Musicians and music businesses have had to diversify revenue streams in creative ways to make up for lost sales. The live music industry has always been an important source of income for performers, audio engineers, venues, promoters and other professionals. Thus, many people in the music industry began to focus more on live music as the digital era decimated album sales.
Before COVID-19 hit, live music saw steady growth over the last two decades. During the pandemic, musicians have been monetizing live streamed performances over social media platforms. They have usually used donation links or paid access services. Recording artists and publishers are also focusing on placing music in TV shows, films and commercials to generate revenue from licensing and royalties. Professionals who are savvy with music technologies like digital recording platforms, MIDI composition and audiovisual programming software are exploring new lines of work in booming industries.
Video-streaming is one such industry, with services like Netflix constantly creating and releasing new content. The video game industry is also seeing wild growth, dwarfing all other entertainment industries. Composers, sound designers, audio engineers, and audio programmers are essential in these audiovisual industries, which creates important income opportunities.
The digital era has been tough on the music industry, but it has also opened the door for emerging artists. This democratization and proliferation of music through technology is a boon for music lovers, as is the opportunity to watch a performer live online from thousands of miles away. Advancements in music technology have spurred growth and innovation in music creation, which is, after all, the point of art.

[I] The entertainment industry has undergone dramatic changes over the past two decades, and the internet has played a pivotal role in reshaping how content is created, distributed, and consumed. [II] Previously, entertainment mediums like cinema, television, and radio were the primary sources of content for audiences around the world. [III] However, the rise of the internet has shifted the industry toward a digital-first model, profoundly affecting the way people engage with entertainment. [IV]
One of the major transformations is the accessibility of content. Online streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify allow consumers to access movies, series, and music from any location, at any time, breaking free from traditional broadcasting schedules. This ease of access has not only increased the amount of content consumed but also fostered a globalized culture where media from one region can quickly spread to others. Viewers and listeners now have unprecedented control over what they watch and listen to, leading to a demand-driven model rather than the traditional producer-driven one.
In addition, the Internet has influenced the way entertainment is produced. Social media platforms and video-sharing websites have made it easier for individuals and small companies to create and distribute content without the need for major production studios. Independent artists and filmmakers, who previously struggled to reach audiences, now have the opportunity to build their own fan bases online. This shift has led to a surge in the production of diverse, niche content, catering to various tastes and preferences.
The Internet has also changed the monetization strategies in the entertainment industry. Advertising, subscription models, and pay-per-view options are now commonly used by online platforms to generate revenue. YouTube, for example, shares advertising revenue with content creators, which has become a significant income source for many influencers. Streaming services use subscription models that provide predictable revenue streams, enabling them to invest in original content and compete with traditional media outlets.
Moreover, the Internet has transformed audience interaction. Social media enables fans to connect directly with their favorite artists, actors, and content creators. This level of interaction not only builds stronger connections between audiences and creators but also influences the content itself. Many creators gather feedback directly from their followers to shape future projects, resulting in a collaborative environment between the artist and the audience.