Distributing Music Online: A Practical Guide for Indie Musicians

Got a track you’re proud of and wondering how to get it heard? The good news is you don’t need a record label to reach millions. With a few clicks you can place your music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and dozens of other platforms. Below is a straight‑forward roadmap that cuts the fluff and gets you listening worldwide.

Pick the Right Distributor

First thing’s first: choose a digital distributor. Services like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby act as middle‑men between you and the streaming giants. They charge a flat annual fee or a per‑release commission, and they handle royalty collection, metadata, and delivery. Compare pricing, speed of release, and extra features such as YouTube Content ID or sync licensing.

Prepare Your Music for Upload

Before you hit “submit,” make sure your files meet the platform’s specs. Use a lossless WAV or high‑quality FLAC file (16‑bit/44.1 kHz is standard). Upload a square cover image at least 3000 × 3000 px – this is what listeners see in their playlists.

Metadata matters. Double‑check song titles, artist name spelling, and ISRC codes (you can get these from most distributors). Accurate metadata ensures you get paid and helps fans find your music.

Set Release Dates and Pricing

Pick a release date that gives you time to promote. Most distributors let you set a future date, so you can build hype on social media, tease clips, and collect pre‑saves. If you’re selling on Bandcamp or your own site, decide on a price that reflects your audience – many indie artists start at $0.99 or offer “pay what you want.”

Promote Like a Pro

Getting on a streaming platform is only half the battle. Share the link on Instagram Stories, TikTok, and Facebook groups that love your genre. Reach out to playlist curators – a short, polite email with a 30‑second preview can land you on a niche playlist that drives streams.

Don’t forget about YouTube. Upload a lyric video or static image with the track; YouTube’s algorithm can push your song to new listeners, and you’ll earn extra ad revenue.

Track Royalties and Rights

All major distributors provide royalty reports. Keep an eye on them weekly, especially if you have listeners in multiple countries – rates differ. Register your songs with a performance rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS so you collect performance royalties when your music plays on radio or in public.

If you own the master recording, you control licensing for sync deals (TV, ads, movies). Some distributors offer sync licensing options, but you can also pitch directly to music supervisors.

Consider Direct‑to‑Fan Options

Platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and SoundCloud let you sell directly to fans without a middle‑man cut. Use these alongside your distributor to diversify income – fans who buy directly often become your most loyal supporters.

Finally, stay consistent. Release a new single every few months, keep your social feeds active, and engage with comments. The more you show up, the more the algorithms favor you.

Ready to put your music out there? Grab a distributor, polish your tracks, and start sharing. The world’s listening – all you need is the right push.