The music industry in China has experienced incredible growth in recent years and is now the 5th largest market in the world. With over 1.4 billion people, China is a massive opportunity for artists, labels, and publishers looking to expand their reach and generate revenue. However, navigating the complexities of the Chinese music market can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the unique cultural and regulatory landscape. That’s where Kanjian comes in.

As one of the leading music licensing and distribution companies in China, Kanjian provides a suite of products that enable success for organizations of all sizes, from independent labels to major record companies. In this article, we’ll explore how Kanjian helps artists and labels thrive in the Chinese music market, and why it’s the ideal partner for anyone looking to make an impact in this dynamic and rapidly growing industry.

The Chinese music market is quickly becoming one of the most lucrative in the world, with the country now ranking as the 5th largest music market globally. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the Chinese music market generated $643 million in 2020, with a growth rate of 9.5% from the previous year. This growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of streaming services and the country’s large population of over 1.4 billion people. In recent years, the Chinese government has also taken steps to promote the growth of the music industry, with the introduction of policies aimed at encouraging investment and innovation in the sector.

Furthermore, China’s music industry has been undergoing a transformation, with a growing demand for homegrown talent and music that reflects Chinese culture. This presents an opportunity for companies that can provide access to this market, not just for international acts, but also for domestic artists looking to expand their reach.

For companies looking to expand their reach in the music industry, tapping into the Chinese music market is becoming increasingly important. The market offers significant revenue potential, as well as the opportunity to reach a massive audience. However, navigating the market can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the country’s culture and regulations.

One of the most significant challenges for companies trying to break into the Chinese music industry is the government’s tight control over media content. The Chinese government has strict regulations in place for all media, including music, which means that any songs with lyrics or messages that do not meet the guidelines will likely face barriers to entry. Companies must navigate this control carefully, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties or even the complete removal of their content from the Chinese market.

The Chinese market is vastly different from Western markets, which poses a significant challenge for companies trying to break into the industry. Companies must understand and adapt to cultural differences such as language, taste, and preferences to appeal to Chinese consumers. What works in Western markets may not necessarily work in China.

Companies entering the market must be prepared to face fierce competition from established local music players. The Chinese music industry has a lot of local players, and they are very competitive. Building brand recognition and a loyal fan base takes time and effort, and companies will need to put in significant resources to establish themselves in the Chinese market.

The payment infrastructure in China is different from that in Western countries, which can be challenging for companies trying to break into the Chinese music industry. The most commonly used payment methods in China are mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, which are not widely used outside of China. Companies must adapt to these payment methods to make their content accessible to Chinese consumers.

However, with Kanjian by your side, you’ll have access to the tools and expertise needed to navigate these challenges and succeed in this dynamic market.

Kanjian Starcast is at the forefront of music monetization in China. With the most expansive network of digital stores, Kanjian is well-positioned to help artists, record labels, music publishers and artist managers succeed in the Chinese market.

One of the biggest challenges for foreign companies looking to enter the Chinese market is navigating the complex regulatory landscape. Kanjian Starcast has already established safety mechanisms to ensure content is checked and ensure that only the music that follows the necessary guidelines is made available to the online audience. This means that companies can leverage Kanjian’s existing infrastructure and expertise to gain access to the Chinese market quickly and efficiently.

Another key to success in the Chinese market is creating content that resonates with Chinese audiences. Kanjian and Starcast have a deep understanding of the Chinese music scene and can help companies create localized content that is tailored to the tastes of Chinese listeners. In addition, Kanjian’s team has extensive marketing capabilities in China, including social media and influencer marketing, which can help companies promote their content and reach a wider audience.

The proprietary data analytics, which are an integral part of Kanjian Starcast, provides valuable insights into the listener’s behavior and music trends in China. Companies can use this data to inform their content and marketing strategies and make data-driven decisions about how to grow their business in China.

Generating revenue from music in China can be challenging, but Kanjian and Starcast offer a range of monetization opportunities for companies. This includes digital distribution royalties, as well as revenue from publishing administration, neighboring rights administration and synchronization. Kanjian Starcast has also developed innovative partnerships with digital services and stores, which can help companies generate entirely new revenue streams from their content.

Organizations of all sizes, all over the world, including majors, many independents, music publishers, management companies, artists and digital service platforms rely on the Kanjian license management platform to deliver high-impact business outcomes. -Kanjian has already served more than 1,000,000 creators and 100,000 organizations, reaching more than 1 billion online listeners across more than 300 digital services worldwide, including China.

Kanjian is a leading music licensing and distribution company in China. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Kanjian has emerged as a trusted partner for organizations of all sizes looking to tap into the rapidly growing Chinese music market. Оур innovative license management platform, Starcast, provides end-to-end solutions for music publishers, management companies, artists, and digital service platforms. The platform enables users to manage licenses, distribute music, track royalty payments, and monitor usage, all through a single, easy-to-use interface.

Kanjian Starcast provides an all-in-one solution for music publishers, management companies, independent artists, and digital service platforms to manage and monetize their music catalog in China.

One of the key features of Starcast is its easy-to-use dashboard, which allows users to manage and track the performance of their music catalog in real-time. This enables users to optimize their content strategy, promotional efforts, and royalty collections, which ultimately leads to higher revenues.

Another important feature of Starcast is its comprehensive license management system. The platform offers a range of licensing options, including digital and physical distribution, synchronization, and public performance licenses. This allows users to easily monetize their music across various channels in China, from streaming services to TV shows and commercials.

Starcast also offers a powerful reporting system that provides users with detailed insights into their music catalog’s performance. This includes data on plays, downloads, and revenue, which helps users to understand their audience better and make informed decisions about their content strategy.

Starcast is an essential tool for any organization looking to succeed in China’s rapidly growing music industry. With its easy-to-use dashboard, comprehensive license management system, and powerful reporting capabilities, Starcast enables users to maximize their revenue potential and stay ahead of the competition.

What sets Kanjian apart from the competition is our extensive network of digital service providers. No other company can sublicense music content to as many platforms as Kanjian, giving you unparalleled access to the Chinese music market.

In today’s world, the demand for royalty-free or copyright-free music is increasing. Many businesses, content creators, and individuals require music for various purposes, including background music for videos, podcasts, films, or websites. Using copyrighted music can be a risky business, as it can lead to legal complications, hefty fines, and even lawsuits. Fortunately, there are several options available for accessing royalty-free or copyright-free music that is legal, free, and safe to use.

Royalty-free music refers to music that can be licensed for a one-time fee and used in perpetuity. It is an affordable and convenient option for individuals and businesses looking for high-quality music for their projects. The advantage of using royalty-free music is that the owner can use the music in multiple projects without incurring additional fees. This makes it a popular choice for businesses and creators who produce a high volume of content.

Copyright-free music, on the other hand, is music that is not protected by copyright law. This means that anyone can use the music without seeking permission from the original owner. This option is best suited for individuals who want to use the music for personal projects, as it does not require a license.

If you are an artist, creating copyright-free music can be a lucrative business. It allows you to retain ownership of your music and earn money through licensing fees. To create copyright-free music, you need to ensure that your music does not infringe on anyone else’s copyright. This means that you should use original sounds and avoid using samples or other copyrighted material without permission.

Once you have created your copyright-free music, you can monetize it by using music synchronization services such as Kanjian’s Music Synchronization service. This service helps you to connect with businesses and content creators who are looking for music to use in their projects. Kanjian’s Music Synchronization service provides a platform for you to license your music and earn money from its use.

In addition to synchronization services, you can also make your music available in free stock music libraries such as Kanjian’s Music Library Service. This service provides a platform for you to showcase your music to potential users, who can then download and use your music in their projects. By making your music available in a music library, you can increase its visibility and reach a larger audience.

In conclusion, copyright-free and royalty-free music are viable options for individuals and businesses looking for high-quality music for their projects. As an artist, creating copyright-free music can be a profitable business model that allows you to retain ownership of your music and earn money through licensing fees. Services such as Kanjian’s Music Synchronization service and Kanjian’s Music Library Service provide excellent platforms to monetize your music and reach a wider audience. By taking advantage of these services, you can turn your passion for music into a profitable venture.

As a musician, you know all too well how difficult it can be to make a living from your passion. Although online music streaming has become the go-to way for people to listen to music, it’s not the only way for musicians to monetize their art. There are plenty of other options out there that can help musicians make money and survive as independent artists, let’s look at some of them.

Music publishing can be a great way for artists to make money from their music. It refers to the process of managing the rights to a musical composition, which can include collecting royalties for its use in various forms of media. This could include placements in film and TV shows, commercials, and video games. If you write your own music, you can earn money by receiving a share of the royalties from the publishing rights. This could come from airplay on the radio, streaming services, and other sources. You can also earn mechanical royalties for the use of their music in recorded form, such as CDs or digital downloads.

Music synchronization services can be a lucrative way for musicians and composers to earn money by licensing their music for use in films, TV shows, advertisements, video games, and other visual media. One of the key steps to success in this field is to create high-quality music that is well-suited to the specific needs of clients, such as a particular mood or genre.  It’s also essential to understand the legal and copyright aspects of music sync, including the need to obtain appropriate licenses and negotiate fair compensation. Many sync agencies and libraries exist to connect musicians with clients, and some may require exclusivity agreements, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of different sync opportunities. Additionally, musicians should ensure their music is easy to find and access by providing high-quality demos, metadata, and clean audio stems. Finally, musicians should be prepared to pitch their music effectively, by highlighting its unique qualities and demonstrating how it can enhance a particular scene or project. With persistence, creativity, and a bit of business savvy, musicians can turn their passion for music into a successful career in sync licensing.

Musicians can earn revenue from neighbouring rights by registering their music with a performance rights organization (PRO) and collecting royalties whenever their music is played on radio, TV, in public spaces, or streamed online. PROs typically collect these royalties on behalf of the musicians and distribute them accordingly. To make sure they are eligible for neighbouring rights, musicians need to ensure that their recordings are properly licensed, and they should also monitor and report any unauthorized use of their music to their PRO. If you want to get paid for the use of your music in a commercial setting (e.g., as background music in a store), then you need to register your recording with one of the three US PROs: ASCAP (American Society of Composers Authors & Publishers), BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.), and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors & Composers). You can do this by submitting an online application at each PRO’s website. Once you have registered your recording with one or more PROs and received a license agreement from them, you’ll be able to collect royalties for the use of your music whenever it’s played on radio stations or streamed online services like YouTube or Spotify and so on.

Music library is a catalog of pre-recorded music that can be licensed by others for use in various media productions such as films, TV shows, commercials, video games, and more. If you have built a solid music catalog, you can begin submitting your tracks to music library services. Some services have an application or submission process, while others allow artists to upload their tracks directly. It’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions of each service to understand the licensing fees, commission rates, and other details. When a track is licensed, the artist typically receives a one-time fee or a percentage of the licensing fee. The amount of money an artist can make through music library services varies depending on the service, the quality and popularity of their music, and the frequency of licensing. Some artists also receive ongoing royalties when their music is used in future projects. Aside from licensing their existing tracks, artists can also offer custom music composition services for clients who need music for specific projects. This allows artists to showcase their skills and create music that is tailored to the needs and style of the client.

Sample pack services are a popular way for music producers and musicians to obtain high-quality sounds and loops for their compositions. There are several ways to make money with sample pack services. One way is to create and sell your own sample packs, either through your own website or on popular marketplaces. Another option is to offer custom sample pack creation services to clients. This requires working with clients to create unique and useful sounds and loops that meet their specific needs. Collaboration with other musicians and producers is also a way to make money, either by creating joint sample packs or by tailoring packs to specific needs. Additionally, offering additional services such as mixing and mastering, custom sound design, or sound library management can bring in revenue.

As an artist, it can be challenging to make a living from your passion. However, there are several alternative revenue models available to monetize your art and thrive as an independent artist. Music publishing, music synchronization, neighboring rights, music library, and sample packs are just a few ways to make money besides online streaming. It’s essential to understand the legal and copyright aspects of these revenue models, create high-quality music, and be business-savvy to turn your passion for music into a successful career. By utilizing these alternative revenue models, you can monetize your art, build a following, and increase your income as a musician.

China’s music market is vibrant and ever-changing. With hundreds of millions of music listeners and all sorts of local Chinese and International artists trying to get a piece of the cake, China’s music market is one of the most challenging in the world. But if you know where to look, there are many ways to promote your music. Here are some of them.

Getting your music out to the Chinese market can be a little tricky. First things first, you’ll want to make sure your potential Chinese fans can actually hear your product. Check with your distributor to see if they can deliver your music to Chinese streaming platforms.

If you’re not able to find a distributor that can get your music onto Chinese streaming sites, we recommend going with our own Kanjian’s Distribution service instead. We can deliver your music to more than 150 stores in China and over 300 stores globally.

Pitching your music in China is not as crucial as pitching it in the West, but it still matters.

Here again, we’d need to ask for help from your distributor to submit your music for pitching to a DSP (Digital Service Provider). Among the most popular music streaming among Chinese music fans are QQ Music, NetEase, Kugo, and Kuwo.

It’s important to notice that besides music platforms, there are short video apps, fitness apps, and other music-centered services. Since this is still relatively new territory for many artists here in China, it’s hard to say exactly what kinds of pitches will be successful here—but it never hurts to try! 

Kanjian can help you with that part of things if you need any assistance with submitting your own tracks for pitching on these other platforms!

Let’s be honest: Instagram and Facebook are huge all around the world. Can you imagine your artist career without those platforms to grow your following? Same here. However, the landscape is different – Weibo, NetEase, QQ, Douyin, and Bilibili – are the key platforms to grow your Chinese following. 

If you’re a musician who wants to break into the Chinese market, you have to understand how to use these platforms. You need to connect with fans and build a community around your art. Here are a few tips from Kanjian Creative Team:

It’s like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook all rolled into one — and it’s essential for an artist to have one ready and set.

Simply go to the Weibo registration page and create a profile. You can start posting right away! We recommend having your posts bilingual—in English and Chinese—so that it sounds natural to you (meaning English) and with the respect towards the local fans (meaning Chinese).

Imagine a merge of Spotify and Instagram—that’s NetEase and QQ Music in a nutshell. Both platforms allows fans to listen to your music, comment on it, and follow your profile. You’ll be able to interact with fans directly through the platform. It also features an artist profile system that allows listeners access to artists’ contact information and other details about them and their work. 

To claim your artist profile, you need to create a user account first on both platforms: NetEase & QQ . Next, ask your distributor to reach to a platform directly to help claim your profile and you are good to start posting content and interacting with your fans! Same as on Weibo, we recommend posting content in two languages – English and Chinese.

Bilibili is a YouTube-like website that’s popular in China. It’s a great place to get your video content out there, and the audience is growing all the time!

To get started, go to the website and register a profile with your mobile phone number. Then voila — you can start posting your video content right away. Make sure you add Chinese subtitles to your videos, it’s crucial there.

You’ve probably already heard of Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. It’s the fastest-growing social media platform in China, and if you want to start a career as an artist, it’s one of the first places you should consider.

Registering on Douyin is super easy: just go to their desktop version, register your account with a mobile phone number and start posting your videos! Same as with Bilibili, don’t forget to add Chinese subtitles to your video content!

You’ve heard it right – digital space! Besides the traditional sync deals for local TV shows, movies and events, China has a great deal of music-centered mobile apps wanting your music.  

Chinese companies are always looking for new music to use in their apps and games. This means that if you have an original song that would work well as background or theme music for one of these applications or games, you could find yourself making some serious money from royalties based on how popular your song becomes once people start using it in apps or games!

There are many companies who pay for sync deals for their mobile apps because they know how important music is for keeping users engaged with their app – especially when those users are often young adults looking for something fun to listen to while they’re on the go! To learn more about how this process works and how much money can be made from it, check out Kanjian’s Sync opportunities!

Collaborations are one of the best ways for new artists and brands to enter the market. In terms of musical collaborations, the results from working with well-known Chinese artists are almost unparalleled compared to other advertising methods. That being said it is notoriously difficult to collaborate with popular artists unless an artist already has at minimum a significant presence outside of China. Chinese artists are very much focused on achievements and numbers. They are very interested in the acts that the potential artist has worked with and all their bragging rights.

Chinese artists are attracted to stats. This is something to pay close attention to when looking for collaborations. If the brand/artist is relatively unpopular compared to the potential Chinese collaborator it will be almost impossible to work together. Instead, international artists should look for artists at a similar that hit the target market for said artist. The international client will likely have significantly less presence in China compared to the local artist. Therefore all the local artist wants is exposure outside of China. That is paramount for the domestic artist.

Explore available music promotion packages and custom campaigns with Kanjian Creative services team.

China’s music market offers both challenges and opportunities for international artists looking to expand their fan base. It is important to ensure that your music is available on Chinese streaming platforms and to pitch it to local platforms such as QQ Music, NetEase, Kugo and Kuwo. In addition, having a solid social media presence on Weibo, NetEase, QQ, Douyin and Bilibili is essential for engaging with Chinese fans and building a community around your art. Collaborating with a Chinese artist and syncing your music with Chinese digital space are also effective ways to increase your exposure and make a name for yourself in this vibrant market. With the right strategy and assistance from distributors such as Kanjian, promoting your music in China can be both feasible and lucrative.

Kanjian partners with over 90 digital service providers in China (300+ worldwide).

Full list of the Chinese services at en.kanjian.com/dsp/china

• Streaming and download platforms
• Telecom operators
• Mobile phone manufacturers
• Music libraries (sync)
• In-vehicle/in-flight systems
• Smart device manufacturers
• Background music (retail and hospitality)
• Online video and music video platforms
• Apps and interactive online services
• Live singing streaming platforms
• Film/TV series
• KTV and karaoke apps
• Set-top box (OTT)

Apple Music is the only global service available in mainland China today – there’s no Spotify, iTunes nor Deezer, instead, the market is dominated by domestic services.

It is worth noting that these services are not copy-cats of the Western apps though, quite the opposite actually – key players like Kugou and Kuwo launched long before Spotify came about. Kugou, for example (owned by Tencent today), launched back in 2004 and, although it evolved over the years, the main functionality that attracts today nearly 800 million people every month remains pretty much the same.

Tencent, Netease and Alibaba’s lead the pack in streaming and download, while the local telcos and smart-product manufacturers like China Mobile, Huawei, and Xiaomi are not falling far behind, and then there is the myriad of online services, offering music as part of their product, though where music is not the main focus of the service – these include the likes of Eqxiu, Xiumi, and WPS. A major revenue generator are the live streaming and karaoke apps such as Changba and WeSing.

With China’s online users having limited access to the global media (Google, Facebook, and YouTube to name a few or the multiple news and media outlets such as the BBC or The New York Times), many businesses, music artists and labels included discover that in China they need to invest heavily or in some cases even start from scratch regarding their brand and following.

The government’s role has been also significant in educating people in China about copyrights and fighting illegal use of content through the National Intellectual Property Strategy Outline promulgated in 2008. And as intellectual property protection in China is often questioned, some of the recent developments and reforms demonstrate a strong resolve to enforce the copyright doctrine. The authorities’ effort and commitment became quite clear as it began shutting down major online services utilizing unlicensed content – books in 2008, videos in 2012 and music in 2015.

Many artists use platform placements to expand their fanbase and to promote key releases. It should be said this is typically only available for artists who have achieved moderate success within the market already or who are collaborating with artists of note.

Authenticity is one of the centrepieces of present-day marketing practices and with the rapid advance of social media and marketing tactics, brands now talk directly to their followers and music artists are embracing the opportunity to nurture and retain their own fan base.