid out. However, you can also avoid transaction fees by signing up for a Pro membership.
#6 – Fiverr
Fiverr is an online creative platform that you can use to list your services as a lyric writer. The concept behind Fiverr is that clients can find creative services starting at $5.
However, this pricing model is quite flexible, so you can adapt it to suit your own pricing requirements. For example, you could charge $5 per line of a song, or per verse.
Fiverr is a popular platform amongst creators and businesses, so it’s quite easy to get gigs and make sales.
To get started with Fiverr, you simply have to create a listing for your services, detailing what you are offering and how much it’s going to cost.
Once you make a sale, and complete the gig, Fiverr will take 5.5% in fees, as well as a $2 small order fee for purchases under $50.
#7 – Lyrics.com
If you want to get some serious exposure for your lyrics, then listing them on Lyrics.com is a great idea.
For $75, you can create a permanent listing for your lyrics in the marketplace, which can then be found by producers and publishers looking for lyrics for new songs. You can also set an asking price for your lyrics, or a price range. Some songs on the marketplace are listed for upwards of $10,000.
Lyrics.com is best known as a lyric database, but its marketplace is also growing in popularity, so it could be a good place to get discovered and sell your completed songs for a good price.
#8 – Premium Lyrics
Premium Lyrics is a site dedicated to selling high-quality song lyrics online. They have a vast database of song lyrics for buyers to choose from, and they carefully select their writers in order to ensure the quality of the lyrics published.
In order to sign up for Premium Lyrics, you’ll need to create a free account and submit an application with 3 samples of lyrics you’ve written in the past.
If you’re accepted, you can list your lyrics for sale, and Premium Lyrics will handle the licensing and sale for you. You’ll then be paid your share of the sale once the transaction is complete.
Premium Lyrics doesn’t specify exactly what percentage of the sale they take, so it’s worth clarifying this during the application process.
#9 – SoundBetter
SoundBetter is a creative marketplace that connects businesses and producers with the best talent in the music industry.
People in need of skilled musical professionals can use the site to list their projects alongside their estimated budget, and writers, lyricists, and other creators can then bid on the project.
Soundbetter is an extremely easy site to use and it’s completely free to get started. You can find all sorts of jobs on the platform from one-off projects, to more regular work.
The platform takes a 5% commission fee from any payments made. However, this is quite low in comparison to some of its competitors.
#10 – Music Xray
Music Xray is a vast marketplace of production companies, artists, and advertisers searching for new songs.
If you’re looking for work as a lyricist, you can browse opportunities on the jobs board until you have found some roles suitable for you. You can then get in contact with the company that made the listing to agree to a contract.
Music Xray is used by some really high-profile companies and as such, you can find some pretty high-paying gigs on here, particularly if you’re skilled at writing songs suitable for TV or advertising.
The one drawback of Music Xray is that many of the jobs posted are looking for demos of the songs rather than just lyrics, so if you’re only a lyricist, then it may be worth teaming up with a singer or composer to bring your demos to life.
#11 – ReverbNation
ReverbNation is a platform created to help artists connect with people in the music industry and get access to exclusive gigs, opportunities, and events.
Essentially, ReverbNation is a marketing tool that can help artists to grow their following online, and get discovered by big names in the music industry.
On the ReverbNation free plan, you can create a profile, and upload lyrics for your songs, which can be shared with music professionals in the network.
If someone discovers your lyrics and likes them, then you can arrange a contract with them once you’ve made an initial connection through the platform.
ReverbNation isn’t a direct sales platform for your lyrics, but it is a great tool to use if you’re a lyricist looking to get discovered and score high-profile work in the industry.
#12 – TAXI
TAXI is a marketplace for songwriters where you can find gig work and sell your original songs and lyrics.
To find opportunities on the site, you simply need to select a genre of music that you are interested in in order to find a listing relating to that niche. For example, if you love writing country music, simply click the ‘country’ category, and you’ll be able to view a whole host of opportunities.
Many of the listings on TAXI are searching for original songs with vocals, so if you’re more interested in writing the songs than singing them, then it could be worth teaming up with a vocalist in order to score the best opportunities.
Although TAXI doesn’t take any fees from your profits on the platform, you do have to sign up for a yearly membership, which costs $299.95.
#13 – Songcast Music
With Songcast, you can sell and distribute original songs and lyrics on major platforms like Amazon, Spotify, and more.
However, Songcast can’t be used simply to sell lyrics alone. You’ll need to write songs and produce them for distribution.
Songcast works on a royalties-based payment system, and you’ll keep 100% of the royalties you earn as a creator. However, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription in order to access the platform. Songcast subscriptions start from $5.99/month
#14 – Songtradr
Songtradr is another solution that can help songwriters to distribute their music onto major platforms and receive royalties.
Like with Songcast, you’ll need to fully produce your songs, and won’t just be able to sell song lyrics. However, if you’re a multi-skilled songwriter that can turn your own lyrics into songs, then this could be the platform for you.
Songtradr offers plans starting from as little as $19/year that include unlimited distribution of your songs and you’ll get to keep 100% of the royalties you earn.
You’ll also get access to useful tools that can help you grow, such as analytics, trends and statistics, sales reports, and exclusive monetization opportunities.
#15 – ASCAP
ASCAP stands for the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.
ASCAP licenses over 18 million songs to businesses and shares the royalties with the songwriters, composers, and publishers on their books.
The company accepts songwriters and offers intellectual property protection for any songs they submit. As an ASCAP writer, you’ll earn 50% royalties on any of your songs that are used, and the company will keep the other 50%.
Previously, writers had to pay a fee to register with ASCAP, but the registration is currently free, so there’s never been a better time to sign up and get started.
#16 – The Songwriters Network
The Songwriters Network connects songwriters and lyricists with recording artists looking for new material. What’s great about this site is that it’s completely free for songwriters to join, and you can earn royalties for every song that is picked up by recording artists and performed.
In addition to selling your lyrics, you can also use this site to find a manager or agent for your musical career. For just $14.95 a month, you can access the Songwriters Manager and Agent Directory to find skilled managers in your niche.
Songwritingopportunities.com doesn’t explicitly state the royalty amount, so it’s a good idea to find out more during the application stage.
#17 – PeoplePerHour
If you’re keen to boost your income by using your lyric writing skills, then PeoplePerHour is a great place to find quick and easy gig work.
On PeoplePerHour, you can list your services for people looking for original songwriting. Simply create your listing and add a price for your services.
Make sure to specify what type of songs you’re willing to write, and list any special skills such as additional languages that may make you stand out from the crowd.
The good thing about PeoplePerHour is that you have complete freedom and control to set whatever prices you like. However, you do need to be wary of your competition and ensure that your pricing is in line with other creators on the platform. This will help you to secure more gigs.
Overall, PeoplePerHour is a good choice if you’re looking to sell lyric writing services on a casual basis.
#18 – Rocket Songs
Rocket Songs is a marketplace where you can sell original songs to artists looking for new music to sing. The site lists short extracts of original songs for purchase, and if a singer likes them, they can buy them and repurpose them as their own.
You can easily get your tracks discovered by tagging them based on genre, tempo, mood and more. This helps potential customers to find exactly what they’re looking for.
In order to sell lyrics on Rocket Songs, you will need to produce demos of your songs with vocals and instrumentals, as there is no function to just sell the lyrics.
Rocket Songs pay creators 50% of all licensing revenue generated by your songs plus some extra royalties depending on how your music is used.
#19 – Tunecore
Tunecore is a service that allows you to sell your music on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Beatport.
Again, if you just write lyrics and you’re not a performer, then this platform might not be for you, as you need to fully produce your songs for distribution in order to use Tunecore. However, if this is something you’re willing to do, then Tunecore is a great platform to use.
It’s super easy to get started with Tunecore. Simply upload your music and they will do the rest. You’ll keep 80-100% of the income generated from streaming and downloads. And, you’ll get access to artists’ services which can help you with promotions, printing, and more.
If you don’t want to pay for a paid plan, you can simply sign up for the free plan, and Tunecore will keep 20% of your revenue. Alternatively, you can select a paid monthly subscription and keep 100% of your revenue.
#20 – Ditto Music
Ditto is another distribution platform that will allow you to distribute your music globally on major platforms, as well as promote it on social media platforms like TikTok.
Again, you’ll need complete songs to get started, not just lyrics, but it’s a great platform to use if you want to get your original lyrics heard worldwide.
Ditto offers plans starting from just $19/year and you’ll keep 100% of the revenue you earn. They also have a 30-day free trial, which is a great way to get started and get a feel for the platform.
#21 – Songwriting Competitions
Another interesting way to make some cash from writing lyrics is to enter them into competitions. One of the most prestigious competitions to check out is the American songwriter lyric contest.
Some competitions run once a year, whereas some run bi-monthly.
You can simply submit your lyrics, and if you beat off the competition, you could be in for a hefty cash prize.
Submitting your lyrics to competitions may not be the most sustainable way to earn an income from selling song lyrics, but if you have a song you’ve written that you think may have serious potential then it may be worth a try.
#22 – Songwriting Pro
Songwriting Pro is an online community for songwriters that you can use to grow your career as a lyricist and create connections in order to sell your music.
Although this site is not specifically a marketplace for selling your lyrics, we thought it was worth a mention, as it can help you to build the skills you need in order to be more successful at selling your lyrics online.
For a monthly subscription fee, you can get access to tons of resources that can help you present your music online, increase your discoverability, and connect with other musicians and music industry professionals.
If you’re serious about launching your career in the music industry and want to get support from other lyricists and songwriters, then this is the platform to use.
Selling song lyrics online FAQs
Want to know more about selling lyrics online? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
Is it possible to make a living as a songwriter?
Yes, there are lots of songwriters that make a lot of money from selling their lyrics and beats. In fact, most of the popular music you hear these days has been written by someone other than the artist performing it.
However, selling songs and selling lyrics online is quite competitive, so you need to really hone your craft if you’re hoping to make a full-time income from selling lyrics.
Many lyricists will sell song lyrics online as an additional income stream rather than using it as a full-time job.
Do songwriters get royalties?
Some songwriters and lyric writers will be paid royalties, and some will simply sell their lyrics for a set price to a music publisher or artist.
Whether you earn royalties or a set fee will depend on how you choose to license your lyrics and the contract you sign with buyers.
What is the easiest way to sell song lyrics online?
The easiest way is to use a platform like Songbay to list your lyrics. However, the best way is to create your own website using Sellfy.
This way, you receive lower fees on sales, and you have more flexibility and control over what you sell.
Choosing the best sites to sell song lyrics
So there you have it, 20+ awesome sites for selling your song lyrics online.
If you’re still unsure which one to choose, here’s a quick recap of our top recommendations:
Choose Sellfy if you want to create your own song lyric website and have unrivaled flexibility and control when it comes to managing your business. You also get lower fees than you do on lyric platforms, meaning more of the profit lands in your pocket.
If you want to sell your lyrics on a reputable and easy-to-use platform then SongBay is a good choice for beginners.
AirGigs is also a good option if you’re a lyricist looking to complete projects for other artists. You can also use it to hire other musicians, mixing & mastering engineers, and producers.
Also, if you want to learn more about selling music online, check out these posts:
