If you're a music artist creating original, professionally produced tracks, you can become a Storyblocks contributor and earn money when customers download your music. Storyblocks shares a percentage of subscription revenue with contributors, with earnings based on how much of your content is downloaded relative to other contributors.
Music has some additional licensing requirements, so make sure you understand the terms before submitting your tracks.
1. Apply to become a Storyblocks contributor
Start by applying to the Storyblocks contributor program. Once approved, you'll be able to upload music through your Contributor Dashboard.
For more information about becoming a contributor:
2. Make sure your music is eligible
Storyblocks is looking for commercial-quality, professionally prepared music. Music in any genre can be submitted, including contemporary genres, subgenres, cultural music, and experimental sounds. Storyblocks looks for tracks that are unique, creative, inspiring, thought-provoking, and emotional.
Tracks must be at least 60 seconds long and submitted as WAV or AIF/AIFF files.
See the complete requirements here:
3. Understand music exclusivity
Music is subject to different licensing terms than video. Music licensed through Storyblocks is exclusive: Storyblocks acquires exclusive licensing, synchronization, and administration rights for the tracks you submit. However, you can continue distributing your music through consumer streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Music tracks are licensed under a one-year, automatically renewing commitment. If you want to remove a track, you can do so at the end of the current term with 30 days' notice.
It's important to understand these terms before submitting your music.
4. Check your distribution and Content ID settings
You cannot submit tracks that are already registered with Content ID. Storyblocks registers exclusive music with Content ID, and artists earn a 60% commission from eligible Content ID revenue.
You should also avoid submitting tracks that have been monetized through third-party services such as AdRev, HAAWK, Rumblefish, AdShare, TuneCore, or Audiam, or through distribution services that include licensing or Content ID tracking for YouTube or Facebook.
You can continue to distribute your music on consumer streaming platforms, but you may not use sync licensing sources while your tracks are licensed with Storyblocks.
5. Avoid common submission issues
Do not submit:
Covers or close soundalike versions of popular songs.
New compositions of public-domain music unless Storyblocks has given explicit permission.
Tracks containing samples that have not been 100% cleared for commercial distribution.
Tracks with your own watermark or copyright embedded.
Sound effects, which Storyblocks does not currently accept as standard audio submissions.
Tracks shorter than 60 seconds.
Before submitting, make sure you own or have cleared all necessary rights for the music and any samples used.
6. Upload your music
Music can be uploaded using the web uploader in the Contributor Dashboard, which supports up to 100 files at a time.
If your tracks require release forms, review the applicable requirements before uploading.
7. Add strong metadata
Titles and keywords help customers find the right music for their projects. Contributors can edit metadata through the Contributor Portal.
Storyblocks specifically recommends using relevant keywords to help get your music in front of the right customers and increase its earning potential.
You can also find music-specific keyword guidance in:
8. Submit and wait for review
Storyblocks reviews submitted content against its quality and submission requirements. Making sure your tracks meet the technical, rights, and quality standards before uploading can help avoid preventable rejections.
For the complete requirements:
9. Start earning from your music
Once your tracks are approved and available in the library, customers can download them for use in their projects. Your contributor earnings are based on your share of downloads relative to other contributors.
Eligible music can also generate additional earnings through Storyblocks' Content ID program. Storyblocks states that artists receive 60% commission on Content ID revenue for exclusive music.