By Juan Pablo Orozco / CEO Disluv
In contemporary music culture, the significance of digital distribution cannot be overstated. Platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music have transformed how we discover, share, and enjoy music. For aspiring artists, these platforms offer a global stage to build a fanbase and share their creations. If you’re ready to take this leap but unsure where to start, let’s walk through a detailed guide on how to distribute your music effectively on these popular streaming services.
Step 1: Selecting a Digital Music Distributor
The first step in your music distribution journey involves choosing a digital music distributor, often referred to as an aggregator. These distributors serve as intermediaries that facilitate the placement of your tracks on various streaming services while ensuring that your music is correctly formatted for distribution. Key players in this field include:
DistroKid: Praised for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, DistroKid allows unlimited music uploads for an annual fee, making it a favorable option for prolific artists.
TuneCore: This service charges per release but does not take any of your royalties, offering broader distribution choices.
CD Baby: Known for charging per release and taking a cut from your royalties, CD Baby also provides physical distribution, which is beneficial if you’re looking at selling CDs or vinyl.
AWAL: Ideal for artists who may have already gained some traction, AWAL operates on an invitation-only basis, offering substantial support without upfront fees, instead taking a share of the profits.
Step 2: Preparing Your Music and Metadata
Before uploading your music, it’s crucial to ensure everything is polished and ready:
High-Quality Audio: Always use WAV files (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) to maintain optimal sound quality.
Cover Art: Your artwork should not only be eye-catching but adhere to platform guidelines, typically 3000 x 3000 pixels.
Metadata: Details like the artist name, track titles, album name, genre, release date, and ISRC codes should be meticulously checked for accuracy.
Step 3: Uploading Your Music
With your distributor selected and media prepared, it’s time to upload:
Account Setup: Create your profile with the chosen distributor.
Select a Plan: Determine the most suitable pricing plan offered.
File Upload: Follow the instructions provided by your distributor to upload your tracks, artwork, and metadata.
Release Date: Setting a release date at least four weeks ahead can provide ample time for promotional activities and playlist considerations.
Step 4: Promoting Your Release
Uploading your music is merely the beginning; promotion is key to ensuring your music reaches as many ears as possible:
Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to generate excitement about your release.
Email Marketing: Reach out to your subscribers with news of your release and links to pre-save your music.
Press Outreach: Engaging with music blogs, magazines, and radio stations through well-crafted press releases can increase your visibility.
Playlist Submissions: Getting your music on both official and unofficial playlists can significantly boost your stream counts.
Step 5: Monitoring and Analyzing Performance
Post-release, take advantage of analytics tools offered by streaming platforms and your distributor to gauge how your music is performing:
Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists: These platforms provide valuable insights into listener demographics, stream counts, and playlist placements.
Distributor Dashboard: Keep an eye on earnings and streams through your distributor’s user interface.
Step 6: Collecting Your Royalties
Finally, ensure that your financials are in order:
Payment Information: Keep your payment details up-to-date with your distributor.
Royalty Monitoring: Regularly check your earnings and understand where they are coming from.
Sync Licensing: Registering with performance rights organizations (PROs) can help you collect additional royalties from radio plays and other uses of your music.
While the process of distributing your music on streaming platforms involves various steps, approaching it systematically can simplify the journey and increase your chances of success. Remember, the digital music landscape is competitive, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can carve out your own space in the music industry. Here’s to making your mark and happy distributing!