Understanding Beat Licensing Options

Updated May 9, 2024
4 min read

When selling beats on SoundSeam, you can offer different types of licenses to your customers. Understanding these options is crucial for maximizing your revenue and protecting your work.

Types of Licenses

SoundSeam offers several standard license types that you can customize to fit your needs:

MP3

This is the most affordable option for your customers. It typically includes:

  • MP3 format (320kbps)
  • Limited distribution (e.g., 5,000 streams)
  • Non-commercial use only
  • No exclusive rights (you can continue selling the beat even after an artist buys it)

WAV

A step up from the MP3 License, offering better quality and more rights:

  • WAV format (high quality - still includes MP3)
  • Higher distribution limits (e.g., 10,000 streams)
  • Limited commercial use
  • No exclusive rights (you can continue selling the beat even after an artist buys it)

TRACKOUT

A step up from the WAV License, offering track stems and more rights:

  • All track files (WAV, MP3 + track stems)
  • Higher distribution limits (e.g., 20,000 streams)
  • Limited commercial use
  • No exclusive rights (you can continue selling the beat even after an artist buys it)

UNLIMITED

Provides extensive rights for serious artists:

  • All track files (WAV, MP3 + track stems)
  • Unlimited distribution
  • Full commercial use
  • No exclusive rights (you can continue selling the beat)

EXCLUSIVE

The highest tier, transferring ownership rights to the buyer:

  • All track files (WAV, MP3 + track stems)
  • Unlimited distribution and use
  • Full commercial rights
  • Exclusive ownership (you remove the beat from your store)

Setting Up Your Licenses

To configure your license options on SoundSeam:

  1. Click on your avatar in the top right, and go to your Settings
  2. Click on 'Leases and Licenses' in the left sidebar
  3. Choose which license types you want to offer
  4. Set your prices for each license type
  5. Customize the terms for each license if needed
  6. Save your settings

Pro Tip

Most producers price their exclusive licenses at 10-20 times the price of their basic licenses.