Who wouldn’t want to earn money just by listening to music? These days, it’s actually possible.
Whether you’re a teen, an adult, a side hustler, or simply a music fan, there are legit platforms and creative opportunities that reward you for tuning in.
Below are 25 ways to get paid to listen to music, ranging from popular websites and apps to innovative side gigs!
1. SliceThePie
This is one of the most well-known sites for paid music reviews.
You listen to new songs (at least 90 seconds each) and write brief reviews of around 45+ words.
Each review earns a small payment, usually a few cents (about $0.03 to $0.15 per track).
It’s free to join (available in the US/Canada), and once you reach the minimum payout (around $10), you can cash out via PayPal.
It’s a fun way to make a little cash by sharing your opinions on upcoming artists.
2. Music Xray
Music Xray connects new artists with listeners and pays you to give feedback on songs. After signing up for free, you get song previews in your inbox.
You only need to play about 30 seconds to qualify for payment.
Each song typically pays around 10¢ to 20¢ for your attention and feedback.
Once you’ve accumulated about $10, you can withdraw your earnings to PayPal.
It’s globally available, making it an easy option for music lovers worldwide to earn a bit on the side.
3. MusicGo App
MusicGo is a newer app that lets you earn rewards for listening to music and writing short reviews.
The app keeps things interesting with bonus features like collectible puzzle pieces and a daily spin wheel for prizes.
You can trust it’s legit because it has roughly a 3.8-star rating on Google Play, indicating real users are finding value in it.
It won’t make you rich, but it’s a fun experimental platform to explore while enjoying tunes on your phone.
4. HitPredictor
HitPredictor is a site where you get to influence the music industry while earning rewards.
You choose your favorite genres and listen to new song clips, then rate whether you think the song could be a “hit” or not.
Each rating earns you points (around 3 points per song).
Collecting 50 points lets you redeem about a $5 gift card – for example, 50 points can be exchanged for a $5 Amazon or iTunes card.
It’s not a huge payout, but you get early access to unreleased music and help shape what might get played on radio!
5. MusicGateway
MusicGateway is a platform that connects artists with curators and music professionals.
If you’re a DJ, playlist curator, or run an online radio, you can get paid to review and approve song submissions.
It works on a volume basis as the more tracks you review, the more you earn, with tiered payouts rewarding high activity.
MusicGateway favors users who have some social media presence or industry experience, so it’s great for those already involved in music curation looking to monetize their expertise.
6. PlaylistPush
PlaylistPush helps independent artists get their songs heard, and it pays you as a playlist curator to listen and consider those songs.
To join, you need to own a popular Spotify or Apple Music playlist (at least 400 followers is the typical requirement).
If accepted, you’ll receive songs to review; you earn roughly $1 per song on average, with top curators making up to $12 for a detailed review of a single track.
You don’t have to add the song to your playlist if you don’t like it, but you still get paid for the review.
Payments are usually sent weekly, straight to your bank or PayPal.
7. SoundCampaign
SoundCampaign is another platform for Spotify playlist curators to get paid for listening to and reviewing new music.
If you have a playlist with at least 1,000 real followers, you can apply to be a curator.
Once approved, you’ll receive song submissions that match your playlist’s genre and audience.
For each track, you write a brief review and optionally can add the song to your playlist to support the artist.
Curators can earn up to about $12–$14 per song review on this platform.
Payment is convenient because they offer direct deposit, and you can withdraw your earnings at any time without a high minimum threshold.
8. RadioEarn
RadioEarn lets you earn passive income by streaming internet radio.
After a free signup, you can listen to various online radio stations through their web platform (or even embed their radio player on your own website).
You’ll earn points for every 15 minutes of listening.
Those points can later be converted into cash or gift cards; for example, you can redeem points for PayPal money or even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
It’s available worldwide. While the earnings are modest (since it’s basically a few points per quarter-hour), it’s an easy set-and-forget way to make some money while you enjoy music in the background.
9. Research.fm
Research.fm is an invite-only program that rewards you for providing feedback on music.
It’s run by a market research company that often works with radio stations.
If you’re invited to join, you’ll occasionally get surveys where you listen to short clips of songs (usually new releases or radio hits) and answer questions about them.
In return, you earn rewards—commonly these are Amazon gift cards or PayPal cash once you accumulate a certain amount.
Keep an eye on your email for invitations to music surveys after signing up.
It’s not an everyday gig, but when a survey comes, it can pay a few dollars for a few minutes of listening and feedback.
10. Kollect.fm
Kollect.fm is a startup from the Netherlands that creates a community between indie musicians and music curators.
You can apply to join as a curator, and if you’re accepted (they look for people with some music industry experience or a strong music social media profile), you’ll get to review songs from emerging artists.
Essentially, artists submit tracks and pay for curator feedback; as a curator, you earn money for each song you listen to and review.
Beyond the earnings, Kollect.fm also serves as a networking hub where you can connect with other curators and artists around the world.
It’s a more niche opportunity, but for serious music enthusiasts, it’s a chance to get paid and discover new music talent.
11. Radio Loyalty
Radio Loyalty is a program (available via web and as part of some reward apps) that pays you for streaming radio stations.
You create a free account and choose from their list of partner radio streams – genres ranging from pop, rock, to talk radio.
As you listen, a CAPTCHA prompt will appear every so often (approximately every 3 minutes) to ensure you’re actively listening.
For each chunk of listening time (usually a few minutes), you earn points.
These points can be redeemed for rewards like PayPal cash or Visa gift cards once you accumulate enough.
The service is open worldwide, so anyone can join and start earning by tuning in to music or even talk shows that they’d enjoy anyway.
12. Renaissance (Formerly Playlist)
Renaissance is a music rewards app that links with your Spotify or YouTube Music account.
Once you install the app and connect it to your music streaming, it runs in the background and tracks what you’re listening to.
The app doesn’t give cash directly; instead, it awards you “stars” for your listening habits.
Every 20 songs you play earns you 1 star, and you can earn up to 5 stars per day max (so it caps at 100 tracks per day that count).
Later, you can redeem these stars for various rewards (which might include gift cards, merch, or entry into prize drawings – the specifics can vary).
Essentially, Renaissance turns your normal music streaming into a game where loyal listeners get some perks.
It’s a fun way to get a little something back for the hours you already spend jamming out.
13. Genius (Lyric Transcription)
This popular song lyrics website offers a part-time opportunity to get paid for listening to music closely.
They hire contributors to transcribe lyrics for new songs.
This means when a new track comes out, you would play it, listen carefully, and write down all the lyrics accurately.
Genius typically opens these roles to U.S. applicants and often on a seasonal/part-time basis (for example, they might need more transcribers when many new albums drop).
The pay is an industry-standard rate per song transcribed (reports suggest it works out to around minimum wage or a bit more, varying with your speed and accuracy).
While it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, if you have a good ear for catching lyrics, this is a unique way to earn money from music listening and contribute to something music fans worldwide use.
14. Current Rewards (Mode)
Current is a popular mobile app that actually pays you for listening to music on your phone.
The app features over 100,000+ radio stations and music channels from around the world.
Once installed, it can play music even on your lock screen, and you earn points or “drops” for the time you spend listening.
People often use it passively – for instance, playing background music during daily activities – and the points accumulate.
Besides music, you can boost earnings by doing other simple tasks in the app like filling out surveys or trying offered apps.
The rewards can be cashed out via PayPal or direct deposit once you hit the payout threshold.
The app advertises that active users can make around $100+ in a year just from listening, though your actual earnings will depend on usage.
It’s a legit and widely-used app (sometimes also called the Mode Earn App), and a great passive income idea for music lovers.
15. WeLocalize (Lyrics Editing Projects)
WeLocalize is a professional translation and localization company, but they sometimes recruit music fans for a special project: transcribing and translating song lyrics.
In their “Music Lyrics Adaptation” projects, you listen to songs (often popular hits or new releases) and transcribe the lyrics or even translate them if you’re bilingual.
Reportedly, they pay about $4 per song lyric transcribed, and skilled transcribers can do many songs in a day.
Some dedicated folks have earned over $1000 a month when such projects are available.
The catch is these gigs are not always open, and they tend to hire in certain regions (commonly U.S. only for English lyrics).
It’s essentially a part-time job when available, but it’s one of the higher-paying ways on this list since it values your careful listening and typing skills.
Keep an eye on WeLocalize’s careers page for any “music specialist” or lyrics transcription openings.
16. Earnably
Earnably is a Get-Paid-To (GPT) rewards site that offers multiple ways to earn, including listening to music.
Once you sign up (open worldwide), you can find the Radio section on Earnably, which streams music from various genres.
As you listen, you periodically have to confirm you’re still tuned in (usually by entering a captcha every so often), and you earn points for the listening time.
In addition to music, Earnably also lets you earn by taking surveys or watching videos, but if music is your thing, you can stick to the radio streams.
The points you collect can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards to retailers.
The site’s payout rates for radio listening aren’t very high (a few cents per hour), but it’s another effortless way to get paid while you enjoy songs.
They also have a referral program where you get a bonus cut (like 10%) of what your referrals earn, adding a bit more to your income if you invite friends.
17. Cash4Minutes
Cash4Minutes pays you for something quite unusual: using your phone line to listen to internet radio.
After creating an account, you’ll be given access numbers to dial using a landline or VOIP line.
When you call in, you’ll be connected to a radio broadcast.
You get paid for every minute you stay on the line listening – roughly $0.08 per minute, which works out to $4.80 per hour if uninterrupted.
The reason they require a landline is that the system uses unused phone minutes and routing to share ad revenue.
Payments can be received via PayPal, direct bank transfer, or even Bitcoin/Litecoin nowadays.
One important note: you must have a free unlimited calls plan or very cheap local calling, otherwise your phone provider’s charges would outweigh the earnings.
Cash4Minutes is a bit technical to set up, but for those who have the means, it literally pays to leave the phone playing the radio.
18. UniqueRewards
UniqueRewards is another GPT website that includes a “listen to radio” earning option.
Much like Earnably and RadioEarn, you sign up and can play music streams through their site to earn points.
To keep earning, you’ll need to enter a captcha code about every 30 minutes as proof of listening.
The payout on UniqueRewards’s music player is on the very low side – on the order of $0.02 to $0.03 for each 30-minute block of listening.
This means even if you listened for a full day, you might only earn a few cents.
In short, UniqueRewards won’t make you big money from music alone.
However, it could be a tiny extra top-up if you’re using the site for its other offers too (surveys, videos, etc.) and just like having the radio on.
Think of it as getting paid a few pennies for background music you’d enjoy anyway.
19. FusionCash
FusionCash is a long-running rewards and survey site in the U.S. that also lets you earn from streaming radio.
By navigating to their Radio Loyalty or Radio section when logged in, you can play music stations and earn a little cash for the time spent.
As with similar programs, a periodic captcha ensures you’re actively listening.
FusionCash tallies your earnings and pays out once a month (they issue payments on the 20th of each month), as long as you’ve hit the minimum cashout.
One perk: they offer a $5 sign-up bonus just for creating an account.
While listening earnings alone won’t be large, FusionCash also has many other ways to make money (offers, surveys, etc.), so the radio feature can be one component of a broader online earning strategy.
20. Fiverr (Song Review Gigs)
Fiverr is a freelance marketplace where you can actually sell your services to musicians.
Many indie artists and DJs are willing to pay for constructive feedback on their tracks.
If you have a good ear and can write helpful critiques, you can set up a gig on Fiverr offering “song review and feedback” services.
For example, an artist might pay $5-$20 for you to listen to their song and provide a detailed review of what you thought about the melody, lyrics, mix quality, etc.
Some musicians also seek curators to add their song to popular playlists or blogs, and they’ll pay for that as a service.
On Fiverr, you get to set your own rates and what exactly you’ll deliver (written feedback, video reaction, playlist placement, etc.).
It might take time to get your first customers, but it’s a legit way to monetize your passion for music by helping artists improve their work.
21. Start a Music Blog
Consider launching your own blog where you discuss and review music.
This is a more long-term approach, but it can pay off significantly.
You would regularly listen to new songs, albums, or playlists, then write blog posts about them – sharing your thoughts, recommendations, or music news.
As your blog attracts fellow music enthusiasts, you can monetize it through ads (like Google AdSense), affiliate links (for example, linking to music merch or streaming services), or even sponsorships.
It’s essentially getting paid indirectly: your love of listening to music fuels content that generates revenue.
Many bloggers start as a hobby and, over time, grow their site into a side income or full business.
It requires consistency and genuine passion, but there’s potential to earn a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month once you build an audience.
The best part is you’re your own boss, and you’re writing about tunes you enjoy.
22. Review Music on YouTube
YouTube is another avenue to turn listening into earnings. You can create a channel where you review songs, music videos, or albums.
For example, some YouTubers film themselves reacting to songs or dissecting lyrics and production.
A notable case is Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop, who built a huge following (2.5+ million subscribers) just by reviewing albums in a down-to-earth style.
These channels make money through YouTube’s Partner Program (ad revenue) once they have enough viewers, and often through sponsorships or Patreon support as they grow.
The key is to find a niche or style – maybe you focus on a genre you love or do comedic reactions.
Over time, as your subscriber count rises, you’re essentially getting paid to listen to music and share your opinions.
Plus, you might get early access to tracks from artists or labels looking for exposure.
23. Become a Music Influencer
In the age of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Spotify social sharing, you can establish yourself as a music influencer.
This means building an online presence centered on music curation and recommendations.
For example, you might post daily song suggestions, album reviews, or create viral TikTok videos using new music.
As you grow a follower base, artists and brands may start approaching you for promotion.
You could get paid to feature a song in a playlist, to include a track in one of your videos, or to attend listening parties and share your experience.
Essentially, you’re listening to music and then influencing others to check it out and getting compensated by those who benefit (like emerging artists or music services).
Top music influencers can even earn six-figure incomes if they amass a large following and work with sponsors.
You can start small: share what you love listening to, be authentic, and engage with fellow fans. Over time, this can grow into a serious side hustle.
24. Start a Music Podcast
Podcasts are hugely popular, and many music fans are making podcasts where they discuss their favorite artists, genres, or music history.
You could start a podcast reviewing new album releases each week, or a show where you delve into the stories behind songs and songwriters – the possibilities are vast.
While podcasting doesn’t pay you to listen per se, it revolves around your love of music and sharing that with an audience.
Once your podcast builds an audience (say a few thousand regular listeners), you can monetize through sponsorships, ads, or listener support (like Patreon).
Big podcasts can earn substantial income, and some even make millions through advertising when they hit the top charts.
Even on a smaller scale, a decent listenership can bring in extra cash.
For example, an episode sponsor might pay you $100 for a short ad read if you have a few thousand listeners.
If you’re the type who loves talking about music you’ve heard, podcasting is a creative way to get paid for that passion.
25. Join the Nielsen Panel
This is a very passive way to get rewarded for something you already do.
Nielsen, the famous media research company, has a Computer & Mobile Panel that tracks media usage for market research.
If you sign up and install their app on your devices, Nielsen will pay you about $50 per year, per device, just to anonymously follow your entertainment habits.
This includes music listening habits (along with other internet usage).
So if you stream music on your phone, tablet, or PC, Nielsen’s app will note that and you get paid without any extra work.
The program typically offers around $50 in rewards annually for each device you register, so having it on your phone and laptop could net about $100/year.
They often pay via points redeemable for gift cards or directly with cash cards.
It’s not a huge amount, but considering you literally do nothing differently (just listen to your music as normal), it’s free money for being part of their research.
For a music lover who’s always plugged in, this is a hassle-free little bonus.
Final Words
Earning money by listening to music isn’t just a dream, but there are plenty of real ways to do it.
Some methods (like using apps or websites) will only fetch you a few dollars here and there, but they require almost no effort beyond enjoying songs.
Other avenues (like blogging, YouTube, or curating playlists) can grow into substantial income if you put in the time and creativity.
All of the above options are legit and widely available so you can mix and match them to maximize your earnings.
The key is to choose the ones that fit your lifestyle: if you want something passive, try the radio apps or Nielsen panel; if you love giving opinions, do reviews on SlicethePie or start a channel; if you have an audience, monetize your influence.
With these 25 ways, you can start turning your love of music into a rewarding side hustle today. Happy listening (and earning)!