How to Distribute My Music: The Complete Guide for Independent Artists
In today's digital age, distributing your music effectively is just as important as creating it. With countless platforms available and an ever-evolving industry landscape, understanding how to distribute your music can be the difference between obscurity and success. Whether you're a bedroom producer, an emerging band, or an established artist looking to go independent, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about music distribution in 2023.
The good news? There's never been a better time to be an independent artist. The barriers to entry have fallen, and with the right strategy, you can get your music heard worldwide without the backing of a traditional record label. Let's dive into how you can effectively distribute your music and build your career on your own terms.
What is Music Distribution?
Before diving into the "how," let's clarify the "what." Music distribution is the process of making your music available to listeners through various platforms and services. In the past, this meant getting physical copies of your album into record stores. Today, it primarily involves getting your digital files onto streaming platforms, download stores, and social media channels.
Digital music distribution serves as the bridge between artists and platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, and many others. Without proper distribution, your music remains inaccessible to the vast majority of potential listeners.
Why Distribution Matters for Independent Artists
As an independent artist, effective distribution is your lifeline to the music industry. Here's why it matters:
Global Reach: Distribution puts your music in front of listeners worldwide, not just in your local scene.
Revenue Generation: Proper distribution ensures you get paid for streams, downloads, and other uses of your music.
Career Legitimacy: Having your music on major platforms lends credibility to your artistic brand.
Data Collection: Most distributors provide analytics that help you understand your audience better.
Discovery Opportunities: Being on streaming platforms opens doors to playlist placements and algorithmic recommendations.
Types of Music Distribution
When looking to distribute your music, you'll encounter several options:
Digital Distribution
This is the most common form of distribution today, involving the delivery of your music to online platforms. Digital distributors typically charge either a subscription fee or take a percentage of your earnings.
Key players in digital distribution include DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and Amuse. Each has its own pricing structure, features, and benefits, which we'll explore later.
Physical Distribution
While digital dominates, physical formats like vinyl, CDs, and cassettes are experiencing a resurgence. Physical distributors help get your tangible music products into retail stores.
Companies like CD Baby and Alliance Entertainment can help with physical distribution, though this typically requires more upfront investment.
Self-Distribution
Some artists choose to handle distribution themselves, particularly for physical products or direct-to-fan sales. Platforms like Bandcamp facilitate this approach, allowing you to sell directly to fans while maintaining control over pricing and presentation.
How to Choose the Right Music Distributor
Selecting the right distributor is crucial for your music career. Here are the factors to consider:
Cost Structure
Distributors typically use one of these payment models:
Annual Subscription: Pay a yearly fee to distribute unlimited releases (e.g., DistroKid)
Per-Release Fee: Pay for each album or single you distribute (e.g., CD Baby)
Revenue Share: The distributor takes a percentage of your earnings (e.g., Amuse's free tier)
Hybrid Models: Some combine upfront fees with revenue sharing
Your release schedule and budget will determine which model works best for you. If you release music frequently, a subscription model might be more cost-effective.
Platform Coverage
Not all distributors deliver to the same platforms. Most cover major services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, but coverage of international platforms (like NetEase in China or Boomplay in Africa) varies significantly.
Check if your distributor reaches platforms popular in regions where your audience is growing. For a comprehensive overview of the best distribution options for independent artists, check out this guide to independent music distribution.
Speed of Distribution
How quickly do you need your music live? Some distributors can get your music on platforms within 24-48 hours, while others might take weeks. If time-sensitive releases are important to your strategy, prioritize distributors known for quick turnaround times.
Additional Services
Many distributors offer value-added services beyond basic distribution:
Publishing administration
Cover song licensing
Marketing tools
Playlist pitching
Sync licensing opportunities
Advanced analytics
Consider which additional services might benefit your career when making your choice.
Top Music Distribution Services Compared
Let's examine some of the most popular distribution services for independent artists:
DistroKid
Pricing: Annual subscription starting at $19.99/year for unlimited releases
Revenue Share: 0% (you keep 100% of your earnings)
Pros:
Unlimited releases for a low annual fee
Fast distribution (typically 1-2 days)
Split payments feature for collaborations
Hyperfollow marketing tools
Cons:
Additional fees for some features (like leaving music up if you cancel)
Customer service can be slow
CD Baby
Pricing: $9.95 per single or $29 per album (one-time fee)
Revenue Share: 9%
Pros:
One-time payment (no recurring fees)
Physical distribution options
Publishing administration included in Pro tier
Sync licensing opportunities
Cons:
Can get expensive if you release frequently
Slower distribution time than some competitors
TuneCore
Pricing: $9.99 per single annually or $29.99 per album annually
Revenue Share: 0% (you keep 100% of your earnings)
Pros:
Keep 100% of your royalties
Detailed analytics
Strong publishing administration
Social media monetization
Cons:
Annual renewal fees for each release
Can become expensive for artists with large catalogs
Amuse
Pricing: Free tier available; Pro tier at $24.99/year
Revenue Share: 0% on both tiers
Pros:
Free distribution option
No revenue share
Split payments feature
Mobile-first approach with user-friendly app
Cons:
Slower distribution on free tier
Fewer additional services than some competitors
United Masters
Pricing: Free tier with 10% revenue share; $59.99/year for Select tier
Revenue Share: 10% on free tier, 0% on Select tier
Pros:
Brand partnership opportunities
Direct-to-fan features
Marketing tools and support
Cons:
Higher-priced premium tier
More focused on hip-hop and R&B genres
Preparing Your Music for Distribution
Before you upload your music to any distribution service, ensure you've properly prepared your release:
Audio Quality Standards
Most distributors require WAV files (16-bit, 44.1kHz at minimum). Avoid uploading compressed formats like MP3 directly to your distributor, as this can affect sound quality across platforms.
Ensure your masters are properly prepared:
Appropriate loudness levels (aim for around -14 LUFS for streaming)
No clipping or distortion
Consistent volume across tracks
Clean beginnings and endings with appropriate silence
Metadata and Information
Complete, accurate metadata is crucial for discoverability and proper royalty attribution:
Release Title: Album or single name
Track Titles: Consistent capitalization and formatting
Artist Name(s): Exactly as you want them to appear
Featured Artists: Properly credited
Composer/Songwriter Information: Essential for publishing royalties
Release Date: When you want your music to go live
Genre and Subgenre: Be specific but accurate
ISRC Codes: Unique identifiers for each track (usually provided by your distributor)
UPC/EAN Code: Barcode for your release (usually provided by your distributor)
Artwork Requirements
Most distributors require:
Square format (1:1 ratio)
Minimum 3000x3000 pixels
JPG or PNG format
No explicit content, logos, or text that violates copyright
Invest in professional artwork—it's the visual first impression of your music and significantly impacts click-through rates.
Rights and Licensing
Ensure you have all necessary rights before distribution:
Original compositions or proper licenses for covers
Clearance for any samples used
Permission from all collaborators
Appropriate split sheets for royalty distribution
For cover songs, most distributors offer mechanical licensing services for an additional fee.
Creating a Distribution Strategy
Distribution isn't just about uploading your music—it's about strategic planning:
Release Timing
Consider these factors when scheduling releases:
Lead Time: Allow 2-4 weeks between submission and release date for pre-save campaigns and playlist pitching
Day of Week: Friday releases align with Spotify's New Music Friday and other weekly playlists
Seasonal Timing: Avoid major holiday periods unless your music is holiday-themed
Competitive Releases: Check major release calendars to avoid competing with huge artists in your genre
Singles vs. Albums
Most streaming-focused strategies now favor releasing singles before albums:
Release 2-4 singles before an album to build momentum
Space singles 4-6 weeks apart to maximize streaming algorithms
Use singles to test audience response and gather data
Consider "focus tracks" for marketing even within album releases
Exclusive vs. Wide Distribution
Some artists choose platform exclusivity for certain periods:
Pros of Exclusivity: Potential for featured placement, higher per-stream rates on some platforms
Cons of Exclusivity: Limited audience reach, potential fan frustration
For most independent artists, wide distribution (available everywhere) is recommended to maximize reach and discovery opportunities.
Beyond Distribution: Marketing Your Released Music
Distribution is just the beginning. Once your music is live, you need to promote it:
Building Your Online Presence
A strong online presence is essential for music promotion. Having your own website gives you control over your brand and provides a central hub for fans to find everything about your music. Check out this guide to free musician website platforms to create your online presence without breaking the bank.
Playlist Pitching
Playlists remain one of the most powerful discovery tools:
Use Spotify for Artists to pitch to editorial playlists (at least 7 days before release)
Research and pitch to independent playlist curators
Create and promote your own artist playlists featuring your music alongside complementary artists
Consider playlist pitching services like SubmitHub or Playlist Push
Social Media Promotion
Effective social media strategy includes:
Creating platform-specific content (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts)
Consistent posting schedule before and after release
Engaging with fans and responding to comments
Using appropriate hashtags and trends
Collaborating with other artists and content creators
Email Marketing
Don't underestimate the power of email:
Build a mailing list at every opportunity
Send exclusive content to subscribers
Announce releases early to your email list
Segment your audience for targeted messaging
Leveraging Analytics
Use data from your distributor and streaming platforms to inform your strategy:
Identify your strongest markets geographically
Note which platforms perform best for your music
Track which songs resonate most with listeners
Monitor save rates and playlist adds
Adjust your marketing based on real-time performance
Monetizing Your Distributed Music
Distribution creates multiple revenue streams:
Streaming and Download Revenue
This is the most direct form of income from distribution:
Streaming pays per play (rates vary by platform and subscription type)
Downloads (primarily through iTunes/Apple Music) pay a percentage of sale price
Revenue is collected by your distributor and paid out according to their schedule
Publishing Royalties
As a songwriter, you're entitled to publishing royalties:
Performance royalties when your music is streamed or played publicly
Mechanical royalties from reproduction of your compositions
Sync fees when your music is used in visual media
Consider using a publishing administrator like Songtrust or your distributor's publishing service to collect these royalties globally.
Sync Licensing
Getting your music placed in films, TV shows, commercials, and games can be lucrative:
Some distributors offer sync pitching services
Dedicated sync agencies like Musicbed or Marmoset represent artists to media producers
Platforms like Songtradr allow you to list your music for licensing opportunities
Direct-to-Fan Sales
Complement distribution with direct sales:
Sell merchandise bundled with music
Offer exclusive content through platforms like Bandcamp or Patreon
Create limited edition physical releases
Offer stems or remix opportunities for premium prices
Common Distribution Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' missteps:
Technical Errors
Uploading low-quality audio files
Inconsistent metadata across releases
Misspelled artist names or titles
Missing or incorrect songwriter information
Artwork that doesn't meet platform requirements
Strategic Mistakes
Releasing music without a promotion plan
Setting unrealistic release dates with insufficient lead time
Choosing the wrong distributor for your needs
Releasing too much music too quickly
Not leveraging pre-save campaigns
Legal and Rights Issues
Distributing covers without proper licensing
Using uncleared samples
Not having agreements with collaborators
Violating exclusivity agreements
Infringing on others' copyrights with artwork or titles
The Future of Music Distribution
Stay ahead by understanding emerging trends:
Web3 and Blockchain Distribution
Blockchain technology is creating new distribution and monetization models:
NFT releases that offer ownership and exclusivity
Token-gated content for dedicated fans
Smart contracts that automatically distribute royalties
Platforms like Audius offering decentralized streaming
AI and Personalization
Artificial intelligence is changing how music reaches listeners:
More sophisticated recommendation algorithms
AI-powered mastering and distribution tools
Personalized listening experiences based on mood and context
Predictive analytics for release planning
Short-Form Content Integration
Distribution is increasingly tied to short-form video:
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts integration with distributors
Specialized clip licensing for viral moments
Distribution strategies built around "hooks" and shareable moments
Conclusion: Your Distribution Journey
Distributing your music effectively is a multifaceted process that requires technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and consistent effort. The landscape continues to evolve, offering both challenges and opportunities for independent artists.
Remember that distribution is not the end goal—it's the beginning of your music's journey to listeners. The most successful independent artists view distribution as one component of a holistic approach to their music career, integrating it with thoughtful marketing, community building, and long-term brand development.
By understanding the distribution options available to you, preparing your releases properly, and avoiding common pitfalls, you're positioning yourself for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive industry. Stay adaptable, keep learning, and focus on building genuine connections with your audience—these principles will serve you well regardless of how distribution technology evolves.
Now that you understand how to distribute your music effectively, it's time to put this knowledge into action. Choose the distribution partner that aligns with your goals, prepare your next release with care, and start building the strategy that will connect your music with the listeners who need to hear it.
Your music deserves to be heard. With the right distribution approach, it will be.