The internet has completely flipped the music industry on its head. From how music is made to how it’s shared, promoted, and consumed, everything has changed—often for the better. Artists today have tools and opportunities at their fingertips that were unthinkable a few decades ago. Here’s how the internet changed the game, especially when it comes to making music more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Lowering the Cost of Equipment
One of the biggest game-changers brought about by the internet is the drastic reduction in the cost of making music. Thanks to digital sound technology and easily accessible software, creating professional-quality music is no longer reserved for those with deep pockets. Instead of shelling out thousands for analog gear, artists can use affordable (or even free) digital audio workstations (DAWs) and virtual instruments (VSTs).
Programs like FL Studio, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro X have made it possible for virtually anyone with a computer to make music. This democratization of music production tools means that you don’t need a fancy studio or a stack of cash to get started. With digital tech, easily downloadable sample packs, and plugins, the barriers to entry are basically gone—if you’ve got a laptop, you can make music.
Direct-to-Fan Distribution
The internet has cut out the middlemen and put artists in direct contact with their fans. Platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and YouTube allow musicians to reach a worldwide audience without needing a big-label contract. Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal make it even easier for indie artists to upload their music and get paid when people listen.
Artists can now keep a bigger chunk of their earnings instead of handing over massive percentages to labels. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are also game-changers for building a fanbase and marketing your music—for little to no cost. You can drop new tracks, engage with fans, and go viral—all from your bedroom.
Easier Collaboration
The internet has made it easier than ever to collaborate with other artists, no matter where they are. Gone are the days when you had to be in the same city (or the same room) to make music together. With file-sharing services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and platforms like Splice, you can swap beats, tracks, and ideas instantly.
This freedom has led to more cross-genre and cross-cultural collaborations, pushing music to exciting new places. The ability to collaborate online means that artists can create sounds that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise, and it’s leading to some of the most innovative music we’ve heard in years.
Streaming and Changing Revenue Models
Streaming services have completely upended how musicians get paid. Back in the day, it was all about album sales and touring. While live shows are still crucial, streaming is now the main way people consume music. The per-stream payout might be small, but the reach is massive—if you can get your music into playlists, you can reach listeners all over the globe.
Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music offer new ways for musicians to make money. Even though the payout per stream isn’t huge, artists are finding ways to make it work by releasing more music, being consistent, and hustling for those coveted playlist spots.
Marketing and Fan Engagement
The internet has leveled the playing field when it comes to marketing. In the past, only artists with major label backing could afford big promotional campaigns. Now, anyone with a Wi-Fi connection can promote their music. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter are powerful tools for getting your music heard, allowing artists to share updates, drop new tracks, and give fans a glimpse behind the scenes.
Viral marketing is the name of the game. TikTok, in particular, is a major driver of music discovery. The right song snippet can go viral and catapult an artist to stardom almost overnight. Just look at Lil Nas X and Doja Cat—their careers exploded thanks to viral TikTok moments. You don’t need a million-dollar marketing budget anymore; you just need creativity and a connection.
The Rise of DIY Artists
The internet has given rise to the DIY artist movement. Forget major labels—musicians today can record, produce, distribute, and promote their own music. Affordable equipment, free tutorials on YouTube, and direct distribution channels mean that DIY artists are thriving like never before.
Artists like Chance the Rapper and Russ have proven you don’t need a label to succeed. You can make a career independently, and the rise of platforms like Patreon and Bandcamp allows artists to monetize their music directly through fan support. The DIY movement is all about taking control—artists are now the ones in charge.
Lowering Barriers to Entry for Music Production
Digital sound technology has completely lowered the barriers to entry for music production. What used to require expensive studio time and gear can now be done with a computer, a DAW, and a bit of imagination. Sample packs, loop libraries, and virtual instruments make it easy for beginners to start making music without needing years of music theory or pricey instruments.
And let’s not forget about online courses. Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and YouTube are packed with tutorials that can teach you everything from beat-making to advanced mixing techniques. This wealth of knowledge has empowered a whole new generation of producers to make high-quality music without ever leaving their bedrooms.
Final Thoughts
The internet has fundamentally changed the music industry, making it more accessible, affordable, and democratic. From slashing the cost of gear to putting artists directly in touch with fans, the internet has flipped the script and put power back into the hands of musicians. Today, artists have more control over their careers than ever before, and they don’t need anyone’s permission to create, share, or promote their music.
How the Music Industry Has Changed with the Internet
Despite what it might appear, at first glance, the internet is also an incredible tool that enables independent musicians to find a global audience. If they’re the right type of person, they can do this without the help and backing of a major label. In short, if you want to be a person in the industry today, you have to be all in. Let’s take a look at how the positives and negatives play out in real life. It’s easy to say that the internet has messed things up, but what does that really mean? Let’s start with THE BAD. While huge segments of the public are excited about the simple fact that the internet has enabled people to quickly and effectively get their hands on music, this comes at a massive cost. Or rather… cost reduction. Music today is just cheap. It’s disposable. It’s viewed as free. People spend more time stealing music than they do listening to it, in a lot of cases. Piracy and low streaming royalties have fundamentally changed the way artists get paid off of their creative work. With the dominance of Spotify, Pandora, and other music streaming services, who offer either ad-based or paid subscriptions, this fact isn’t going to be changing anytime soon.
Changes in the Music Industry–For the Better
THE GOOD, almost paradoxically, is that the internet is egalitarian. You can be everywhere at once. You can find a niche, produce content for it, and accrue fans, all by yourself. There’s an old adage “Familiarity breeds loyalty” and the internet allows contemporary artists to accomplish just that. Cultivating a tiktok following, or any digital following, is easier today than it has ever been. The same Internet that has caused all the problems, is going to be the solution. If you’re a young entrepreneur, you’re going to need to have all the tools for success right in front of you. It’s not about fighting for the rights to your masters, like it used to be. It’s about leveraging your social following to buy tickets to see you live. In many ways, the music industry “machine” is dead. It only services the top 1% of artists. And for every Drake or Taylor Swift that benefits from that system there are legions of other artists who have found success doing it themselves. That’s the ultimate answer to the question of “How Has The Internet Changed Music,” it freed it from the grasp of literal gangsters. Yes, it has made certain areas harder to find success within, but it’s absolutely made having a career in music, on your own terms possible.