Music distribution for independent artists
Release your music globally, earn money, and keep full ownership of your work.
What is independent music distribution?
Independent music distribution is a way for artists to self-release their music to digital stores and streaming services without the need of a record label. This gives artists direct access to music platforms across the world while allowing them to keep 100% of their recording royalties.
Most importantly, the artist maintains full ownership and control over their work.
Independent music distribution vs. labels
Releasing with a record label has its advantages. It can, for example, provide you with financial and logistical support for music production, promotion, and gigging.
However, getting a good label deal can be very difficult, and it requires splitting revenue and sharing rights over your music with the label.
A label deal can still be a worthwhile goal to work towards, but beginner and early-career artists tend to release independently because it’s a fantastic way to build a fanbase quickly, maintain full copyright over your work, and keep 100% of your recording royalties.
Finding the best music distribution service for independent artists
Global reach
One of the most important factors in choosing a music distribution service is the reach of their distribution network. Be sure to choose a distributor that will send your music to all major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Instagram, and TikTok.
Ownership of revenue & rights
One of the central benefits of self-releasing your music is that you get to maintain control over your catalogue. Make sure that the distributor you choose does not require you to transfer any rights over your master recordings to them.
Quick release turnaround times
The music industry moves fast, and you don’t want your work to be caught in limbo when you’re ready to share it with the world. Independent artists should work with distributors who can get their music out promptly and even on custom release dates.
Fair pricing & transparency
The music distribution world has its fair share of shady deals that give artists the short end of the stick. Avoid distributors that charge extra fees for features that should be included in the pricing for the plan, and go for ones that make everything clear to you upfront.
Promotion tools & resources
Music distribution isn’t just about releasing music, it’s also about growing your audience. Look for a distributor that can provide you with tools like promolinks and offer you resources for learning more about getting your name out there and finding new listeners.
Detailed analytics & tracking tools
Keeping track of your releases and their performance can be just as important as promoting your music. A good music distribution service for independent artists will provide you with the tools you need to easily track sales and streaming data over time.
Flexibility & control
Look for a music distribution service that can adapt to your journey. Whether you're dropping singles, albums, or managing multiple projects, having multiple subscription options ensures you get the features you need—no more, no less. Tailor your plan, stay in control.
Easy, affordable cover song licensing
Releasing cover songs can be a powerful way to grow your audience. However, this requires you to secure the necessary licensing that allows you to legally earn royalties from your covers. Look for a distributor that will license your cover songs for you, and for a fair price.
Reliable support from real humans
Self-releasing music through a distribution service involves plenty of steps and technical elements that are important to get right. If any confusion or issues arise, you should be able to get quality support from dependable human beings, not chatbots.
Extra music production essentials
Your journey as an independent musician involves much more than just distribution, so you’ll need many more tools at your disposal to produce, release, and promote music. Look for a distribution service that can give you all the tools you need for this when you need them.
How to release independently with a music distribution service
1. Create and finalize your music
Before sharing your music with the world, mastering is key to ensuring your tracks sound great on streaming platforms and all devices. For a simple yet powerful solution, try LANDR Mastering to easily polish your sound.
2. Create your cover art
Every release needs eye-catching cover art that reflects your music's style. Whether you design it yourself or hire an artist, make it distinctive. Be sure to follow your distributor's guidelines to ensure it meets platform requirements.
3. Choose a music distribution service
Choose your music distributor carefully, as you'll likely use it long-term. Not all services offer the same quality, honesty, or reliability. Review your options based on your needs and make an informed choice for the best results.
4. Gather your release essentials
Once your distributor is set up, prepare your release by gathering everything they need: mastered audio files, artwork, collaborator names, and key metadata. Getting these details right is essential for a smooth release process.
5. Upload your music
Your distributor should make uploading your mastered tracks simple. Follow their guidelines for file types and quality, as WAV format is typically preferred for best audio fidelity.
6. Confirm your release date
If your distributor allows custom release dates, give yourself a few weeks to build hype through announcements and promotion. This can help maximize your release's impact.
7. Select platforms and territories
Most distributors send releases to all platforms and territories by default, but you can withhold your music from certain ones. This is useful if you want to release a track exclusively on Instagram and TikTok libraries without adding it to streaming platforms.
8. Promote your release
Once your release is submitted, focus on promotion. Announce the release date on social media, consider creating a music video, and reach out to music news sites for potential coverage to boost visibility.
9. Monitor your results
A good distributor offers clear analytics to track sales, streams, and audience engagement. Use these insights, along with platform-specific tools, to understand how listeners are discovering your music. The more data you gather, the better you can refine your promotion.
FAQ: Music distribution services for independent artists
FAQ: Music distribution services for independent artists
What is a music distribution service for independent artists?
A music distribution service allows independent artists to release their music to stores and streaming services without needing a record label. This gives independent artists the ability to monetize their music on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, and TikTok while keeping full ownership of their master recording rights and collecting a bigger share of recording royalties.
How can music distribution services help independent artists grow their audience?
Music distribution services help independent artists grow their audience by sending their music to a large network of DSPs (digital service providers) such as music stores, streaming services, and social media platforms. This allows the music to be discovered by millions of listeners across a wide range of contexts on the web. Some music distribution services also offer promotion tools, services, and resources that can help artists gain more exposure and develop their brands.
What should independent artists look for in a music distribution service?
Choose a distribution service that ensures global reach (Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, etc.), full ownership of your rights, and 100% of your recording royalties. Prioritize quick turnaround times, fair pricing, and promo tools. Look for detailed analytics, cover song licensing, human support, and extras like production tools and resources to maximize your success.
How do independent artists get paid by music distribution services?
Music distribution services collect royalties from the DSPs in their distribution network and pay those royalties to the artists. This usually includes digital downloads, streaming, and the use of the artist’s music on social media. If the distributor includes YouTube Content ID in their offering, they can also collect royalties from the use of the artists' music in videos on YouTube.
Can independent artists distribute music to major streaming platforms?
Yes, any artist can join a music distribution service and get their music on all major streaming platforms and digital music stores, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Instagram, and TikTok.
How do music distribution services support independent artists?
Depending on what the music distribution service offers, they can support independent artists by providing them with tools and resources for music production, music promotion, getting gigs, finding collaborators, and more. Using a music distributor like this can be an excellent way to get everything you need for your journey as an artist.
What subscription plans do music distribution services offer for independent artists?
Subscription plans for music distribution vary widely, with some offering more straightforward and transparent pricing than others. Most music distribution services will offer a basic tier with the essentials and one or more higher tiers based on your goals and your budget. LANDR Distribution, for example, starts at $23.99 per year.
