Getting your music on major streaming platforms requires working with digital distribution services. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing a distributor to optimizing your releases for maximum discovery.
Choosing Your Distribution Service
Top Digital Distributors Compared
DistroKid – Best for Frequent Releases
- Cost: $20/year for unlimited uploads
- Revenue Split: 100% royalties to artist
- Features: Automatic royalty splits, hyperfollow landing pages, lyrics distribution
- Pros: Unlimited releases, fast distribution (1-2 days)
- Cons: Annual fee continues for music to stay live
CD Baby – Traditional One-Time Payment
- Cost: $9.95 per single, $29 per album
- Revenue Split: 91% to artist (9% commission)
- Features: Publishing administration, physical distribution, sync licensing
- Pros: One-time payment, keeps music live permanently
- Cons: Higher cost for frequent releases
TuneCore – Premium Features
- Cost: $9.99/year per single, $29.99/year per album
- Revenue Split: 100% royalties to artist
- Features: Daily analytics, publishing administration, social media promotion
- Pros: Detailed analytics, premium support
- Cons: Annual fees per release
ONErpm – Free with Revenue Split
- Cost: Free
- Revenue Split: 85% to artist (15% commission)
- Features: Marketing tools, playlist pitching, artist development
- Pros: No upfront costs, marketing support
- Cons: Lower revenue percentage
Pre-Upload Preparation
Technical Requirements
Audio File Specifications
- Format: WAV files preferred, MP3 acceptable (320kbps minimum)
- Sample Rate: 44.1kHz (streaming standard)
- Bit Depth: 16-bit for final masters
- Loudness: -14 LUFS for streaming optimization
- Duration: Minimum 30 seconds for royalty eligibility
Artwork Requirements
- Size: 3000×3000 pixels minimum (some platforms accept 1400×1400)
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Content: No contact information, web addresses, or streaming platform logos
- Quality: High resolution, professional appearance
Metadata Essentials
- Song Title: Exact spelling, proper capitalization
- Artist Name: Must match exactly across all releases
- Album/EP Title: Consistent with artwork and marketing
- Genre: Choose primary and secondary genres accurately
- Release Date: Plan 2-4 weeks in advance for playlist consideration
- Copyright Information: Year and owner details
- Publishing Details: Writer and publisher information
Platform-Specific Setup
Spotify for Artists
Claiming Your Profile
- Visit artists.spotify.com
- Search for your music (must be live first)
- Verify identity through distributor or social media
- Complete profile setup within 24-48 hours
Optimizing Your Spotify Profile
- Header Image: 2048×1152 pixels, represents your brand
- Artist Biography: 1500 characters max, tell your story compellingly
- Artist Playlists: Create playlists showcasing your influences
- Upcoming Shows: Add tour dates and venues
- Merch Integration: Link to merchandise store
Spotify Canvas (Video Backgrounds)
- Duration: 3-8 seconds, perfect loop
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical video)
- File Size: Under 8MB
- Content: Visual representation of your song’s mood
Apple Music for Artists
Profile Setup Process
- Visit artists.apple.com
- Request access with Apple ID
- Verify through distributor or record label
- Wait for approval (can take several days)
Apple Music Profile Elements
- Artist Image: High-resolution, represents your brand
- Biography: Compelling story about your music and journey
- Featured Content: Highlight specific albums or playlists
- Social Media Links: Connect Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
Apple Music Analytics
- Plays and Purchases: Track performance across countries
- Discovery: See how fans find your music
- Demographics: Understand your audience composition
- City Charts: Monitor performance in specific markets
YouTube Music
YouTube Music vs. Regular YouTube
- YouTube Music is the premium streaming service
- Regular YouTube uploads also appear in YouTube Music
- Optimize for both platforms simultaneously
YouTube Channel Optimization
- Channel Art: 2560×1440 pixels, mobile-safe area consideration
- Profile Picture: 800×800 pixels, clear brand representation
- Channel Description: SEO-optimized text with relevant keywords
- Playlists: Organize content by theme, album, or mood
Step-by-Step Upload Process
Using DistroKid (Example Walkthrough)
Step 1: Account Setup
- Create DistroKid account at distrokid.com
- Choose subscription plan ($20/year for unlimited)
- Complete tax information and payment setup
- Verify email address and phone number
Step 2: Upload Your Music
- Click “Upload” and select “Single” or “Album”
- Drag and drop your audio files
- Wait for audio processing (usually 2-5 minutes)
- Review automatic audio analysis for issues
Step 3: Add Metadata
- Song Information:
- Song title (exactly as you want it displayed)
- Primary artist name
- Featured artists (if applicable)
- Songwriter credits
- Producer credits
- Album Information:
- Album/single title
- Release date (minimum 1-2 weeks future)
- Primary genre and subgenre
- Language of lyrics
- UPC code (auto-generated if needed)
Step 4: Upload Artwork
- Drag and drop artwork file
- Confirm 3000×3000 pixel resolution
- Review for compliance (no logos, contact info)
- Approve final artwork preview
Step 5: Distribution Settings
- Select Stores: Choose all major platforms
- Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music (essential)
- Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer (recommended)
- Pandora, iHeartRadio, Facebook/Instagram (optional)
- Special Features:
- Enable lyrics distribution
- Set up automatic royalty splits (if collaborating)
- Choose hyperfollow landing page settings
Step 6: Review and Submit
- Review all information for accuracy
- Confirm release date and distribution settings
- Accept terms and conditions
- Submit for distribution
- Receive confirmation email with tracking information
Post-Upload Optimization
Playlist Pitching Submit to Spotify’s editorial playlists through Spotify for Artists:
- Timing: Submit 1-4 weeks before release date
- Information Needed: Song mood, genre, instruments, inspiration
- Realistic Expectations: Editorial playlists are highly competitive
- Alternative Strategy: Focus on user-generated and independent playlists
Social Media Integration
- Pre-Save Campaigns: Use DistroKid’s HyperFollow or similar tools
- Teaser Content: Share 15-30 second previews across platforms
- Behind-the-Scenes: Show recording process and song inspiration
- Release Day Push: Coordinate social media posts with go-live time
Analytics Monitoring Track performance across platforms:
- Spotify for Artists: Detailed listener demographics and discovery sources
- Apple Music for Artists: Sales and streaming data by territory
- YouTube Analytics: Watch time, traffic sources, audience retention
- Distributor Dashboard: Cross-platform overview and royalty tracking
Common Upload Mistakes to Avoid
Technical Issues
- File Format Problems: Always use WAV files for best quality
- Metadata Inconsistencies: Ensure artist name matches exactly across releases
- Artwork Violations: Avoid copyrighted images, logos, or text overlays
- Release Date Errors: Allow sufficient time for processing and promotion
Strategic Mistakes
- Insufficient Lead Time: Rush releases miss promotional opportunities
- Poor Genre Classification: Incorrect genres limit discovery potential
- Missing Credits: Incomplete songwriter/producer credits affect royalty distribution
- Platform Omissions: Skipping major platforms limits audience reach
Maximizing Your Release
Release Strategy Timeline
- 4 weeks before: Submit to playlist curators, set up pre-save campaigns
- 2 weeks before: Announce release date, share teasers
- 1 week before: Final promotional push, confirm all links work
- Release day: Coordinate social media, thank supporters
- 1 week after: Analyze performance, continue promotion
Building Momentum
- Consistent Releases: Regular schedule builds anticipation
- Cross-Promotion: Support other artists for reciprocal promotion
- Engagement: Respond to comments and shares actively
- Performance Data: Use analytics to inform future release strategies
Remember, successful streaming presence requires more than just uploading music. Engage with your audience, maintain consistent branding, and continuously learn from your analytics to improve your release strategy over time.