Music Video Distribution: How to Get Your Videos Seen
Introduction
In today’s music industry, releasing a song isn’t enough – you also need to get the music video in front of as many eyes as possible. Music videos are key for engagement and branding, but ensuring they reach the right audience requires a solid distribution strategy. Both independent/DIY artists and signed artists face the question of how to distribute music videos across major platforms like YouTube, Vevo, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more. The good news is that there are now many music video distributors and services (both paid and free) that can help get your videos seen. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the difference between general music (audio) distribution and music video distribution, explore the major platforms, and highlight top music video distribution companies – including emerging options for free music video distribution and even free Vevo distribution. By the end, you’ll know how to maximize your video’s visibility using the right tools and services (source).
Music vs. Audio Distribution: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand how distributing a music video differs from distributing an audio track. Music distribution typically refers to delivering your songs (audio files) to digital service providers like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, etc. This gets your music in streaming stores and platforms. Music video distribution, on the other hand, means delivering the video content to platforms that host music videos – for example, YouTube, Vevo, Apple Music’s video section, Tidal’s video catalog, and so on. Unlike simply uploading an mp3, distributing a video often requires working with specific video partners or aggregators.
For independent artists, traditional digital distributors (for audio) might not automatically handle video distribution. In fact, as of now you generally need a distributor or partner to get your music videos onto premium video platforms like Apple Music or Tidal (Ari’s Take). These platforms don’t allow direct uploads from artists the way YouTube does, so you must go through an approved company. The same goes for Vevo – you can’t just create a Vevo channel on your own; it has to be set up via a distributor or label. In contrast, audio distribution has many DIY options and even completely free services.
That said, many modern companies offer music and video distribution under one roof. This means the distributor that gets your song on Spotify might also get your video on Apple Music and Vevo if you purchase that service or plan. This one-stop approach is convenient, ensuring consistency across your releases. It’s wise to check if your current music distributor handles video; if not, you may need to use a separate music video distributor for the visual content.
Key takeaway: General music distribution covers audio releases to streaming platforms, while music video distribution covers video releases to video platforms. The two processes are related but distinct. Leveraging a distributor that can do both can simplify your workflow (source).
Major Platforms for Music Videos
When planning distribution, focus on the platforms where fans actually watch music videos. Here are the heavy hitters and what you should know about each:
YouTube
YouTube is the world’s largest video site and a crucial outlet for any music video. For DIY artists, YouTube is the easiest place to start – you can simply upload your video to your own channel for free. In fact, many artists build their careers via YouTube alone. However, there are a few things to consider for maximizing your reach on YouTube:
Official Artist Channel (OAC): YouTube allows artists to consolidate their content under an Official Artist Channel, which merges your personal channel uploads, topic channel, and Vevo channel (if you have one) into one place. Getting an OAC requires having your music distributed to YouTube (via YouTube Music/Content ID) and then requesting channel merge. Distributors can help facilitate this.
YouTube Music and Art Tracks: When you distribute your audio tracks through a distributor, they usually deliver an art track to YouTube Music (which also appears on the YouTube platform under a topic channel). This is essentially a static video of your song’s cover art. While not a music video, it is a form of YouTube music distribution that ensures your song is available on YouTube’s music library (music distribution YouTube integration is now standard on most platforms).
Monetization & Content ID: Simply uploading to YouTube can generate ad revenue on your channel. Additionally, a good YouTube music distributor (or your general distributor) will register your video in YouTube’s Content ID system so that if others re-upload or use your video/music, you can monetize those uses as well. Services like CD Baby, TuneCore, and others include YouTube monetization for your music by default (source).
In summary, YouTube should be your first stop – it’s free, you control your channel, and it has the largest audience. But for a truly professional approach, combine your manual upload strategy with distribution services that handle content ID and official music content delivery to YouTube Music. This way, you cover all bases on YouTube’s platform.
Vevo
Vevo is a prominent platform for music videos that works closely with YouTube. In fact, Vevo channels are essentially special YouTube channels bearing the Vevo name (e.g., ArtistNameVEVO). Vevo is known as the “world’s leading music video network,” hosting over 900,000 music videos from artists of all levels (Vevo). The Vevo logo on a video is seen as a mark of official, high-quality content and can lend credibility to independent artists. Videos on Vevo channels are also syndicated to other outlets – Vevo distributes its library to connected TV platforms and streaming services like Apple TV, Pluto TV, Roku, and more (Vevo). In other words, getting on Vevo can expand your reach beyond just YouTube, into TV apps and international streaming partners.
How to get on Vevo: You cannot upload to Vevo by yourself; you must go through an official content partner (Vevo). These partners include major labels and independent distributors that have agreements with Vevo. Many of the top music video distribution companies are Vevo partners. For example, DistroKid’s “DistroVid” service, Vydia, Ditto Music, Symphonic Distribution, and others can create a Vevo channel for you and deliver your video to it. Often there is a fee involved (which we’ll cover in the next section on distributors). Some distributors even advertise free Vevo distribution under certain plans or promotions, making it accessible to unsigned artists. Keep in mind that Vevo will still review and must approve your content (it needs to meet their quality and content guidelines). Once you have a Vevo channel set up via a distributor, any new video you distribute through that service can go to your Vevo channel.
Is it worth having a Vevo channel if you’re independent? It can be. A Vevo channel gives a very polished look and might get preferential discovery on some platforms. Vevo also provides editorial support and playlisting for videos on its network, potentially boosting visibility (Vevo). However, if you already have a large YouTube subscriber base on your personal channel, you’ll want to weigh whether splitting views between two channels makes sense. Note that with an Official Artist Channel, your Vevo and personal channel views aggregate under the OAC. Many indie artists opt for Vevo to appear more official and to tap into Vevo’s promotional network.
Apple Music & iTunes
Apple Music is not just for audio – it also has a section for music videos. When you open Apple Music, you can find music videos of many songs, especially for popular and emerging artists. Apple curates video playlists and features within the app. Additionally, music videos can be made available for sale on the iTunes Store (as video downloads) under an artist’s catalog. For an independent artist, getting your video on Apple Music means working with a distributor that can deliver video content to Apple.
Not all audio distributors handle this, but a growing number do. For instance, DistroVid, TuneCore, Ditto, and others will deliver to Apple Music’s video platform. Typically, Apple Music will show your video in the Music Videos section and link it to your artist page (so when users search your name on Apple Music, they’ll see your albums as well as music videos). This is great for music and video distribution synergy, because fans on Apple Music can engage with both your songs and visuals in one place.
It’s worth noting that Apple has high technical standards for video (resolution, encoding) and requires that all metadata (artist, title, etc.) matches a release in their system. Usually, your video needs to correspond to an audio track that’s also distributed to Apple (for example, a video of a song on your album). Distributors will handle the technical delivery. Apple Music videos generate streaming royalties similar to songs (and if sold on iTunes, you get sale revenue). Ensure your distributor provides or helps you get an ISRC for the video and that it’s properly tagged. Apple Music is a must-have for reaching iPhone and Mac users who often consume music videos in-app.
Tidal
Tidal is another streaming platform known for its high-fidelity audio – and it also prominently features music videos, especially for major artists. Tidal has a Videos section and often showcases exclusive content or high-quality productions. Independent artists can get their videos on Tidal by using a distributor that supports Tidal video delivery. As with Apple, you’ll need a partner service; you can’t directly upload content to Tidal as an artist.
Distributing to Tidal’s video platform is typically bundled with any music video distribution package that includes Apple and Vevo. Most distributors that offer video distribution cover all three of those by default (Ari’s Take). So if you find a service to get on Vevo and Apple Music, chances are it will hit Tidal too. Tidal’s audience is smaller than YouTube’s, but it’s still valuable – especially if you cater to an audience that values premium content. Having your video on Tidal alongside superstar content can also boost your credibility. Tidal pays royalties for video streams, and those can trickle in just like song streams. The platform’s focus on editorial means that if your video gains traction, it might be featured in one of Tidal’s curated video playlists or sections.
Other Platforms (Facebook, Amazon, etc.)
Beyond the big three (YouTube/Vevo, Apple, Tidal), there are a few other places your music video can live:
Facebook (Meta): Facebook launched a music video program allowing official music videos to appear on artists’ Facebook pages and the Facebook Watch platform. In certain regions (like the US), if your video is delivered through a label/distributor with Facebook’s program, it can show up on your Facebook page automatically under a special “Music Videos” section. This increases reach via social media. Some distributors (for example, Symphonic Distribution and others) do deliver videos to Facebook’s music video library (Symphonic lists Facebook as a video partner). This is usually considered a “premium” add-on because not all content is accepted by Facebook, but it’s an area to explore. Even without official distribution, you can always upload your video to your Facebook and Instagram as a regular post for promotion – but the officially delivered videos integrate with Facebook’s licensed music library, which is more powerful.
Boomplay: Boomplay is a major music streaming service in Africa (especially Nigeria/Ghana regions). It includes music videos on its platform. Some distribution services (like DistroVid and others) mention delivering to Boomplay. If you have an audience in Africa or want global coverage, ensure your distributor sends your video to Boomplay as well. It’s a growing platform and being there can give you an edge in those markets.
Regional Platforms: Depending on your distributor, you might also get your video delivered to region-specific services. For example, JioSaavn (India) and Joox (South East Asia) have video sections. Certain distributors like Horus Music or others with global reach may send to these. These are optional but can expand your global footprint.
Amazon Music: Amazon Music previously offered music videos within its app for a time, but as of 2023 they announced they would no longer stream official music videos in the Amazon Music app (source). Instead, Amazon might showcase music videos through Amazon Prime Video or special playlists on Prime. Currently, there isn’t a widely used pipeline for indie artists to put videos on Amazon’s platform specifically, so this one is less of a priority. Focus on the platforms above first.
In summary, aim to have your music video on YouTube (and Vevo if possible), Apple Music, and Tidal at minimum, as these are the primary outlets. Hitting Facebook and other regional services is a bonus for broader reach. Now, let’s look at the companies that can get you onto all these platforms.
Music Video Distribution Services (Paid & Free)
Navigating the world of music video distribution companies can be daunting, but we’ll break down the major players and emerging options. Some services are paid (either per video or via subscription), while others offer free distribution (often by taking a cut of royalties). Below we cover both categories and mention which handle both music and video, which offer free music video distribution, and how they differ.
Paid Music Video Distributors
These are established distribution companies that will deliver your music video to multiple platforms for a fee. They often let you keep 100% of your royalties (since you paid upfront).
DistroKid (DistroVid): DistroKid is a popular music distributor for audio, and they introduced DistroVid for video. For an annual fee (around $99/year for existing DistroKid members), artists can upload unlimited music videos to platforms like Vevo, Apple Music, and Tidal (Ari’s Take). DistroVid allows you to keep 100% of earnings from those video platforms. It’s a great value if you plan to release multiple videos, since one flat fee covers all your videos for the year. Note: If you want to distribute videos for multiple different artists, DistroVid charges an extra amount per additional artist profile. Overall, this is a straightforward option especially for DIY musicians who are already familiar with DistroKid’s interface (source).
TuneCore: TuneCore is well-known for music distribution, and they also offer music video distribution services. Historically, TuneCore charged per video (around $99 one-time or per year for a Vevo distribution service). They have since revamped their pricing plans for music, and video distribution might now be an add-on or separate package. Artists have used TuneCore to get onto Apple Music and Vevo as well (SoundOn). The advantage with TuneCore is their experience and robust platform – you maintain control and keep 100% of video royalties after the upfront fees. If you already use TuneCore for your songs, you can inquire about adding video distribution so all your releases are managed in one dashboard.
CD Baby: CD Baby is a long-standing distributor (with one-time fees per release for audio). While not heavily advertised, CD Baby does support video distribution to certain platforms through its network (Reddit user reports suggest CD Baby can deliver to Apple Music, etc., likely via their relationship with majors). This may not be a self-serve option on their website, but if you are a CD Baby client, it’s worth asking if they can place your video on Apple Music or Vevo. CD Baby specializes more in audio and YouTube monetization for audio (they will collect your YouTube Content ID revenue for songs). For purely video, they might refer you to a partner. So, consider CD Baby as an audio-focused distributor that might handle video behind the scenes but not as transparently.
Ditto Music: Ditto is a UK-based distributor with affordable yearly plans for unlimited audio releases, and they also can distribute music videos. Ditto’s offering for video includes creating a Vevo channel. According to one comparison, Ditto charges about $99 for your first video to Vevo (including Vevo channel setup) and then around $29 for each additional video you send after that (Symphonic Blog). They let you keep 100% of Vevo royalties. This structure is a bit different – essentially a pay-per-video model (after the initial channel fee). Ditto’s annual subscription (for audio) is separate (starting as low as $19/year for music). If you’re already a Ditto member, you can add video distribution when needed. Ditto is known for being indie-friendly, so it’s a solid choice for up-and-coming artists wanting a relatively low one-time cost per video rather than an ongoing subscription.
Symphonic Distribution: Symphonic is a distributor known for working with both indie artists and labels. They offer video distribution as a paid service with a unique model: roughly $95 per video (one-time), and they take 30% of the royalties from the video platforms (Symphonic). With that fee, Symphonic will deliver your video to Vevo, Apple Music, Tidal, Facebook’s music video program, and even Vimeo (plus possibly others) as part of a base package. They also have an optional “Plus” upgrade for additional outlets. Symphonic does not charge annual membership fees for distribution; instead they use per-release fees (and in the case of video, a commission on earnings). This option might appeal to those who don’t want an annual subscription and don’t mind sharing a percentage of revenue in exchange for having no recurring costs beyond the initial fee. Symphonic is selective about which artists they accept for full distribution, but they have a Symphonic Starter platform that is more open. If you can get on Symphonic, you’ll benefit from their hands-on support and wide network.
Vydia: Vydia is a platform specifically built around video distribution and monetization. They became known for providing Vevo channel access to independent artists early on. Vydia typically works on a subscription or commission model. In the past, they offered plans starting at around $20/year for artists, allowing unlimited video uploads to their “premium video network” (Symphonic Blog). Vydia might take a percentage of royalties as well, depending on the plan. They also provide Content ID management and even have tools to deliver videos to platforms like Instagram TV (IGTV when it was around) and others. Vydia can be a good option if you want a one-stop for all video-related distribution, and they often have label clients too. Note that Vydia was an independent company; check for the latest pricing or partnerships (recently, there were reports of Vydia being acquired or partnering with a larger company, which could change its offerings).
Other Notables (Marvment, DashGo, etc.): There are additional companies focusing on music video distribution. Marvment, for example, offers Vevo channel creation and distribution packages (with pricing like $69 for a basic package, as one report noted, plus extra for ISRC codes, etc.) (Symphonic Blog). DashGo and Foundation Media are distributors that often work with labels but may assist independent artists on a case-by-case basis for video releases. Venice Music (an emerging distributor by former Spotify executive Troy Carter) includes unlimited video distribution in its membership model at no extra cost (Venice Music) – however, Venice works on a membership and curation basis. Horus Music (UK) and Seed are other examples that can do video: Horus will distribute to Vevo/Apple/Tidal but has been noted to charge a “hefty fee” for it (Ari’s Take). Essentially, many established distributors have added video as a premium service; costs vary from one-time fees to yearly subscriptions, so artists should compare based on how many videos you plan to release and your budget.
Free & Commission-Based Options
Not every artist has the budget for upfront fees, and thankfully there are some free music video distribution options emerging. “Free” usually means you aren’t charged to upload and distribute your video, but the platform will take a cut of any revenue your video generates (ads, royalties). In some cases, services might be truly free promotional gateways (often sponsored by another business model).
Here are some free or no-upfront-cost avenues:
UnitedMasters: UnitedMasters is a distributor that offers a free tier for audio distribution (they take 10% commission on your earnings). Importantly, UnitedMasters is listed as an official Vevo partner (Vevo), meaning artists using UM can get their videos onto Vevo. UnitedMasters doesn’t charge upfront for distribution on the free plan, so effectively you could get your music video on Vevo, YouTube, and elsewhere “for free” and then give up 10% of the revenue. They also have a paid tier (Select) for $59.99/year which lets you keep 100% of audio royalties; it’s unclear if video distribution is included in the paid tier or if it still costs extra, but given the Vevo partnership, it might be included. UnitedMasters focuses on independent hip-hop/R&B artists but is open to all genres. This can be a good option if you want a reputable company to handle your video without paying upfront – just be prepared that they will keep a small share of what the video earns.
OneRPM: ONErpm is a distribution platform that is free to join and distribute through, in exchange for a share of royalties (typically 15% on their free tier). ONErpm has a strong presence in Latin America and globally, and they do distribute video content (they manage many artists’ official YouTube channels and Vevo channels, especially in Latin music). If you get accepted into ONErpm’s distribution platform, they can pitch your videos to Vevo or even help you create an official artist channel on YouTube. Because their model is commission-based, you don’t pay upfront. They also offer marketing support to artists who gain traction. ONErpm might not automatically approve every video for distribution (they have a vetting process, and often they focus on artists with some momentum), but it’s an avenue to consider if you’d rather pay with royalties later.
SoundOn (by TikTok): SoundOn is a newer player (owned by TikTok) that provides free music distribution (for audio) to various platforms with 100% royalties for the first year (and 90% thereafter). While SoundOn is mostly known for getting music onto TikTok and streaming services, they have been positioning themselves as an all-in-one solution and have published guides about music video distribution (SoundOn). It’s possible that SoundOn either now offers or will offer music video distribution services as part of their platform, potentially at no cost. For example, if SoundOn were to distribute your video to Vevo or others, they might do so to attract artists to their ecosystem (just as they do with free audio distribution). If you’re already using SoundOn to push your music on TikTok, keep an eye on their features – you might find an opportunity to distribute videos for free through them as well. At the very least, SoundOn can help promote your videos on TikTok and CapCut, indirectly boosting your view counts.
RouteNote / Amuse / Other Free Audio Distributors: Many free audio distributors (RouteNote, Amuse, etc.) do not currently distribute video to Apple/Vevo. They stick to songs. However, as the demand increases, some may start to include video options. For instance, Amuse has been evolving its model and could add video in the future. As of now, if you’re using a free distributor for your music, you’ll likely need a separate solution for your videos. But you can still utilize YouTube (free upload) and leverage your audio distributor’s YouTube Content ID feature to cover any reuploads. Keep an ear out for announcements from these companies about video support.
Emerging “Free Vevo” Services: A number of smaller companies and even indie labels have started advertising free or no-cost Vevo channel creation to entice artists. For example, HighVibes Distribution promotes free music video distribution to Vevo, Tidal, Apple Music, etc. (HighVibes). Similarly, some independent labels like Dark Lab Records have offered complimentary Vevo channels and free video distribution services as part of their artist support. How can they do it for free? Typically, these entities will take a percentage of ad revenue or act as a sponsor hoping to sign you to their roster. It’s important to research any service offering “free Vevo distribution” – make sure they are legitimate partners with Vevo or using an official route. If it’s a reputable distributor running a limited free promotion, great. If it’s an unknown company, ensure there are no hidden strings (like owning a piece of your content). But indeed, it is possible to get on Vevo for no upfront cost if you find the right partner or deal. Many artists have gotten a Vevo channel via such offers, especially when the distributor is building their client base.
Tip: If budget is a concern, start with free methods (YouTube self-upload, and a commission-based distributor for Vevo/Apple). You can always switch to a paid service later if you want to keep 100% of royalties once you’re earning significant revenue. As with audio distributors, you’re never locked in forever – you can move a video to a new distributor in the future by takedown and re-delivery (though it’s a bit of work and you’d lose existing view count on Vevo/Apple, so choose wisely upfront for videos).
Using a Combined Distribution Strategy
Some artists use one company for their audio distribution and another for video. This is perfectly fine. For example, you might love a free audio distributor for your songs, but they don’t do video – so you use a different service to handle the video release. There’s no rule that you must use the same distributor for everything. Just be organized in your metadata so that your releases line up across platforms (consistent titles, ISRC codes, etc., especially if multiple parties are delivering them).
However, there are benefits to using one distributor for both music and video distribution. It centralizes your royalties and data, and often you might get a package deal. A one-stop distributor can also help you get an Official Artist Channel on YouTube more seamlessly by linking your video and audio releases under one account. Many of the companies mentioned (DistroKid, TuneCore, Ditto, Symphonic, etc.) handle both sides, so if you find one you trust, it could simplify things to stick with them for all formats.
Final Tips to Get Your Videos Seen
Getting your music video distributed to all these platforms is half the battle – the other half is making sure people actually watch it. Here are a few final tips to maximize visibility:
Optimize Video Metadata: When submitting through a distributor, fill in all metadata carefully (genre, mood, language, etc.). Platforms like Apple Music and Tidal use this for categorization. A properly tagged video is more likely to be found in searches and playlists (source). Also ensure your video title on YouTube/Vevo is formatted as “Song Title – Artist Name” for consistency with search algorithms.
Leverage Premieres and Promotion: Even with wide distribution, YouTube remains the primary hub for initial fan engagement. Use YouTube Premieres to hype your video release, share the Vevo or YouTube link across all your social media, and consider using tools like YouTube ads or Facebook ads targeting music fans to drive initial views. Early momentum can trigger algorithmic recommendations, especially on YouTube.
Monitor Analytics: Most platforms provide some analytics – YouTube Studio for your channel, Apple Music for Artists, Tidal for Artists, etc. Watch these stats after release. They can tell you where your video is trending and which platform is giving you the most traction. For instance, if you see a lot of Apple Music streams, you might focus more marketing there or vice versa. Also, your distributor will often provide consolidated reports for your video’s performance across platforms.
Monetize Everywhere: Ensure monetization is enabled wherever possible. On YouTube/Vevo, this means having ads turned on (usually automatic via your distributor or YouTube Partner program). On Facebook, if your video is officially delivered, it will earn through Facebook’s system. Don’t leave money on the table – one of the advantages of professional distribution is earning royalties from all these outlets (source).
Keep Content Coming: Finally, consistency helps. If you have one great music video, try to follow it up with additional video content – whether it’s another official video, a lyric video, or even short-form vertical videos for TikTok/Instagram. Distributors can also help get lyric videos or alternate versions onto platforms. The more content you have, the more chances for discovery. For example, an audio track distributed to Spotify might get someone interested, and then they find your music video on YouTube. Or someone sees your Vevo video on their smart TV app and then goes to stream the song on Apple Music. This cross-pollination effect only happens when you cover all bases.
Conclusion: In the digital age, music videos are powerful tools for engagement, and distributing them widely is essential to growing your fanbase. By understanding the landscape – from YouTube and Vevo to Apple Music, Tidal, and beyond – and by choosing the right music video distributors (whether paid or free) for your needs, you can ensure your visual artistry reaches viewers worldwide. Independent artists today have access to the same outlets that major label stars use, thanks to digital aggregators and music video distribution companies that bridge the gap. Whether you opt for a premium service or a free music video distribution deal, make sure your strategy aligns with your goals and budget. With your videos live on every major platform and a bit of smart promotion, you’ll greatly increase the odds of getting your music videos seen – and remembered – by the masses.
Resources
Ari’s Take – Digital Distribution Comparison (2025) – Ari Herstand’s comprehensive review of distribution services, including notes on music video distribution (VEVO, Apple Music, Tidal) and pricing insights.
Vevo for Artists – Official Vevo 101 – Information from Vevo about the benefits of a Vevo channel and how independent artists can get on Vevo through content partners.
Symphonic Blog – Comparing Video Distribution Pricing – Breakdown of various music video distribution services (Symphonic, DistroVid, Ditto, Marvment, etc.) with costs and royalty splits (May 2022).
SoundOn (TikTok) Forum – How to Distribute Music Videos – Overview of TuneCore and other platforms’ music video distribution, and tips for getting on Vevo for free, as discussed on SoundOn’s artist forum.
DeliverMyTune Blog – Best Music Video Distribution Platforms for Artists – Guide highlighting top music video distribution companies and their features (November 2024).