How To Build A Content Creation Studio And Rent It To Artists, Models, And Musicians For Cash

Get Paid To Throw Paint On The Walls

Artists, models, rappers, and influencers need cool spaces to film their content.

Because you can’t film a music video in your mom’s kitchen. It’s just not a vibe.

This is where content creation studios come into play. They’re rooms that are full with visually appealing decorations, art fixtures, textures, and artistic settings perfect for music videos or product photoshoots.

And what’s great is that they’re wicked cheap to create and have a crazy high ROI with even just a few bookings a month.

In this article, we’ll walk through the value a content studio provides, how much money you can make by renting it out, and exactly what you need to get it up and running.

What is a Content Creation Studio?

A content creation studio is a multi purpose space designed for creators to produce high quality visual and audio content.

It can be used by bands shooting music videos, influencers filming TikToks, or companies capturing product photography, but it can also be adaptable for a variety of projects.

The key to building a successful studio is versatility and creativity, your space should offer unique setups that clients won’t find anywhere else.

The most common types of projects that will rent your studio include:

• Music videos: Artists need visually appealing backdrops, great lighting, and enough room for choreography and props.
  

• Product photography: Brands are always in need of clean, professional settings to highlight their products.
  

• Social media influencers: Models, influencers, and content creators want unique and eye catching spaces for their next viral post or video.
  

• Podcasting and interviews: With more people producing podcasts, interviews, and livestreams, a soundproof, well lit space is highly sought after.

By creating a space that appeals to a broad range of clients, you can ensure your studio is always in demand, providing consistent revenue.

How Much Money Can You Make Renting It Out?

The income potential of a content creation studio depends on the quality of your space, its location, and the variety of services you offer.

On average, you can charge $50 to $200 per hour for renting out your studio.

Larger cities with a high demand for creative spaces can see rates climb to $500 or more per hour, especially if your studio offers unique design features or specialized equipment.

Here’s a breakdown of what you could earn from different types of rentals:

• Music video shoots: Charging $500 to $2,000 per session is common, especially for full day shoots with dynamic backdrops and creative lighting setups.
  

• Product photography: Brands need clean, controlled environments to photograph their products. You could charge $200 to $1,000 per day, depending on the scope of the project.
  

• Social media influencers: These clients often need shorter, frequent sessions, providing steady income. Charging $50 to $100 per hour for quick photo or video shoots can add up quickly.
  

• Podcasts or livestreams: Offering a soundproof, acoustically treated room with professional audio gear could net you $100 to $300 per hour for longer recording sessions.

If marketed correctly and designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of clients, your studio could easily generate between $3,000 to $10,000+ per month, especially as word of mouth spreads and your clientele grows.

How to Build Your Content Creation Studio on a Budget

Creating a content creation studio doesn’t have to cost thousands.

With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can build a studio with versatile setups and eye catching features for under $1,000. Here’s how.

Step 1: Find an Affordable Location

Start by looking for cheap, unused spaces that can be transformed into a creative studio.

Old office spaces, warehouses, or empty retail spots are perfect for this. These places often sit unused and can be rented at a low cost, giving you a blank canvas to work with.

You don’t need a polished, modern space, what you’re after is affordability and potential.

Even a run down space can be transformed with paint, lighting, and a few creative design choices. In fact, it may even add to the overall aesthetic of the room. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Focus on finding a space with high ceilings and ample room for lighting setups, props, and equipment. Also make sure it has enough power outlets to handle lighting and video gear.

Ideally, the location should be easily accessible so clients can bring in equipment without hassle. Consider spaces that are near or within creative districts to make it convenient for artists and influencers to reach you.

And it can’t be in such a sketchy run down spot that no can go there safely…so choose wisely.

Step 2: Set Up Creative Backdrops and Props

The magic of a successful studio lies in its visual appeal. Clients rent studios because they want to create content that stands out, so offering a variety of creative backdrops and props is key. Here are some ideas to make your studio the go to space for unique shoots:

• Bubble Machines and Fog Machines: Adding a bubble machine or a fog machine to your studio instantly elevates the atmosphere, creating a dreamy or surreal effect that’s perfect for music videos or photoshoots. These machines are inexpensive (usually under $50) and can transform a standard shoot into something more cinematic.
  

• Water Features: Get creative by adding a bathtub or small pool that artists can use as a prop for music videos or fashion shoots. Imagine an artist rapping in a bubble bath with colorful LED lights reflecting off the water. You can find second hand bathtubs or small inflatable pools to set up this feature for under $100.
  

• Fake Grass, Sand Floors, or Nature Rooms: Create an “outdoor” section inside your studio by laying down fake grass or covering an area of the floor with sand. These elements are great for lifestyle shoots or nature themed content. You can also create a room filled with plants, creating a lush, natural environment that contrasts with typical indoor spaces.

• Floating Candles or Hanging Clouds: Add a touch of magic to your studio with floating candles (think “Harry Potter”) or glowing clouds suspended from the ceiling. These can be made with lightweight materials like cotton and LED lights, adding a mystical effect to photos and videos.
  

• Graffiti or Custom Mural Walls: Hire a local artist to create a graffiti wall or custom mural in one section of your studio. This gives your space a bold, urban look that’s perfect for hip hop videos or streetwear photoshoots.
  

• Neon Signs and Strobe Lights: Neon signs can add a retro, stylish vibe to your studio. Combine this with strobe lights for more dynamic, nightclub style photos or videos. You can find affordable neon signs online, and they’re easy to hang and move around.

Having these unique setups will make your studio more appealing to clients who are looking for something different from the standard plain backdrop.

Step 3: Invest in the Right Equipment

Your content creation studio needs the right tools to attract professional clients. But don’t worry, you can outfit your studio with quality equipment for under $1,000. Here’s what to focus on:

• Lighting: Good lighting is essential. Start with a set of softbox lights ($80 on Amazon), a ring light ($50), and RGB LED lights that can change colors ($100). These lights will allow your clients to create any mood or atmosphere they need.
  

• Props: A few well chosen props can go a long way. Consider second hand furniture (like a vintage chair or couch), hanging plants, and abstract sculptures. Look for props that are versatile and can fit a range of themes, from retro to futuristic.
  

• Audio Equipment: For podcasters and livestreamers, invest in a good microphone like the Audio Technica AT2020 ($99) and a set of soundproofing panels ($50) to create a quiet, professional recording environment. You’ll also need a cheap interface and a laptop to capture and save audio. Although the podcasters may provide these.

How to Attract Clients and Rent Out Your Studio

Now that your studio is set up, it’s time to attract clients. You’ll need to get the word out to bands, artists, influencers, and photographers who need a space to create content. Here are some proven strategies to market your content creation studio:

• Use Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are essential for showcasing your studio. Post high quality photos and videos of your space in action, showing off the different setups and features. Use hashtags like #contentstudio, #musicvideoshoot, or #photographystudio to reach potential clients.
  

• Collaborate with Influencers: Offer free studio time to local influencers in exchange for them promoting your space. Influencers often have large followings, and their endorsement can drive more bookings for your studio.
  

• List Your Studio on Peer to Peer Platforms: Websites like Peerspace and Giggster allow you to list your studio for rent, giving you access to a wider audience. These platforms make it easy for clients to book your space, and they handle the transaction process for you.
  

• Network with Local Artists and Photographers: Attend local art shows, music events, or photography meetups to connect with potential clients. Offering your studio as a space for their next project is a great way to build relationships and secure bookings.

Once your content creation studio is ready, the next step is making sure it stays booked. This requires a strategic approach to advertising and client outreach. With the explosion of social media and platforms specifically tailored for creative spaces, marketing your studio is easier than ever, but it still takes effort to build consistent demand.

How To Use Social Media Effectively

Social media is your most powerful tool for spreading the word about your studio. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok thrive on visual content, making them perfect for showcasing your space.

Every time your space is booked, take several eye catching TikToks of the videos being filmed that session and post it + tag the creator who booked the room.

Create an Instagram account dedicated to your studio and consistently post high quality images and videos. Show off each unique feature, from the props and lighting setups to the versatile backdrops.

You want potential clients to immediately see the value in your studio and envision how they can use it for their projects. Stories and Reels on Instagram, in particular, are great for giving followers a behind the scenes look at your space.

The key is consistency. Post regularly and engage with your audience by responding to comments and DMs. By doing this, you build a community around your studio, creating an organic following that can lead to bookings.

When influencers post about your studio and tag your account, their followers are exposed to your business. The more credible and established the influencer, the greater the impact. Even micro influencers (those with 10,000 to 50,000 followers) can bring in substantial traffic, as they tend to have highly engaged audiences. Make sure the influencers share behind the scenes content of their time at your studio, highlighting all the unique elements that make your space special.

List Your Studio on Rental Platforms

In addition to using social media, listing your studio on platforms like Peerspace and Giggster is a fantastic way to connect with clients who are actively looking for creative spaces.

These peer to peer platforms allow you to upload photos, write detailed descriptions of your studio, and set your hourly rates.

When listing your studio, make sure you include all the relevant features, such as lighting equipment, props, and the different backdrops available. Be sure to emphasize any standout design elements, like your hanging clouds or the movable walls. Use clear, professional photos that show the flexibility and creativity your space offers.

Both Peerspace and Giggster have search filters that allow potential renters to find exactly what they’re looking for. Make sure your listing is optimized with keywords like “photography studio,” “music video location,” and “creative space rental” so that it shows up in the relevant searches.

Run Paid Advertising Campaigns

Once your studio starts getting traction, consider investing in paid advertising to accelerate growth. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram Ads allow you to target specific demographics, like musicians, photographers, and influencers, ensuring your studio gets in front of people who are most likely to book.

When running ads, be clear about what sets your studio apart. Use high quality visuals and emphasize the features that make your space unique, whether it’s the large neon signs, the fog machines, or the customizable sets. Offer a special discount code in your ads to encourage new clients to book their first session.

Another effective tactic is to use Google Ads to target local searches for “studio rental” or “photography studio.” Many artists and creators search online for spaces that fit their needs, and with a well placed ad, your studio can be the first option they see.

The BMM Takeaway

Building and running a content creation studio can be an exciting and profitable venture, especially as demand for visually compelling spaces continues to rise.

With a relatively small investment and some creative design ideas, you can transform an unused office or warehouse into a thriving studio that serves musicians, influencers, photographers, and more.

The key to success lies in creating a versatile, visually engaging space that can adapt to various needs.

Whether you’re adding neon signs, fake grass, or bubble machines, it’s important to offer something unique that clients won’t find in other studios.

By investing in minimal equipment and marketing your space effectively through social media, influencer collaborations, and rental platforms, you can quickly grow your client base and turn your studio into a lucrative business.