The ideal situation is to get yourself a computer, a digital audio workstation, and all the other basic recording gear. It’s the most reliable way to make music. Making music online means you’re at the whim of your internet connection and you usually don’t have as many options.

However, there are some reasons you may not be able to get the software and gear needed to make music on your own, the most common being a lack of budget.

So if all you have is a smartphone or basic computer, you can still make music thanks to online music-making tools. This, fortunately, levels the playing field, allowing anyone with a basic computer and an internet connection to make great music.

So why might you choose to make music online instead of using a computer and a DAW? Let’s explore that.

First, online music-making tools are easily accessible. You don’t need a bunch of fancy equipment. You can create music from anywhere in the world as long as you have a computer and access to the internet.

Also, online music-making tools are often very affordable or free, which is another factor that makes them accessible to more people. This allows you to hone your skills as a musician without worrying about the financial burden of investing in expensive equipment.

Lastly, these online tools usually come with a built-in community of other musicians. This means you can collaborate, commiserate, get support, and learn as you’re making music.

You have several options for making music online. In fact, it may feel overwhelming trying to choose one. So let me offer some suggestions.

Some of the best websites to make music online (for free) include:

• Soundtrap
• BandLab
• Splice Studio
• Audiotool
• Amped Studio

To learn more about what each of these websites will give you, check out our post on the best online music makers.

Here’s a little step-by-step template you can follow when you start your song, specifically if you’re making music online.

1. Become familiar with your chosen tool: pick one of the above online music-making tools and start playing around with it and learn everything it does
2. Set the BPM: this is crucial before recording anything because you have to know the speed of your track
3. Create a simple beat: this can accompany the click track, helping you stay on time and focused during the recording process
4. Record the main instrument front-to-back: this is essential since it serves as the backbone of the song and helps in building and structuring the song
5. Record the scratch vocals: this is necessary to know where you are in the song and if the added melodies work with or against the lead vocal melody
6. Layer in different instruments: this gives your production a fuller, often warmer sound
7. Use a reference track: listen to someone else’s professionally produced and mixed track to inspire your production process and give you ideas
8. Connect the meaning of the song with the emotion of the music: this will help the music match what you’re singing about
9. Use ebbs and flows: AKA “ups and downs”, which help create contrast and highlight the most important parts of the song (like the chorus)

If you ever hear someone putting down making music online, ignore them. Not everyone has the budget to get the equipment you need to record at home, and that’s fine.

Your music is only as creative as your ideas, not your tools. So you can make great music online for free, and now you know how to.