12 Best Tips Before Buying Beats Online
How To Buy Beats Online In 2023: The Complete Guide
In this article, we will provide you with the 12 most essential and valuable tips to consider before purchasing instrumental beats online.
These tips will assist you in making informed decisions when buying beats from music producers online.
Whether you are new to purchasing beats online or have some experience, we hope that these tips will be helpful in ensuring that you make the best choices when buying beats
Here are the 12 best tips to follow before you purchase beats online:
- Always Read The License PDF!
- Avoid Buying Low Quality Files
- Verify that the Beat Does Not Contain Samples
- Look for Bulk Discounts
- Confirm That the Desired Beat is Available for Purchase
- Ensure That You Will Receive the Files Immediately
- Look for Trust Signals From the Seller
- Ensure That You Will Receive a Clean Version of the Beat
- Be Wary of Anyone Selling Exclusive Rights for a Cheap Price
- Understand The Profit Split
- Do Not Overpay
- Consider Using PayPal as a Payment Method (if possible)
- Bonus: Get 20 Free For Frofit Beats
Tip 1. Always Read the License PDF
It is crucial to carefully review the terms of the license before purchasing a beat, as you do not want to encounter any unexpected limitations on your use of the beat after making the purchase.
To avoid any potential issues, be sure to read the PDF license carefully and pay attention to the following points:
- How many views are you allowed to generate on YouTube?
- What are the limits on streams/plays and sales with the license?
- Are you permitted to receive payment for your performances?
- How many radio stations are permitted to play your song?
- How long will the license be valid?
Note that each producer may have different license terms, so it is essential to fully understand the specific terms of the license you are considering.
*At Beatways, our licenses are unlimited, meaning there are no limitations on views, streams, or sales.
It is important to be aware of the duration of the license when purchasing a beat, as the license may only be valid for a certain period of time. After the expiration of the license, you may no longer be able to perform with your song or receive payment for it, and you may not be able to monetize it on streaming platforms such as YouTube and Spotify unless you renew the license. Most beat licenses are valid for 4-10 years, so be sure to consider this before making a purchase.
Tip 2. Avoid Buying Low Quality Files
If you prioritize high quality in your music, it is important to avoid purchasing low-quality files. As an artist, you are responsible for the final product and will be judged based on its quality.
To ensure that you are able to produce a professional sounding song, consider purchasing a license that includes the WAV file and track out stems of the beat. These files are crucial for professional mixing and will help you achieve the best possible sound for your song.
Tip 3. Verify that the Beat Does Not Contain Samples
Before purchasing a beat, it is essential to verify that it does not contain any samples from other songs. Many producer contracts require the artist to obtain permission to use any samples included in the beat. If you do not properly clear the samples, you could potentially face legal action.
For example, Pharrell’s song “Happy” used a sample from an old Marvin Gaye song, leading to a lawsuit and a $7.3 million settlement in favor of Gaye’s family. There are many similar cases, so it is crucial to be aware of this risk before making a purchase. Make sure to check the beat for samples and ensure that you have the necessary permissions to use them in your own work.
Tip 4. Look for Bulk Discounts
Many artists miss out on the opportunity to save money by not checking for bulk discounts when purchasing beats. To make sure that our customers don’t miss out on these deals, we prominently display a “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” banner on our website.
It is worth noting that many producers offer bulk discounts, such as “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” or “Buy 2 Get 5 Free,” so be sure to check for these deals before making a purchase. If you do not see any bulk discounts advertised on the producer’s website, it doesn’t hurt to ask if any are available. By taking advantage of bulk discounts, you can save money on your beat purchases.
Tip 5. Confirm That the Desired Beat is Available for Purchase
Before getting excited about a beat you found on YouTube, be sure to confirm that it is still available for sale or lease on the producer’s website. It is not uncommon for producers to neglect to update their YouTube presence to reflect that a beat has already been sold exclusively to another artist and is no longer available for purchase.
To avoid any potential disappointment, always double check that the beat is still available before beginning to write your song to it.
Tip 6. Ensure That You Will Receive the Files Immediately
There are a few key factors to consider when purchasing a beat from a producer, including the availability of their own website, the process for receiving the files, and the presence of a PDF license. Here are some questions to consider:
- Does the producer have their own website where you can make a purchase and receive the files immediately?
- If not, do you need to pay the producer and wait for them to send you the files via email?
- Does the producer provide a PDF license with the files?
It is important to ask these questions before making a purchase, as not all producers have their own websites or may be starting out and may not have the resources to set up a professional website or subscription to a beat-selling platform.
Tip 7. Look for Trust Signals From the Seller
Before making a purchase, it is important to ensure that the website is secure and trustworthy. One way to do this is by checking for the presence of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol, which is indicated by a lock icon 🔒 and an “https” prefix in the URL.
In addition to checking for SSL protocol, there are several other signals you can consider when evaluating the website and producer:
- Search the website or producer name on Google to see if there is any information available.
- Check the producer’s social media presence to see if there is any activity or engagement.
- Look for any comments, both positive and negative, about the producer or website.
- Send an email to the website to test their responsiveness.
By conducting a thorough evaluation of the website and producer, you can make informed decisions and protect yourself from potential scams or fraudulent activity.
Tip 8. Ensure That You Will Receive a Clean Version of the Beat
When purchasing a beat, it is generally expected that it will be completely clean, meaning that it does not contain any voice tags or other identifying marks from the producer. However, some producers may include their voice tag at the beginning of the beat as a way to promote their name. While this may be acceptable for well-known producers, it may be undesirable if the producer is not well-known and their voice tag is not to your liking.
To ensure that you receive a clean version of the beat, be sure to clarify this with the producer before making a purchase. If necessary, ask for a version of the beat that does not include the voice tag or any other identifying marks. This will allow you to use the beat as you see fit without any unwanted distractions.
Tip 9. Be Wary of Anyone Selling Exclusive Rights for a Cheap Price
It is generally a red flag if a producer is selling exclusive rights to a beat for a very low price, as it suggests that they do not value their work. This can raise concerns about the quality and authenticity of the beat, as well as the producer’s credibility and trustworthiness. Additionally, there is a risk that the producer may have sold exclusive rights to the same beat to multiple artists, which could lead to legal issues down the line.
While it is possible to find good deals on beats, it is important to be cautious when considering purchasing exclusive rights for a significantly discounted price. It may be worth investing a little more in a beat from a producer who values their work and has a good reputation, as this can help ensure that you are getting a high-quality and reliable product.
While it is not our intention to judge or speak about all producers, it is important to carefully evaluate any business dealings, including the purchase of beats, and consider the reputation and credibility of the producer.
Some producers may be willing to sell exclusive rights to beats at discounted prices due to financial challenges, but it is important to consider any potential risks or issues that may arise and to make an informed decision based on your own research and judgment. Remember that everything has a cost and it is important to be mindful of this when doing business with others.
Tip 10. Understand The Profit Split
When purchasing a beat, you are effectively purchasing a composition that will become a part of the final song, known as the “master composition.” The producer is typically considered an equal writer of the song, as they contribute the melodies and notes to the composition. It is common for the writers and publishing share to be split evenly between the producer and the artist, often at a 50/50 split.
However, it is important to note that every producer may have different policies and arrangements, so it is essential to carefully review the PDF license to understand the specific terms and conditions of your purchase. This will help ensure that you have a clear understanding of the rights and obligations associated with using the beat in your music.
Tip 11. Do Not Overpay
The price of a beat can vary greatly depending on the type of license, the producer’s reputation, and other factors such as the demand for the beat. Non-exclusive licenses, which allow multiple artists to use the beat, typically range in price from $19 to $35, with higher quality files potentially costing up to $250. Exclusive licenses, which grant the artist exclusive rights to use the beat, can cost several hundred or even several thousand dollars.
It is important to carefully consider your budget and the value of the beat before making a purchase. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper beat, it is important to consider the long-term value of the beat and the potential return on your investment.
Tip 12. Consider Using PayPal as a Payment Method (if possible)
PayPal is a secure payment platform that offers a “buyer protection” policy to provide customers with peace of mind when making purchases. If a seller or producer fails to deliver the promised files after payment, PayPal’s buyer protection policy may allow you to obtain a full refund.
This can be especially useful when purchasing beats online, as it can provide an added level of security and protection in the event that there are any issues with the transaction. If possible, consider using PayPal as a payment method when purchasing beats to take advantage of this protection and ensure a smooth and hassle-free purchase.
Conclusion:
Purchasing beats online can be confusing, even for producers themselves. As an artist, it is important to do your research and understand exactly what you are buying. With years of experience selling beats online, we have pretty much seen it all and we hope that these tips will make the process easier for you.
By following these guidelines on how to buy beats online, you can confidently and successfully purchase them and take your music to the next level.
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