Finding & Choosing a Music Distributor

  • A music distributor ensures your music is available on streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, etc.) and digital stores (iTunes, Amazon Music). Some also provide physical distribution for CDs and vinyl. They may offer additional services like marketing, playlist pitching, and analytics, but this is not always standard.

  • A distributor only gets your music onto platforms and sometimes into stores. A record label typically provides funding, marketing, and career development in exchange for a share of your revenue and rights.

  • Consider these factors:

    • Pricing (one-time fee vs. yearly subscription vs. percentage of royalties)

    • Services offered (playlist pitching, marketing, analytics, sync opportunities)

    • Ease of use (dashboard, reporting tools, customer support)

    • Payout structure (how and when you get paid)

    • Rights retention (do you keep 100% of your rights?)

  • Popular distributors include:

    • DIY/Independent: DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Ditto Music

    • Curated Distribution: The Orchard, AWAL, UnitedMasters

    • Major Label-Owned: Virgin Music, ADA (Warner), Ingrooves (Universal)

  • DIY distributors allow anyone to sign up and distribute music for a fee, while curated distributors require an application and offer selective services, often taking a percentage of royalties in return for industry connections and marketing support.

Getting Started with Distribution

    • If you just need distribution and want to stay independent → Use an aggregator (Tunecore, CDBaby, DistroKid)

    • If you want hands-on support, marketing, and industry connections → Find a distributor

  • Before uploading, make sure you have:

    • High-quality WAV files of your songs

    • Finalized metadata (artist name, song titles, album title, release date, etc.)

    • Cover artwork (minimum 3000x3000 pixels, no logos or text violating platform rules)

    • ISRCs and UPCs (some distributors provide these, others require you to buy them)

    • Metadata (your publishing information if you wrote/composed the song)

    • Lyrics (make sure you are writing out all of your lyrics correctly!)

    • Song Blurb (a quote about your process, why you made the song, etc)

  • Yes, but you need the proper license. Some distributors (like DistroKid) offer an option to pay for a mechanical license. Otherwise, you must obtain one through services like Harry Fox Agency or Easy Song Licensing.

  • Only if you have clearance for the sample. Unauthorized samples can lead to takedowns and legal issues.

  • Most distributors recommend submitting your music at least 6 weeks before your release date to allow time for approvals, pre-release marketing, and playlist pitching.

  • Yes, most distributors allow you to set a future release date. Some DIY distributors like DistroKid release immediately unless you specify a date. Releasing immediately is not ideal.

  • Yes, but the process and timing depend on the distributor and the DSP. Some take a few days, while others may require a formal request and additional steps.

During & After Release

  • Most distributors provide a dashboard where you can view streaming data and earnings. Additionally, platforms like Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists offer insights into your listeners and streams.

  • Payout schedules vary:

    • Some distributors pay monthly (e.g., TuneCore, CD Baby)

    • Others pay quarterly (e.g., The Orchard, AWAL)

    • Payments are usually delayed by 1-3 months due to platform reporting cycles

    • Submit your release at least 6 weeks in advance

    • Use Spotify for Artists to pitch to Spotify editorial playlists

    • Work with a distributor that offers playlist pitching services

    • Build relationships with independent playlist curators

    • Promote your release on social media and encourage fan engagement for organic traction

  • Possible reasons:

    • Platform processing delays (some platforms take longer to approve content)

    • Metadata errors (typos, formatting issues, incorrect ISRCs)

    • Distributor limitations (some distributors don’t deliver to all platforms)

    • Territorial restrictions (certain platforms aren’t available in some countries)

  • Most distributors allow small updates like:

    • Correcting metadata (typos, genre, credits, etc.)

    • Updating artwork (sometimes requires a takedown and reupload)

    • Adding missing stores or platforms

    However, major changes (like switching distributors) may require re-uploading your release under a new UPC.

  • Yes, but you’ll need to:

    • Re-upload your music with the new distributor

    • Use the same ISRCs to retain stream counts

    • Request takedowns from your previous distributor

    • Expect a gap in availability while the transfer happens

  • If you’re a songwriter, a publisher or Performing Rights Organization (PRO) (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) ensures you get paid for public performances, radio play, and streaming mechanical royalties. Some distributors offer publishing administration (TuneCore, CD Baby Pro), but you can also register directly with a PRO.

    • Plan ahead: Release dates, promo timeline, pre-save campaigns

    • Engage fans: Social media, email lists, live performances

    • Pitch playlists: Editorial & independent curators

    • Optimize metadata: Use accurate song credits, genres, and keywords

    • Leverage data: Use analytics to refine your strategy

  • If your distributor charges an annual fee (like TuneCore or Ditto), failing to renew could result in your music being removed from platforms. Some distributors (like CD Baby) charge a one-time fee and keep your music live indefinitely. Premium distributors most likely charge a commission.