How To Sell More Beats: Research From TRAKTRAIN

In the world of digital music production, the ease of uploading and managing beats can significantly impact a producer’s success.

At TRAKTRAIN, we’ve continually evolved our beat upload system to streamline the process, making it more efficient and user-friendly for both new and experienced producers.

This article provides a deep dive into how we’ve optimized the beat upload process in our latest release: Beat Upload 3.0, along with its implications for producers, the market, and artists.

How Increasing the Number of Uploaded Beats Increases Sales

One of the key findings from our internal research is the strong correlation between the number of beats uploaded and the number of sales a producer makes.

Based on data since 2021, producers who upload 1.98 times more beats see 8.19 times more purchases. This showcases how critical a larger supply is in attracting more buyers and closing more sales.

• Why does this happen? Having more beats available not only gives potential buyers (artists) more choices but also increases a producer’s visibility on the platform. The more frequently beats are uploaded, the more exposure a producer gains, leading to higher chances of making a sale. Consistency in uploading also builds trust and interest from buyers who appreciate a regularly updated catalog of fresh sounds.

How Increased Supply Affects the Market and Artists

With more beats uploaded, the market as a whole benefits. 

During a series of interviews conducted by TRAKTRAIN with producers and artists in 2024, one of the recurring themes was the appreciation for the diverse selection of beats and styles available on the platform. Artists have emphasized how important it is to have a wide range of sounds to choose from, as it enables them to explore different styles, genres, and vibes for their projects.

For artists, an increased supply of beats leads to greater variety, offering more creative freedom to find beats that resonate with their vision.

For producers, more uploads mean more opportunities to showcase their versatility, reach a broader audience, and improve their chances of landing sales.

Takeaway: A larger, more diverse catalog of beats helps foster a healthy, vibrant marketplace where creativity thrives. The increased supply is a win-win for both producers and artists, encouraging more sales and creative collaborations.

Friction Analysis and Optimization

Understanding how to reduce friction in the beat upload process was crucial for the development of Beat Upload 3.0. The concept of cognitive ease, the idea that making tasks simpler and more intuitive leads to more successful outcomes, guided our changes. Our goal was to create a process that is smooth and simple, reducing the cognitive load required to upload beats.

Here are some key improvements we made:

• Optimized the Displayed Information: Producers no longer need to sift through unnecessary data when uploading their beats. We streamlined the interface, providing only the essential information and tools needed to complete the upload. This not only reduces confusion but also makes the entire process more efficient;
• Removed Unnecessary Steps: Automation was key in speeding up the workflow. We removed several redundant steps by automating aspects like:
• Track Naming: Track names are now automatically generated based on the file name, eliminating the need for producers to manually input names for each upload;
• Default Pricing: Producers can now set default prices for their beats, making it easier to apply the same pricing across multiple uploads without manual adjustments every time.

Division Into Steps – Heuristic Approach

To further reduce friction, we divided the upload process into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach is based on the “chunking” method, a cognitive principle where complex tasks are broken down into smaller parts, making them easier to process and complete.

The upload process now includes clear, concise steps that guide users through uploading beats without overwhelming them. By focusing on one task at a time, producers are less likely to make mistakes or feel lost during the process. 

This not only improves the user experience but also increases the speed at which beats are uploaded.

New Step-by-Step Beat Upload Flow:

1. Upload File: Drag-and-drop file or choose from your library;
2. Confirm Track Details: Auto-filled based on file name, with options to adjust if needed;
3. Set Pricing: Apply default or adjust price per track;
4. Genre & Tags: Add genre and descriptive tags to make your beat more discoverable;
5. Finalize & Submit: Review your inputs, and click submit.

Empowering Producers and Artists

At TRAKTRAIN, we’re focused on creating tools and systems that empower producers to reach their full potential. Beat Upload 3.0 is a reflection of our commitment to improving workflows that have the biggest impact on producers’ day-to-day operations. By optimizing the upload process and reducing friction, we’ve created a system that allows producers to upload more beats faster, enabling them to make more sales and grow their brand.

Additionally, the increased supply of beats benefits artists by giving them a broader selection of tracks to choose from. This fosters a more dynamic marketplace where creative connections can thrive.

As we continue to evolve our platform, we’re excited to bring even more features and updates that help our producers succeed and provide artists with the high-quality beats they need to create the next hit.

Key Takeaways:

• Producers who upload more beats see a significant increase in sales;
• Increasing the supply of beats enriches the marketplace, benefiting both artists and producers;
• With Beat Upload 3.0, we’re making it easier than ever for producers to share their beats with the world. Whether you’re an experienced TRAKTRAIN user or just getting started, our platform is designed to help you thrive!