Are you an independent musician looking to distribute your music online? With the rise of online music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, it’s easier than ever to get your music heard by audiences worldwide. In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about online music distribution.
What is Online Music Distribution?
Online music distribution refers to the process of distributing your music digitally through online music stores and streaming platforms. This can include services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. Through these services, your music can be streamed or downloaded by audiences around the world.
Why is Online Music Distribution Important?
In the past, getting your music distributed was a difficult and expensive process. You had to work with record labels, physical distributors, and retailers to get your music in front of listeners. But with online music distribution, independent musicians can now reach a global audience without the need for a record label or physical distribution.
Online music distribution also allows artists to keep a larger percentage of their royalties. Unlike traditional music distribution deals, which often involve giving up a significant portion of your earnings, online distribution services typically take a small percentage of your sales or streams.
How Does Online Music Distribution Work?
To distribute your music online, you’ll need to work with a music distributor. There are many music distribution services available, each with their own pricing and features. One popular option is DistroKid, which offers affordable pricing and easy-to-use tools for distributing your music to online music stores and streaming platforms.
Once you’ve chosen a music distribution service, you’ll need to create an account and upload your music. You’ll typically need to provide information about the song, including the title, artist name, and release date. You may also need to upload album art and provide a brief description of the song.
Once your music is uploaded, the distributor will work to get your music on as many online music stores and streaming platforms as possible. This can include services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more.
How Do You Get Paid for Online Music Distribution?
When your music is streamed or downloaded through an online music store or streaming platform, you’ll earn royalties. The amount you earn will depend on a variety of factors, including the number of streams or downloads, the country in which the music was streamed or downloaded, and the revenue share of the online music store or streaming platform.
Your music distributor will typically collect your royalties on your behalf and pay them out to you on a regular basis. Depending on the distributor, you may be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.
How to Choose an Online Music Distributor?
When choosing an online music distributor, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Pricing: Look for a distributor with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
- Distribution: Make sure the distributor can get your music on all the major online music stores and streaming platforms.
- Features: Consider the features offered by the distributor, such as tools for promoting your music and tracking your royalties.
- Support: Look for a distributor with good customer support, in case you run into any issues.
- Reputation: Read reviews and do your research to make sure the distributor has a good reputation in the industry.
Conclusion
Online music distribution is an essential tool for independent musicians looking to reach a global audience. With the right music distribution service, you can get your music on all the major online music stores and streaming platforms, keep more of your royalties, and grow your fanbase. Just be sure to choose a distributor that meets your needs and fits your budget.