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How to Distribute Music on NOSTR

Published: January 21, 2026 • Category: Distribution • Reading time: 7 minutes

NOSTR offers musicians a new way to share music and get paid directly by fans, without any company in between. This guide shows you how to get started and make money from your music on this growing network.

What is NOSTR?

NOSTR is like Twitter, but no one owns it. It's a network where anyone can publish content and no company can delete your posts or ban your account. For musicians, this means:

  • You own your audience and content
  • Fans can send you Bitcoin tips instantly
  • No platform fees or revenue sharing
  • Your profile works across all NOSTR apps

How It Works

NOSTR has two parts: relays (servers that store messages) and clients (apps you use). When you post music, it gets saved on multiple relays, so it can't disappear. Different apps can all show the same content.

Getting Started

Your Keys

On NOSTR, you have two keys instead of a username and password:

  • Private key (nsec): This IS your account. Never share it
  • Public key (npub): Your address that others follow

Important: If you lose your private key, you lose everything. Write it down and store it safely in multiple places.

Choosing a Client

Pick an app based on your device:

  • iPhone: Damus (simple and clean)
  • Android: Amethyst (feature-rich)
  • Web: Primal or Iris (work on any browser)

You can switch between apps anytime - your followers and posts come with you.

Setting Up Your Music Profile

Essential Setup

  • Add a clear profile picture and banner image
  • Write a bio describing your music style
  • Include links to your other platforms
  • Add a Lightning address for Bitcoin tips

Posting Strategy

Share regularly to build an audience:

  • Studio updates and work-in-progress clips
  • Stories about your songs and inspiration
  • Engage with other musicians and fans
  • Ask questions and start conversations

Using Wavlake for Music Hosting

Wavlake is a music platform built on NOSTR that makes sharing your music simple. It handles file hosting and integrates perfectly with the NOSTR network.

How to Use Wavlake

  • Sign up with your NOSTR keys
  • Upload your tracks (supports MP3, FLAC, WAV)
  • Add artwork, descriptions, and metadata
  • Your music automatically appears on NOSTR
  • Fans can stream and tip directly through Bitcoin Lightning

Wavlake handles the technical side so you can focus on creating music. Your songs get shared across the entire NOSTR network automatically.

Fountain.fm for Podcasts and Music

Fountain.fm is a podcast app that also supports music, with built-in Bitcoin payments. It's perfect for musicians who want to create audio content beyond just songs.

Upload music, interviews, or behind-the-scenes content to Fountain. Listeners can send you Bitcoin "boosts" while they listen, and you can split payments with collaborators automatically. This works great for album commentary, acoustic sessions, or music podcasts.

Value for Value

Value for Value (V4V) is a new way to think about music monetization. Instead of charging upfront, you provide your music for free and let fans decide what it's worth to them.

This model works because it builds trust and ongoing relationships. When fans love a song, they can instantly send you a tip. When they discover you through a friend, there's no paywall blocking them. Many musicians find they earn more through V4V than traditional sales because fans often tip more than the price of a single song.

The key is consistently creating value - not just music, but engagement, education, and community. Fans support artists they feel connected to.

Bitcoin Lightning Payments

Bitcoin Lightning makes instant, low-fee payments possible. For musicians, this creates new opportunities that traditional platforms can't match.

How It Works for Musicians

  • Instant tips: Fans can send you money while listening
  • Automatic splits: Collaborate with others and split earnings automatically
  • Global reach: Receive payments from anywhere in the world
  • Low fees: Keep more of what you earn

Setting Up Payments

To receive Bitcoin tips, you need a Lightning wallet. Popular options include:

  • Wallet of Satoshi, Blink: Simple and beginner-friendly
  • Alby: Great for browser integration
  • Phoenix: More advanced, runs your own node

Once set up, add your Lightning address to your NOSTR profile. Platforms like Wavlake and Fountain can automatically split payments between band members using percentages you set up in advance.

Revenue Splits Made Simple

When fans send tips or payments, the money can be automatically divided between collaborators. Set up a 40/30/30 split for a three-person band, and every payment gets distributed instantly. No waiting for platforms to pay you, no accounting headaches.

This works for producers, featured artists, songwriters, or anyone who contributed to a track. The technology handles the math and payments automatically.

Building Your Audience

Engagement Tips

  • Reply to every comment and tip
  • Share other artists you enjoy
  • Use music hashtags like #music #newmusic
  • Post consistently but don't spam

Cross-Platform Strategy

Bring your existing fans to NOSTR by:

  • Sharing exclusive content only on NOSTR
  • Explaining the benefits of direct support
  • Posting your NOSTR public key on other platforms
  • Demonstrating how Bitcoin tips work
"On NOSTR, you're not building on someone else's platform - you're building your own network."

Start simple: create an account, post some music, and engage with the community. The NOSTR music scene is small but growing fast, and early adopters often find the most success. Focus on building genuine connections rather than chasing follower counts.

The combination of ownership, instant payments, and direct fan relationships makes NOSTR a powerful tool for independent musicians. As the network grows, those who establish themselves early will have a significant advantage.