Hi Eric, I started initially at AJ, but it was so tough getting music approved, I was much newer in the music production world then. I went back to learning the craft for awhile and then joined Pond5. I committed myself to writing music every week and uploading for over a year. Then the rates got chopped. That was really rough. I ended up keeping my catalog up there and still have it there today. I have not uploaded any music since then, but license a small amount each year. I ended up in 2020 starting my own library as well to focus in my geographic area. (Washington DC). It has been a journey for sure. I decided I wanted to start my own library so I would not get paid 35% on each license and would know where the tracks are being used somewhat. (at least who the customer is). So yes.. Pond5 I think is a great place to start with stock music. It really helped me build my confidence and skills. Thanks for the videos, I appreciate them! Cheers.
Thank you for this comment Brian. Yes rates get chopped in just about every library. We just saw that with motion array. But I still feel like Pond5 is the best place for someone to get their start and get used to making music for a licensing company, even if it doesn’t make them any income.
@@prodjincmusicproductions6587 Sure. Starting a library is not hard...building it up is. I am making better money doing it myself and capturing all of the license fees. Since this post was done, I have since converted over to a subscription model. It is not enough to just write music. I have to upload to my catalog, upload for a public link, update the metadata for the catalog so it is searchable, update the database....and then I can promote the track or focus on gaining clients. Not going to make full time money on it but it will grow only as much effort as I put in. Point being, it is not easy money.
I’m a rap artist turned songwriter trying to figure out to how get started with my production partner and am completely clueless these videos have been very informative thank you
About Pond5 rejections: I got rejected the first 7 submissions, and then I was asked to prove that I'm a composer and after that no more rejections after 30 submissions.
@@MakeMusicIncome ID verification was the first step before uploading any content. But their version of prove was a screenshot of my DAW and and established website with music. So after a couple rejections one time it was 'items returned' and here is the text that they sent: It looks like you need to verify your account with us. If you'd like to sell audio files, security has recently become more strict when submitting SFX/Music. You will need to also provide your established website showcasing your professional work, along with a screenshot of your DAW before we can approve your submission. After I did that, they magically started approving all my next submissions.
@@TarasShostuha Hey man, I've got the same message and my tracks were returned too. Could you please tell me what website with your music you sent to them? They told me that I need some well-rounded web presence and advised me to make a soundcloud or similar platform and upload samples of my tracks there. Did you do that as well? You just upload your tracks to soundcloud, send them the link with a DAW screenshot and they verify you as a legit composer?
@@Sonmi-dh4kc Hey, along with the screenshot of my DAW I sent them my audiojungle profile, and at the time I had a couple of tracks there. I gues you can send them any library profiles.
Well I have not done a video on this, but I always do submit my tracks to my PRO before I put them up on royalty-free Libraries. You just never know when something may happen and you get a bigger license or something like that. The process for uploading is no different than the process if you were going to release it on Spotify or anything. But I do not check the box that the song was made for a library. Because none of my songs are made for a library as they may not get in any library that I pitch them to.
Hello Eric!Great video and information thank you!An issue I have lately on Pond5 is that many items have lower prices tha the price I choosed and they end up selling lower than my price, I have no idea why this is happening, if you have any ideas will be awesome.Keep rocking!
Yeah they run promotions sometimes or people use coupons, so there’s not much that you can do. I’m doing a HUGE experiment on SUPER low pricing there for March. Stay tuned for that!
I don’t retitle, but I’m not scared to. In fact sometimes you HAVE to as libraries like Pond5 and Motion Array ask for Song titles (non-descriptive) and other libraries like AudioJungle DEMAND descriptive titles instead.
Great video. Thank you. I see this is 2 years old so you may not care, but the pond5 affiliate link is not properly linked. Only the domain part of the url is linked and the referral string is not so the link just takes you to the home page.
I’m sure it’s a stupid question but do you need to pay for your own music/sound effects or is it ok to use your own stuff? I know that even if you sell books, because you have a publisher you have to buy your own book. Is it the same here or is it like RUclips?
Of course you can! Especially if you are talking about the songs being in a royalty free library. If you’d re involved with Content ID make sure you tell them your RUclips channel so they whitelist it.
Hi, I usually upload my music to DSPs like Spotify (I use Distrokid). I I'm planning to apply to POND5; would I still be able to send my music to DSPs as usual, or should I only select stores like Spotify, Amazon, Dezer, etc., and avoid Instagram/Facebook or something like that?
Nope the two have nothing to do with each other. The stock libraries are for people downloading to use the songs in videos or presentations. If they love the song enough, they may go seek you out on the DSPs. I am recommending that everyone should be uploading their non-exclusive music to DSPs.
Hello eric! Excellent video, thank you for all the information and the humor bits too. I had a good laugh at the orlando magic one. I was wondering if it’s better to release one song at a time consistently or release songs in album or packs? If you have any opinions on this that would be awesome. Thank you!
If you are talking about songs to Pond5, they really only accept one song at a time. I mean you can upload lots of songs at one time, but they ingest them song by song. You do have an option after songs are accepted to email them about grouping them.
This is a GREAT question. I have always believed that a personal or music web site sets you apart from other people who say they have a music brand. It shows you are serious about your craft and your business. So absolutely yes!
@@MakeMusicIncome they are music publishing and they started briefs also.At the moment they are free to join.Don't know later.If you can have a look and make a video of it it is worth to give it a go maybe.Thanks.Just subbed to your channel
Excellent! Glad it’s helping, Make sure to check out the Stock Market Course. Last Pre-sell price and I just finished the library modules today. Just about to go up to it’s final price! Introduction is FREE! payhip.com/b/pvsfL
Hi Brian! Really thx for the nice advice and the quality of your videos too. I'm starting to put my pieces in pond5. I even followed your tricks about templates. But why in the "status" is written "needs edit"? I've done everything, and most of all, my pieces are already online ready to be bought!
ok, here we go with the feedback. To submit my items for review, I have to make them verify my ID. Then my items will enter in the "Pending review" status. So I've REALLY done everything now😅😅. Thx again!
Hi Eric, do you embed metadata in your files using Kid3 or Music Tag Editor Pro or similar before uploading to Pond5? Thanks for your assistance. Keith
@@MakeMusicIncome that sounds like a plan! What happens to the new uploads? Do you have to request they are added to the subscription or is it automatic? Thank you Eric
Thank you for this. But I'm confused about something. Composers seem to set pricing on P5 very low -- say between $15 and $200. I suppose that's what it takes to be competitive there. Meanwhile, exclusive, highly curated libraries appear to charge thousands of dollars for a song that get used in TV and film. So if your goal is to be in those high end libraries, wouldn't getting listed in P5 be a bad idea? Assuming you were listed in a high end library, buyers could find something of yours, check on P5 and get it there for way less. What am I missing here?
I think with subscription libraries being the popular choice these days, for libraries like Pond5, the only choice you have would be to price low. Now you could use the thinking that people come to these libraries and don't want to go through the hassle of getting into another monthly payment, but when the choice is between a $19.99 payment and a $19 song price, which one would you choose? AND if they could instead get the song they need for that one thing for $5, then they'll likely do that. I went back to the $5 strategy on P5 because I get backend through Content ID that can sometimes pay better than any upfront sale fee.
The other thing to remember that POnd5 is more for music that you'd use behind RUclips videos and presentations, NOT for film or TV. So different use case.
Keep watching my friend. My Content ID views have changed and I now advise getting that backend side of stock. ruclips.net/video/N7gWcRgH4m0/видео.htmlsi=eMMLScXkx06vXFsS
thank you for your reply on the other video. i make lo- fi synth-pop with bass guitar, synthesizers and sampling, sound a little bit like rush meets beastie boys, all instrumental.. or am i making niche music that won't work here. is this a good option for me?
Nice video! I've sold a few songs on Pond5 but I'm an amateur and the songs aren't loud or crisp enough. Do you have any recommendations for getting them mastered at an affordable price? I want to make sure they're at least high quality enough for sale even if they aren't pop music standards. Thanks!
Hi I'm extremely new to this....... if you sign to Pond5 Publishing, would that mean that you cannot put the tracks on another Library also or release them in any other way?
No with Pond5 you can sign up non-exclusive and be able to put the same songs on any other non-exclusive library too. AND you can absolutely release them to streaming (Spotify, Apple, etc) AND make RUclips’s of them AND put them on IG, TT, FB..Non-exclusive means you can do anything with them you like (except sign them to an exclusive library.)
Thanks for the reply, what about the publishing though? If it is published by them do they not effectively own the song? Sorry if it's a stupid question
No it's a good question. You can let them be the publisher but to be honest I have not seen that be any help. When they do become publisher, they re-title so they are just the publisher of THEIR version usually called song - P5. But I'm not sure I have ever seen anything from them on a PRO royalty statement.
Hey Eric. If you made songs with vocals/lyrics and because of lockdown and life changes had managed to record 80 of the best songs you had written over 20 years and had no interest in being an artist, but only pursue sync. (And already had 19 songs placed with a publisher and had some placements in film and TV.) What would you do?
@@MakeMusicIncome Hi Eric! Thanks for the reply! From 20 songs they achieved 10 placements in 10 years. Being relatively inexperienced, we're not sure how good that is and would like to diversify our catalogue if possible.
@@MakeMusicIncome Thanks for responding. And thanks for making these videos! I'm trying to start making money with my music, and getting into stock music and you've been very helpful and informative. Another question, I do my own sound design, would I be able to release samples the same way or is there a better way to do that?
I write instrumental rock music like Joe Satriani for example. Would that be acceptable for this? Or are there other libraries for more “song” structure that aren’t necessarily stock music style? I’ve been wondering this for a few years now. I looked on pond5 and found several songs similar to what in write so I guess I just have to submit and see, but can you clarify this for me? That would be highly appreciated as I want to get my catalogue in libraries
Well, there are certainly needs for all kinds of music. Look through the Rock and styles where you think you might find him and see what they have. Generally, I wouldn’t think it’s that popular, but what is popular has never stopped me from uploading! LOL!
Hello! I just got my music accepted by pond5, but as I'm new to this world of stock libraries I have some doubts.. I was told to get an ISRC code for my music before uploading it on libraries, and to do that I had to choose a title for the song and add the composer/artistic name. When I upload it to the library, I have to use the same title and composer name? For example, in the library, I used a descriptive title and I didnt use the same composer name to create my account there, so the composer name will be different on pond5. Is this a problem or it is ok to do so? Thanks for your amazing content, new subscriber here!
I use From the Moment Music on all my libraries, but when asked for an ID must provide my DL. Pond5 likes a real title rather than descriptive. I really only use descriptive titles at AudioJUngle no where else. As far as ISRC you can get them assigned when you put a song up for distribution, but I don’t see the big need for them on the stock side of things. Indentifyy does have a field for it, but I thought ISRC was mostly for sales/Spotify/trigger royalties on PROs.
@@MakeMusicIncome Yes I got confused too since they accepted my songs and didn't ask for the ISRC or anything else. I thought they would want to make sure its mine. So about the title I'm gonna check that out and edit it, just didn't get what you meant by 'from the moment music', I suppose its music you just create and upload, without any register, right? Is it safe to do? Thank you very much for your reply.
Hey, I have a question that keeps bugging me after a few of your videos. I’m not a full time composer/producer, so I don’t create dozens of tracks a year. If I have like 10-15 tracks I’m keeping away from being published on Spotify, how do I prioritize whether to submit them to Pond5 or Motion Array or Artlist?
@@MakeMusicIncome Thanks for the response! I may have misinterpreted the terms and conditions, but I thought most of such platforms generally look for rather exclusive content. Can I license even the music that is selling on Apple music (given that I'm an original creator and copyrights owner)?
I do have a question but it's not about pond5, it's about songtradr, I am a producer who trying to get into sync. And my question is, why am I being denied the opportunity to opt in to most of their monetization catalogs?? Like when I upload a track to songtradr I can only go for the music wanted section and when I try to opt in for monetization it only let opt in to like two of three categories and those are the ones that don't pay anything, please help I've been trying to figure it out, but I am also noticing that even when I pick the exact mood, theme, and genres that they are looking for, my music is still being placed under explicit content even though I never upload anything but instrumentals and I was hoping you had some insight into why they do that as well
Wow, I have no idea. I’ve never seen a warning about explicit content. Are they rap songs? Or metal, or some other controversial genre? Are you SURE you didn’t mark any explicit things in the metadata?
@@MakeMusicIncome yes I am sure, yes the genre of instrumentals that I upload is hiphop and r&b using mostly heavy 808s for today's modern music but never anything explicit, also there are no lyrics at all so I'm totally lost when they do that. But also I usually upload instrumentals geared towards artists rather than sync so I don't know if it's the way I structured my tracks or something unbeknownst to me
HI really great video! I'm new subscriber..by the way I have already had sales in Pond 5, however, how can I achieve more exposure or more sales? Do you recommend paying a membership or something like that? What do you think of the new purchase by shutterstock? I really would like to sell more although now my portfolio only has 100 tracks, so what do you recommend I do?. Thanks
There is NO reason to pay for a membership. However you can JOIN the Pond5 membership program. Check out my Pond5 video for info on this. But they pay YOU! Not the other way around! LOL. Also consider some low price experiments. Only time will tell with the Shutterstock thing.
Now, I use ASCAP as my PRO... the website states that Pond5 or our publishing admin partner will register the work with the "relevant PRO". This might be a question I need to ask them but... when they say "Relevant PRO", I assume that they will register to my current PRO and not migrate my songs to BMI.
They register the publishing side, and you keep the writer side (on your PRO). But don’t get too concerned with this doing much unless something gets on TV or radio.
(my first project-suggestion by you--thank you)they asked me for my Id or photo id is this okay. Wow, all my business up front. I dont know them, and what they could do with my identification can you help me understand if this is okay legitimate do this portion they are asking me for,
part 2 of 2 they asked me for my Id or photo id is this okay? Wow, all my business up front. I don’t know them, and what they could do with my identification- can you help me understand if this is okay legitimate to do this portion of the process for startup with them, that they are asking me for
This is pretty standard practice now for how they prove your identity. They don’t the same people registering lots of time and putting up duplicate music.
Hey Eric, very cool video! it does give a good idea on where to start.... Do you think today, 9 months later, all the info on this video is still valid? I mean, would you still recomend Pond5 to start from CERO, or has this changed? that way, I can focus just on this, then I believe is Motion Array....... and then the sky is the limit (or is it?) 🤓👍
I still absolutely start with Pond5. As I mentioned in the video, it’s a great place to put everything and use as a database. It may not make as much money, but for people getting started it’s still a great place to start!
@@MakeMusicIncome so that´s it, Pond5 it is 👍 👍 . I Just watched your video on "How to UpLoad to Pond5" on your website. Pond5, from what I´ve learn from your videos, it seems it just won't limit anything because with those same songs I could do mre things like jump into Motion Array, e.g... I have songs published and distributed to Spotify, Apple Music.... with Distrokid and other BandCamp and SoundCloud. I want to unite them all in SoundCloud's new system, but for now, I think I may Pond5 them. Do you think that´s feasable?
@@MakeMusicIncome With that response I am sure you had this question at some point. Thanks so much for your response and all your videos, you are my ambassador on my musical Kwan! Looking forward to show you the material I am planning to upload for your advise, hopefully before the end of the year (Coaching session 👍 👍)
Though this is a year old, I have watched some other creators on Pond 5 and other production/stock music platforms. I am not liking Pond 5 cause you can not opt out of the subscriptions, and yeah I do charge quite a bit for my uploads, just can't bring myself to under sell myself, period. I love making music and composing as well as producing it all. I use FL Studio 20 and would upgrade to 21 but my PC is old and can't handle it(starving artist insert here). I have songs up on Spotify but they are not getting even viewed,lol. I have decent YT channel content and not much there either, can't afford to pay someone at all let alone some course in anything. I am starting to think that a person has to have some sort of advertising bank roll to break out in order for anything to pop off. And yes, there will be those who disagree with that. But I am not in to this to simply be a 'hobby', I really need to generate an income from it all. Oh well.....
It may just take patience and continue to focus on making music and growing. I think at some point you will have to move on from FL. It’s great for Beatmakers but if you’re going to be serious and making quality music, you’re likely going to have to move up to another DAW. The key is to continue to grow, and I know what you’re going through. Heck, I started as a teenager when there were no computers at all. I had to wait until computers caught up with my skills, and eventually when I could really start making some quality music when I moved to Nashville. It’s a long road so give yourself some time and keep at it. The people who lose are the people who quit.
@@MakeMusicIncome Thanks, but FL studio and particular the full producer version is a LOT more than most realize it can do. I do more than just make beats,lol. I do full compositions for sure with it, just FYI.😁
You should have 24/48 of all files to upload to most libraries. Some ask for 16/44 WAV (like Audio Jungle), and some ask for both, but almost none just want MP3s.
Im a bit confused. You say its a great site and we should all start there but then you say at 14:17 "your not going to make any income from stock music that's used for youtube or a stock corporate presentations". Then towards the end you say your total profit from this site for the year was $13.00. Did I miss something?
At 14:17 I said you won't make any PRO income (performance rights) which is paid by your PRO (you actually might but I have seen that much.) you still make money from the sales on P5. I've made over $1000 with a Pond5 over the past three years!
@@MakeMusicIncome Ok, I guess I need to learn more about all this. I've been making music for 15 years and want to have a side hustle that can generate income. Is this really doable? It sounds like Im gonna have to spend hundreds of hours making hundreds of tracks so I can maybe make an extra $1000 per year. Is this really worth my time?
@@MakeMusicIncome only if you download a preview. but you can listen the entire track from the page while you rip/record it. then upload it as your own creation to another stock music website, rinse and repeat and become a rich thief. content ID can only track some places but it cant track the thief who stole and sold your music track. pond5 recently eliminated their audible "tags" from all of our content. This has happened to me were content id found a youtuber who legally purchased a track from another stock music site from a thief who ripped and stole my music from Pond5. Im deeply emotionally hurt by this; Pond5 does nothing about it, and that is why im here to warn others. hopefuly you can see this as truthfully and factual to help bring awareness to this problem.
@@MakeMusicIncome Update: my music is approved :D But I have some problems... The music isn't on the storefront, is it need a while to appear? Also, I tried to open my storefront while logged out (incognito) and the page is not found (404)...
I don’t think so. Many libraries have been swallowed up by other larger libraries. Motion Array is part of Artlist. AudioJUngle is part of Envato. Business be business.
Find out more about Pond5 in "The Stock Market Course" payhip.com/b/pvsfL
Hi Eric, I started initially at AJ, but it was so tough getting music approved, I was much newer in the music production world then. I went back to learning the craft for awhile and then joined Pond5. I committed myself to writing music every week and uploading for over a year. Then the rates got chopped. That was really rough. I ended up keeping my catalog up there and still have it there today. I have not uploaded any music since then, but license a small amount each year. I ended up in 2020 starting my own library as well to focus in my geographic area. (Washington DC). It has been a journey for sure. I decided I wanted to start my own library so I would not get paid 35% on each license and would know where the tracks are being used somewhat. (at least who the customer is). So yes.. Pond5 I think is a great place to start with stock music. It really helped me build my confidence and skills.
Thanks for the videos, I appreciate them! Cheers.
Thank you for this comment Brian. Yes rates get chopped in just about every library. We just saw that with motion array. But I still feel like Pond5 is the best place for someone to get their start and get used to making music for a licensing company, even if it doesn’t make them any income.
Would love to hear more about your library!
@@MakeMusicIncome I would be open to talk shop anytime!
This is great! Can I ask how you started your own library???
@@prodjincmusicproductions6587 Sure. Starting a library is not hard...building it up is. I am making better money doing it myself and capturing all of the license fees. Since this post was done, I have since converted over to a subscription model. It is not enough to just write music. I have to upload to my catalog, upload for a public link, update the metadata for the catalog so it is searchable, update the database....and then I can promote the track or focus on gaining clients. Not going to make full time money on it but it will grow only as much effort as I put in. Point being, it is not easy money.
I have some tracks on my BMI statement from Pond5. Not much money but cool to know your pond5 tracks can end up in tv ( show Ghost Adventures ).
Great to know, thank you Frank! Great Intel!
Hey that's interesting to read, since i also had one of my Pond5 tracks end up in Ghost Adventures.
Just got an email from Pond5 and they added my collection of tracks to the membership. Thanks for this info Eric!
Fantastic Alan. Congratulations.
opps! Thank you confirming again. Appreciate you much!!
I recently got my pond 5 catalog added to the membership scheme in the exact way that Eric recommends in this video.
Sweet!! Hopefully it will bring some income.
I hope some new libraries see my music, thanks for sharing your experience!
Good luck to you!
I didn't know about the Pond5 membership, thank you for this tip!
Excellent! Glad to have shared it with you!
I’m a rap artist turned songwriter trying to figure out to how get started with my production partner and am completely clueless these videos have been very informative thank you
Yeah man, rap and hip-hop is big $$ in sync and stock!
About Pond5 rejections: I got rejected the first 7 submissions, and then I was asked to prove that I'm a composer and after that no more rejections after 30 submissions.
How in the world did you prove you were a composer? Or did they mean you had to put your ID in and everything? That’s pretty standard now.
@@MakeMusicIncome ID verification was the first step before uploading any content. But their version of prove was a screenshot of my DAW and and established website with music. So after a couple rejections one time it was 'items returned' and here is the text that they sent:
It looks like you need to verify your account with us. If you'd like to sell audio files, security has recently become more strict when submitting SFX/Music. You will need to also provide your established website showcasing your professional work, along with a screenshot of your DAW before we can approve your submission.
After I did that, they magically started approving all my next submissions.
The robots at work lol
@@TarasShostuha Hey man, I've got the same message and my tracks were returned too. Could you please tell me what website with your music you sent to them? They told me that I need some well-rounded web presence and advised me to make a soundcloud or similar platform and upload samples of my tracks there. Did you do that as well? You just upload your tracks to soundcloud, send them the link with a DAW screenshot and they verify you as a legit composer?
@@Sonmi-dh4kc Hey, along with the screenshot of my DAW I sent them my audiojungle profile, and at the time I had a couple of tracks there. I gues you can send them any library profiles.
I not know anything about this Membership program. Thank you for information, I will join definitely.
Awesome, good luck with it!
Great videos, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I just recently uploaded to Pond5 for the first time, all 14 were accepted.
Congratulations and thanks for watching!
And now, 1 year later, how are your sales doing? Do you earn something? Thank you.
I’m really glad to have found your channel. Been looking for licensing advice all over the place. Just subscribed today. Thank you!
Thanks so much!! Glad to help!
Thanks a lot for the good work and your advices
My pleasure!
Thank you for the GEMS!
I know RIGHT??
Good video. Do you have a video about the process of submitting tracks to a pro before uploading to stock site?
Well I have not done a video on this, but I always do submit my tracks to my PRO before I put them up on royalty-free Libraries. You just never know when something may happen and you get a bigger license or something like that. The process for uploading is no different than the process if you were going to release it on Spotify or anything. But I do not check the box that the song was made for a library. Because none of my songs are made for a library as they may not get in any library that I pitch them to.
@@MakeMusicIncome Forgive my ignorance, but what is a PRL?
Sorry typo. PRO. Performing Rights Organization.
Hello Eric!Great video and information thank you!An issue I have lately on Pond5 is that many items have lower prices tha the price I choosed and they end up selling lower than my price, I have no idea why this is happening, if you have any ideas will be awesome.Keep rocking!
Yeah they run promotions sometimes or people use coupons, so there’s not much that you can do. I’m doing a HUGE experiment on SUPER low pricing there for March. Stay tuned for that!
@@MakeMusicIncome Thank you for the info Eric!Looking forward to your experiment's results!Greetings from Greece!
Will certainly try that. Thanks Eric!
Thanks for watching!
Do you retitle songs for non-exclusive libraries? Have heard it's a bad idea. True?
I don’t retitle, but I’m not scared to. In fact sometimes you HAVE to as libraries like Pond5 and Motion Array ask for Song titles (non-descriptive) and other libraries like AudioJungle DEMAND descriptive titles instead.
Thank you. And thank you for the great videos and information you're sharing!
Loving these videos Eric!!!!
Thanks for watching Andrew!!
I like the "small forward" reference... haha
me love the basketball…
Great video. Thank you. I see this is 2 years old so you may not care, but the pond5 affiliate link is not properly linked. Only the domain part of the url is linked and the referral string is not so the link just takes you to the home page.
Ok I will fix this up!!!
I’m sure it’s a stupid question but do you need to pay for your own music/sound effects or is it ok to use your own stuff? I know that even if you sell books, because you have a publisher you have to buy your own book. Is it the same here or is it like RUclips?
Of course you can! Especially if you are talking about the songs being in a royalty free library. If you’d re involved with Content ID make sure you tell them your RUclips channel so they whitelist it.
@@MakeMusicIncome thank you.
06:59 Voila 😂
Good video and very helpful info.
Thanks Kelly!
Hi, I usually upload my music to DSPs like Spotify (I use Distrokid). I I'm planning to apply to POND5; would I still be able to send my music to DSPs as usual, or should I only select stores like Spotify, Amazon, Dezer, etc., and avoid Instagram/Facebook or something like that?
Nope the two have nothing to do with each other. The stock libraries are for people downloading to use the songs in videos or presentations. If they love the song enough, they may go seek you out on the DSPs. I am recommending that everyone should be uploading their non-exclusive music to DSPs.
@@MakeMusicIncome Awesome, thanks for the reply!
I can't contain myself!
Me either…
Hello eric! Excellent video, thank you for all the information and the humor bits too. I had a good laugh at the orlando magic one. I was wondering if it’s better to release one song at a time consistently or release songs in album or packs? If you have any opinions on this that would be awesome. Thank you!
If you are talking about songs to Pond5, they really only accept one song at a time. I mean you can upload lots of songs at one time, but they ingest them song by song. You do have an option after songs are accepted to email them about grouping them.
Hi Eric, would you recommend having a personal composer/ artist website to get easier in to those libraries? Cheers
This is a GREAT question. I have always believed that a personal or music web site sets you apart from other people who say they have a music brand. It shows you are serious about your craft and your business. So absolutely yes!
@@MakeMusicIncome Thanks.
@@nathansmith8183 Cheers Nathan
Hello there.Had you ever listen about Sentric Music Publishing ?
I have but don’t know much about them.
@@MakeMusicIncome they are music publishing and they started briefs also.At the moment they are free to join.Don't know later.If you can have a look and make a video of it it is worth to give it a go maybe.Thanks.Just subbed to your channel
Hi Eric! I am planning to produce music for stock and your information is very valuable to me. Thank you!
Greetings from Argentina
Excellent! Glad it’s helping, Make sure to check out the Stock Market Course. Last Pre-sell price and I just finished the library modules today. Just about to go up to it’s final price! Introduction is FREE! payhip.com/b/pvsfL
Hi Brian! Really thx for the nice advice and the quality of your videos too. I'm starting to put my pieces in pond5. I even followed your tricks about templates. But why in the "status" is written "needs edit"? I've done everything, and most of all, my pieces are already online ready to be bought!
Hmm, odd. Not sure why it’s saying that if you have already put in all edits. Unless you missed something?
@@MakeMusicIncome don't think so. There's all I could put into it. The tracks are even on sale!
@@dago0f So sorry, have you tried emailing support?
@@MakeMusicIncome sure, yesterday... I'll give you a feedback when I'll get an answer
ok, here we go with the feedback. To submit my items for review, I have to make them verify my ID. Then my items will enter in the "Pending review" status. So I've REALLY done everything now😅😅. Thx again!
Hi Eric, do you embed metadata in your files using Kid3 or Music Tag Editor Pro or similar before uploading to Pond5? Thanks for your assistance. Keith
I do, I use Adobe Audition to put them into WAV and MP3 but most likely won't be seen on WAVs, but MP3s go out with every download.
Hi Eric, do you include the edits of the tracks in the collection or just the full track?
Are you talking about the subscription? I just had them include my full catalog.
@@MakeMusicIncome that sounds like a plan! What happens to the new uploads? Do you have to request they are added to the subscription or is it automatic? Thank you Eric
Yes you need to email them and tell them to. It’s in the video.
Thank you for this. But I'm confused about something. Composers seem to set pricing on P5 very low -- say between $15 and $200. I suppose that's what it takes to be competitive there. Meanwhile, exclusive, highly curated libraries appear to charge thousands of dollars for a song that get used in TV and film. So if your goal is to be in those high end libraries, wouldn't getting listed in P5 be a bad idea? Assuming you were listed in a high end library, buyers could find something of yours, check on P5 and get it there for way less. What am I missing here?
I think with subscription libraries being the popular choice these days, for libraries like Pond5, the only choice you have would be to price low. Now you could use the thinking that people come to these libraries and don't want to go through the hassle of getting into another monthly payment, but when the choice is between a $19.99 payment and a $19 song price, which one would you choose? AND if they could instead get the song they need for that one thing for $5, then they'll likely do that. I went back to the $5 strategy on P5 because I get backend through Content ID that can sometimes pay better than any upfront sale fee.
The other thing to remember that POnd5 is more for music that you'd use behind RUclips videos and presentations, NOT for film or TV. So different use case.
Thank you. But at the end of your your Content ID video you said you avoided using Content ID. So now I'm terribly confused! Please clarify.
Keep watching my friend. My Content ID views have changed and I now advise getting that backend side of stock. ruclips.net/video/N7gWcRgH4m0/видео.htmlsi=eMMLScXkx06vXFsS
@@MakeMusicIncome Thanks again. I hereby give you permission to change your mind at any point in time.
thank you for your reply on the other video. i make lo- fi synth-pop with bass guitar, synthesizers and sampling, sound a little bit like rush meets beastie boys, all instrumental.. or am i making niche music that won't work here. is this a good option for me?
I think all music can work on all libraries! Give it a shot!
Nice video! I've sold a few songs on Pond5 but I'm an amateur and the songs aren't loud or crisp enough. Do you have any recommendations for getting them mastered at an affordable price? I want to make sure they're at least high quality enough for sale even if they aren't pop music standards. Thanks!
I’d suggest Isotope Ozone for easy one step mastering.You might try the Elements version to get started.
@@MakeMusicIncome Awesome thank you!
Hi I'm extremely new to this....... if you sign to Pond5 Publishing, would that mean that you cannot put the tracks on another Library also or release them in any other way?
No with Pond5 you can sign up non-exclusive and be able to put the same songs on any other non-exclusive library too. AND you can absolutely release them to streaming (Spotify, Apple, etc) AND make RUclips’s of them AND put them on IG, TT, FB..Non-exclusive means you can do anything with them you like (except sign them to an exclusive library.)
Thanks for the reply, what about the publishing though? If it is published by them do they not effectively own the song? Sorry if it's a stupid question
No it's a good question. You can let them be the publisher but to be honest I have not seen that be any help. When they do become publisher, they re-title so they are just the publisher of THEIR version usually called song - P5. But I'm not sure I have ever seen anything from them on a PRO royalty statement.
Hey Eric, for some reason my uploads are not showing on my Pond 5 uploads folder page any longer. Any ideas ?
How
Many did you have?
Hi Eric, They have fixed the problem now. Big thanks to the people at Pond 5😇@@MakeMusicIncome
Thank you very much, you have such great content to help me grow in this
industry!! Thanks again (part 3)
That’s great to hear!
Hey Eric. If you made songs with vocals/lyrics and because of lockdown and life changes had managed to record 80 of the best songs you had written over 20 years and had no interest in being an artist, but only pursue sync. (And already had 19 songs placed with a publisher and had some placements in film and TV.) What would you do?
Why not approach the publisher with them?
@@MakeMusicIncome Hi Eric! Thanks for the reply! From 20 songs they achieved 10 placements in 10 years. Being relatively inexperienced, we're not sure how good that is and would like to diversify our catalogue if possible.
Feel free to email me about this at makemusicincome@gmail.com
Do songs need to be registered to BMI before uploading?
No but you can if you like. I do as I have had a song licensed on one of these and paid through BMI last down the line.
@@MakeMusicIncome Thanks for responding. And thanks for making these videos! I'm trying to start making money with my music, and getting into stock music and you've been very helpful and informative.
Another question, I do my own sound design, would I be able to release samples the same way or is there a better way to do that?
is it possible to upload already released songs on like spotify to pond 5?
Absolutely!
I write instrumental rock music like Joe Satriani for example. Would that be acceptable for this? Or are there other libraries for more “song” structure that aren’t necessarily stock music style? I’ve been wondering this for a few years now. I looked on pond5 and found several songs similar to what in write so I guess I just have to submit and see, but can you clarify this for me? That would be highly appreciated as I want to get my catalogue in libraries
Well, there are certainly needs for all kinds of music. Look through the Rock and styles where you think you might find him and see what they have. Generally, I wouldn’t think it’s that popular, but what is popular has never stopped me from uploading! LOL!
Hello! I just got my music accepted by pond5, but as I'm new to this world of stock libraries I have some doubts.. I was told to get an ISRC code for my music before uploading it on libraries, and to do that I had to choose a title for the song and add the composer/artistic name. When I upload it to the library, I have to use the same title and composer name? For example, in the library, I used a descriptive title and I didnt use the same composer name to create my account there, so the composer name will be different on pond5. Is this a problem or it is ok to do so? Thanks for your amazing content, new subscriber here!
I use From the Moment Music on all my libraries, but when asked for an ID must provide my DL. Pond5 likes a real title rather than descriptive. I really only use descriptive titles at AudioJUngle no where else. As far as ISRC you can get them assigned when you put a song up for distribution, but I don’t see the big need for them on the stock side of things. Indentifyy does have a field for it, but I thought ISRC was mostly for sales/Spotify/trigger royalties on PROs.
@@MakeMusicIncome Yes I got confused too since they accepted my songs and didn't ask for the ISRC or anything else. I thought they would want to make sure its mine. So about the title I'm gonna check that out and edit it, just didn't get what you meant by 'from the moment music', I suppose its music you just create and upload, without any register, right? Is it safe to do? Thank you very much for your reply.
“From the Moment Music” is the name of my publishing company.
Is it better to deposit the songs even on a pro?
Yes, I would still register songs you put up to stock to your PRO, and also Content ID.
Hello Sir! I was verified on Pond5. I was thinking, if I can sell the same music/loops on the other music libraries?
Absolutely. P5 is non-exclusive. You can also put those on other non-exclusive libraries.
@@MakeMusicIncome Thank you Sir. Appreciate! 💯🙌
My pleasure!
Hey, I have a question that keeps bugging me after a few of your videos. I’m not a full time composer/producer, so I don’t create dozens of tracks a year. If I have like 10-15 tracks I’m keeping away from being published on Spotify, how do I prioritize whether to submit them to Pond5 or Motion Array or Artlist?
Why don’t you just publish to Spotify AND stock libraries?
@@MakeMusicIncome Thanks for the response! I may have misinterpreted the terms and conditions, but I thought most of such platforms generally look for rather exclusive content. Can I license even the music that is selling on Apple music (given that I'm an original creator and copyrights owner)?
I do have a question but it's not about pond5, it's about songtradr, I am a producer who trying to get into sync. And my question is, why am I being denied the opportunity to opt in to most of their monetization catalogs?? Like when I upload a track to songtradr I can only go for the music wanted section and when I try to opt in for monetization it only let opt in to like two of three categories and those are the ones that don't pay anything, please help I've been trying to figure it out, but I am also noticing that even when I pick the exact mood, theme, and genres that they are looking for, my music is still being placed under explicit content even though I never upload anything but instrumentals and I was hoping you had some insight into why they do that as well
Wow, I have no idea. I’ve never seen a warning about explicit content. Are they rap songs? Or metal, or some other controversial genre? Are you SURE you didn’t mark any explicit things in the metadata?
@@MakeMusicIncome yes I am sure, yes the genre of instrumentals that I upload is hiphop and r&b using mostly heavy 808s for today's modern music but never anything explicit, also there are no lyrics at all so I'm totally lost when they do that. But also I usually upload instrumentals geared towards artists rather than sync so I don't know if it's the way I structured my tracks or something unbeknownst to me
I would email them. They have always been pretty great to talk to on email and will help you out.
Thank you for your videos. I am concerned that they require you upload your driver's license. Very sensitive information.
Thanks for watching. You will likely have to fill out documents to be paid by companies.
Music is getting stolen and uploaded to Pond5 so they want to make sure you are who you say your are. I sent them my passport but its a good thing.
HI really great video! I'm new subscriber..by the way I have already had sales in Pond 5, however, how can I achieve more exposure or more sales? Do you recommend paying a membership or something like that? What do you think of the new purchase by shutterstock?
I really would like to sell more although now my portfolio only has 100 tracks, so what do you recommend I do?. Thanks
There is NO reason to pay for a membership. However you can JOIN the Pond5 membership program. Check out my Pond5 video for info on this. But they pay YOU! Not the other way around! LOL. Also consider some low price experiments. Only time will tell with the Shutterstock thing.
Excellent video 👍 Subscribed👍🎸🎸
Thank you!
Now, I use ASCAP as my PRO... the website states that Pond5 or our publishing admin partner will register the work with the "relevant PRO".
This might be a question I need to ask them but... when they say "Relevant PRO", I assume that they will register to my current PRO and not migrate my songs to BMI.
They register the publishing side, and you keep the writer side (on your PRO). But don’t get too concerned with this doing much unless something gets on TV or radio.
(my first project-suggestion by you--thank you)they asked me for my Id or photo id is this okay. Wow, all my business up front. I dont know them, and what they could do with my identification can you help me understand if this is okay legitimate do this portion they are asking me for,
Yes answered that below. But this is standard practice now for libraries to prove Identity of artists.
part 2 of 2 they asked me for my Id or photo id is this okay?
Wow, all my business up front. I don’t know them, and what they could do with
my identification- can you help me understand if this is okay legitimate to do
this portion of the process for startup with them, that they are asking me for
This is pretty standard practice now for how they prove your identity. They don’t the same people registering lots of time and putting up duplicate music.
Hey Eric, very cool video! it does give a good idea on where to start.... Do you think today, 9 months later, all the info on this video is still valid? I mean, would you still recomend Pond5 to start from CERO, or has this changed? that way, I can focus just on this, then I believe is Motion Array....... and then the sky is the limit (or is it?) 🤓👍
I still absolutely start with Pond5. As I mentioned in the video, it’s a great place to put everything and use as a database. It may not make as much money, but for people getting started it’s still a great place to start!
@@MakeMusicIncome so that´s it, Pond5 it is 👍 👍 . I Just watched your video on "How to UpLoad to Pond5" on your website.
Pond5, from what I´ve learn from your videos, it seems it just won't limit anything because with those same songs I could do mre things like jump into Motion Array, e.g...
I have songs published and distributed to Spotify, Apple Music.... with Distrokid and other BandCamp and SoundCloud. I want to unite them all in SoundCloud's new system, but for now, I think I may Pond5 them. Do you think that´s feasable?
@@MarcoPolux Correct you are good to put anything you put in Pond5 to Spotify through Distrokid or any distributor.
@@MakeMusicIncome With that response I am sure you had this question at some point. Thanks so much for your response and all your videos, you are my ambassador on my musical Kwan!
Looking forward to show you the material I am planning to upload for your advise, hopefully before the end of the year (Coaching session 👍 👍)
@@MarcoPolux Bring it on!!
Though this is a year old, I have watched some other creators on Pond 5 and other production/stock music platforms.
I am not liking Pond 5 cause you can not opt out of the subscriptions, and yeah I do charge quite a bit for my uploads, just can't bring myself to under sell myself, period.
I love making music and composing as well as producing it all. I use FL Studio 20 and would upgrade to 21 but my PC is old and can't handle it(starving artist insert here).
I have songs up on Spotify but they are not getting even viewed,lol. I have decent YT channel content and not much there either, can't afford to pay someone at all let alone some course in anything. I am starting to think that a person has to have some sort of advertising bank roll to break out in order for anything to pop off.
And yes, there will be those who disagree with that. But I am not in to this to simply be a 'hobby', I really need to generate an income from it all.
Oh well.....
It may just take patience and continue to focus on making music and growing. I think at some point you will have to move on from FL. It’s great for Beatmakers but if you’re going to be serious and making quality music, you’re likely going to have to move up to another DAW. The key is to continue to grow, and I know what you’re going through. Heck, I started as a teenager when there were no computers at all. I had to wait until computers caught up with my skills, and eventually when I could really start making some quality music when I moved to Nashville. It’s a long road so give yourself some time and keep at it. The people who lose are the people who quit.
@@MakeMusicIncome Thanks, but FL studio and particular the full producer version is a LOT more than most realize it can do. I do more than just make beats,lol. I do full compositions for sure with it, just FYI.😁
Thanks!
You bet!!
Pond 5 use to allow MP3 upload I heard they moved to wav files! Is that true and what’s your thoughts? Thanks!
You should have 24/48 of all files to upload to most libraries. Some ask for 16/44 WAV (like Audio Jungle), and some ask for both, but almost none just want MP3s.
thanks Bro
Im a bit confused. You say its a great site and we should all start there but then you say at 14:17 "your not going to make any income from stock music that's used for youtube or a stock corporate presentations". Then towards the end you say your total profit from this site for the year was $13.00. Did I miss something?
correction, you said $13 a month....but still
At 14:17 I said you won't make any PRO income (performance rights) which is paid by your PRO (you actually might but I have seen that much.) you still make money from the sales on P5.
I've made over $1000 with a Pond5 over the past three years!
No, my total for the year was never $13. It's never been less than $188 in a year.
@@MakeMusicIncome Ok, I guess I need to learn more about all this. I've been making music for 15 years and want to have a side hustle that can generate income. Is this really doable? It sounds like Im gonna have to spend hundreds of hours making hundreds of tracks so I can maybe make an extra $1000 per year. Is this really worth my time?
WARNING!!! pond5 refuses to put audio tag on your music previews, allowing anyone to rip and steal it right off the website.
I wonder if they have some sort of hidden audible watermark?
@@MakeMusicIncome only if you download a preview. but you can listen the entire track from the page while you rip/record it. then upload it as your own creation to another stock music website, rinse and repeat and become a rich thief. content ID can only track some places but it cant track the thief who stole and sold your music track. pond5 recently eliminated their audible "tags" from all of our content. This has happened to me were content id found a youtuber who legally purchased a track from another stock music site from a thief who ripped and stole my music from Pond5. Im deeply emotionally hurt by this; Pond5 does nothing about it, and that is why im here to warn others. hopefuly you can see this as truthfully and factual to help bring awareness to this problem.
I wouldn’t worry about anyone getting rich on your stock music. We are certainly not.
@@MakeMusicIncome thanks that kind of comforting
My ID verification just got accepted yesterday... Hopefully my music will be accepted too...
Good luck!!
@@MakeMusicIncome Update: my music is approved :D
But I have some problems... The music isn't on the storefront, is it need a while to appear? Also, I tried to open my storefront while logged out (incognito) and the page is not found (404)...
@@WarDimensionOfficial I would give it some time. These things take time to setup in a big system like that.
@@MakeMusicIncome Update: it's all good now :D
I got my id accepted just waiting for my review to be approved. Happy its gone well for you.
Will the takeover of POND5 by Shutterstock end up destroying POND5 ?
I don’t think so. Many libraries have been swallowed up by other larger libraries. Motion Array is part of Artlist. AudioJUngle is part of Envato. Business be business.
Very nice guy but he bats around the Bush terribly.
Thanks!
Just get to the point! Its better that way
That’s why there are timestamps. Everyone might have different things they want to learn and there are lots I cover in this video.
@@MakeMusicIncome I'm lazy sometimes 😂🤦🏾♂️ sorry guy.
LOL!
5min in still hasn’t said anything. Get to the point man.
That’s why I put timestamps in. Go right to what you want to hear.
Hi! Do you copyright your tracks before submitting?
I don’t usually copyright as many will be going to libraries and that could complicate things.
@@MakeMusicIncome thanks. do you copyright anything? what about ur piano albums?