More and more often, friends ask us if we can help them release their music on Spotify, Apple Music, and so on. To answer all the questions before and after a release, we’re writing this article for all musicians and producers, so your next release becomes a success!
One more tip: We recommend releasing a single regularly, every 4 to 6 weeks, and doing Spotify’s playlist pitching every time. Choose a release date toward the end of the week, because the official chart week runs internationally in more than 45 countries from Friday to Thursday.
Where can we release our music?
For musicians and producers, the most important streaming services today are probably Spotify and Apple Music, since they have the most users and the most relevant partnerships with well-known artists.
The 7 most relevant music streaming services at a glance:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Amazon Music
- Deezer
- TIDAL
- Napster
- YouTube Music (ehemals Google Play Music)
Since YouTube is not a classic music streaming service and music videos aren’t released via your music distributor, we didn’t include it here. That’s also why Google launched YouTube Music a few years ago.
What do we need to release music?
To release music online, we only need what’s called an “aggregator.” An aggregator is simply a digital music distributor (for example, DistroKid) that delivers your release to the platforms and obtains the necessary codes.
The 15 best digital distributors for releasing music and videos
- AWAL
- Distrokid
- TuneCore
- iGroove
- RecordJet
- Spinnup
- LANDR
- Amuse
- CD Baby
- Symphonic
- Believe Digital
- Kontor New Media
- Record Union
- ONErpm
- EmuBands
There are many more providers, so don’t let the distributor choice stop you. You can always transfer a release to another distributor later for a small fee.
How releasing songs works
Step 1
Choose an online distributor (for example, DistroKid) and sign up. After you’ve created your profile and entered your payment details, click Upload to upload your song, EP, or album.
Step 2
Select the stores you want to distribute to and enter your artist name. If you don’t have a Spotify profile yet, one will be created automatically. Otherwise, you can link your existing profile directly.
Now choose the release date and decide whether your fans should be able to pre-order your new release via a link (pre-order).
Finally, upload your single or album cover art, select the genre, and move on to the last step.
Step 3
The final step before release is quick: enter the title(s) and songwriter(s), then upload your file under Audio file.
Once you’ve checked the remaining required boxes at the bottom, click DONE to submit your release to your distributor.
Done!
Processing can take a few days because the distributor checks whether all details are correct. As soon as your release reaches the streaming platforms, Spotify and your distributor will notify you by email.
Can we release music without an aggregator and our own label?
Technically, it’s possible to release music without an aggregator, but only on Spotify, and it’s not recommended. Without an aggregator, you can of course still upload to SoundCloud and YouTube as video content.
Your chosen aggregator (your distributor) effectively acts like a label if you’re not signed to one. So you don’t need your own label to release on Spotify and other platforms.
Your songs also don’t have to be registered with GEMA. Further down, we still explain how you can register them.
How do we get access to our artist profiles on Spotify and more?
Request free access to your artist profile so you can personalize it. Add your bio and some great photos for your fans. You don’t need a paid subscription to access the artist tools:
- Spotify for Artists: request an account here
- Apple Music: request an account here
- Amazon Music: request an account here
- Deezer Backstage: request an account here
- Musixmatch (synced lyrics for Instagram Stories): request an account here
You can now view your Shazam profile and its stats via iTunes/Apple Music for Artists.
For TIDAL, Napster, YouTube Music/Google Play, and other special platforms, contact your distributor. Many distributors (for example, DistroKid) will also handle account personalization for these services.
Want to learn more about editing artist profiles? Click here: Request and edit artist profiles – Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, Deezer Backstage, TIDAL and more
Spotify Playlist pitching guide
Official Spotify playlist pitching is available for every release. As soon as your upload reaches Spotify and as long as the song hasn’t been released yet, you can see it in your Spotify for Artists profile and pitch it for free. Will you convince the Spotify team and land on official playlists? Give it a try!
Apps and beta programs
Almost every streaming service offers an iOS and Android app where you can check your stats and streaming numbers. There are also occasional new features, like Spotify Canvas, which used to be tested via a beta program with selected artists.
Spotify Canvas is now available to all artists. Log into Spotify for Artists and upload a video for each song.
Spotify Canvas specs:
- Vertical 9:16 aspect ratio
- At least 720 px tall
- 3–8 seconds long
- MP4 or JPG format
Release promotion: promoting songs properly
There are many ways to promote your songs effectively by investing time instead of money. Promote your release on social media, share stories, write comments, and encourage your fans to pre-save the track on Spotify and follow your artist profile. This alone can generate thousands of organic streams.
With paid ads, don’t overdo it. Start with small budgets and define your target audience carefully, because Instagram/Facebook ads, YouTube/Google ads, and services like professional radio plugging can add up quickly.
Registering songs with GEMA: when does it make sense?
GEMA (Society for Musical Performing and Mechanical Reproduction Rights) is a German collecting society that manages the rights assigned to it and pays royalties to its members (artists, composers, lyricists, and music publishers).
In short: GEMA collects money for musicians. Registering your works with GEMA makes sense once your songs are played on radio, in clubs, or at festivals.
If your songs will likely only be streamed, you can release them without registering with GEMA. You can also register your works later.
Learn more about GEMA and why you should register songs before you blow up: Making money with music – how to register songs with GEMA
Releasing music videos on Apple Music
Figuring out how to release music videos on Apple Music (or the iTunes Store) isn’t that straightforward, so here’s a quick explanation.
To release music videos on Apple Music or in the iTunes Store, you need a special aggregator, an “encoding house,” certified by Apple, that can deliver video files. You can find Apple’s official list of certified partners here: iTunes Partner – Music Partner Search
